Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of sacred fig (Ficus religiosa)

BackgroundPeepal/Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa L.) is an important, long-lived keystone ecological species. Communities on the Indian subcontinent have extensively employed the plant in Ayurveda, traditional medicine, and spiritual practices. The Peepal tree is often thought to produce oxygen both during the day and at night by Indian folks. The goal of our research was to produce molecular resources using whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing techniques.ResultsThe complete genome of the Peepal tree was sequenced using two next-generation sequencers Illumina HiSeq1000 and MGISEQ-2000. We assembled the draft genome of 406 Mb, using a hybrid assembly workflow. The genome annotation resulted in 35,093 protein-coding genes; 53% of its genome consists of repetitive sequences. To understand the physiological pathways in leaf tissues, we analyzed photosynthetically distinct conditions: bright sunny days and nights. The RNA-seq analysis supported the expression of 26,479 unigenes. The leaf transcriptomic analysis of the diurnal and nocturnal periods revealed the expression of the significant number of genes involved in the carbon-fixation pathway.ConclusionsThis study presents a draft hybrid genome assembly for F. religiosa and its functional annotated genes. The genomic and transcriptomic data-derived pathways have been analyzed for future studies on the Peepal tree.

Automated summary

This research generated the draft genome sequence and functional annotation of Ficus religiosa L., also known as the Peepal or Bodhi tree. The genome size was found to be 406 Mb, with 35,093 protein-coding genes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the differential expression of genes involved in the carbon-fixation pathway during day and night.