TCM-Blast

TCM-Blast performs BLAST-based sequence similarity searches and genome alignments on protein and DNA sequences to support discovery of genes, biosynthetic pathways, and regulatory networks in traditional Chinese medicines.

Key Features:

• Extensive genomic database: Approximately 40 gigabytes of genomic data comprising protein and DNA sequences from 36 high-value traditional Chinese medicines.
• BLAST-based sequence alignment: Uses the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) for sequence similarity searches and genome alignments.
• Functional gene identification: Enables identification of genes associated with active ingredients, biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites, and regulatory networks.

Scientific Applications:

• Gene discovery and molecular breeding: Supports discovery of genes involved in biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites to inform molecular breeding strategies.
• Novel bioactive compound investigation: Facilitates genomic searches that aid identification of loci linked to bioactive compounds for drug discovery efforts.
• Regulatory network analysis: Provides sequence evidence to analyze regulatory networks underlying TCM therapeutic mechanisms.

Methodology:

Applies BLAST sequence alignment to compare TCM protein and DNA sequences against the integrated genomic database to identify functional genes associated with active ingredients and biosynthetic pathways.