Seri-Bioinformatics: Emerging Trends and Challenges in Silkworm Research

Abstract

With the advent of genomic and proteomic research from bacteria to man an unprecedented data generated are pertinently analyzed and managed by the evolving science - bioinformatics. In scientific research, Bombyx mori L. is considered as a model insect for molecular studies along with the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) and a central model species for genome studies in moths and butterflies (the insect order Lepidoptera). As a consequence, new findings in the fields of proteome, genome and bioinformatics have resulted in the exponential generation of data that are stored in assorted array of databases. These databases not only reducing the gap and time while allowing information’s to be accessed also emerged as a highly valuable platform through which scientific community can use, exchange and analyze molecular data across the world on mouse click. The computational approaches in various biological disciplines including agriculture/sericulture is not merely a reflection of a general extended usage of computers and the internet, but due to the creation of useful databases coupled with appropriate software’s and methods for access by the rest of the scientific community with ease. Application of bioinformatics tools and techniques not only facilitated detection of proteomic and genomic diversity among the species/strains but that resulted in finding a gap in the silkworm genome sequence of a strain that diverged during the course of domestication. In addition, bioinformatics approaches give an insight, uncovering the lineage with gene and protein count while B. mori and Drosophila encompass ~18,000 and ~16,000 (Genes) and ~9,000 and ~22,000 (Proteins) respectively, to discover their diversity and functional properties. In view of this, we have documented the innovations made in the emerging field “Seri-bioinformatics” as valuable resources aiming at feasible comparative studies among allied species and application in the field of biotechnology and biomedical sciences.