Advances in functional genomics in legumes

Abstract

Functional genomics encompasses RNA transcription, protein expression and metabolomics as well as forward and reverse genetics. In recent years several resources like transcriptomes, proteomes, metabolomes, regulatory elements and mutant libraries using TILLING methods have been developed for legumes. These provide powerful molecular resources to identify the legume genes playing essential roles in plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, regulating protein and oil accumulation in seeds and controlling beneficial plant-microbe symbiosis. Functional genomic studies on model legumes as well as on legumes of economic interest have already provided valuable information for enhancing legume productivity and holds promise for the future.