Integrated omics approach for prediction of operons like gene clusters in plants: Tools, techniques, and future aspects

Organized expression of genes within the genomes of microbes is a well-established concept under the name of operons. Similarly, the recent developments in the field of genetics and biochemistry has exposed operon-like genetic arrangements called Biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in plants that has revolutionized the way we approach applied plant genetics for human use. Plant Gene clusters contain signature and tailoring genes. Signature genes are responsible for forming the backbone of the structure of the molecule. Tailoring genes are the group of genes that support these gene clusters to perform their functions. Recent genetics and chemical studies have shined light on an interesting aspect of plant metabolism, which is the accumulation of genes i.e. gene clusters involved in unique metabolic pathways in plants. Further utilizing the advanced genetic engineering tools provide opportunity to modify the plant genome at gene level for production of beneficial products for humans. In this review we have looked at the background, mechanism, discovery, significance, general methodology and techniques and current and future prospects of Biosynthetic gene clusters BGCs. Also, we shall be looking at some of the tools (examples like Blast and PlantiSmash) having applications in studying these gene clusters, their properties and their functions.