JCVI Team Publishes Research on Castor Bean Genome

A research team consisting of scientists from the JCVI (J. Craig Venter Institute) and the IGS (Institute for Genome Sciences) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have together published a sequential analysis about the castor bean genome in the journal ‘Nature Biotechnology’. The availability of this genome has crucial biodefense implications as the plant generates ricin, a powerful toxin.

The castor bean is a perennial shrub that is found in Africa as well as other subtropical and tropical regions across the world. Around 6,300 species of this family includes the jatropha, ornamental poinsettias, rubber tree and the cassava.

Understanding and identifying the gene family that produces ricin in castor bean would prove to be crucial in dealing with and preventing potential bioterrorism events. Thus, genomics enables enhanced forensic and diagnostic methods for detecting ricin and identifying strains as well as geographical origins. This castor bean genome is all set to encourage further research into this oilseed crop’s positive aspects as a potential biofuel.