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Ajdanian L, Niazian M, Torkamaneh D. Optimizing ex vitro one-step RUBY-equipped hairy root transformation in drug- and hemp-type Cannabis. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:1957-1959. [PMID: 38400583 PMCID: PMC11182590 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ladan Ajdanian
- Département de PhytologieUniversité LavalQuébec CityQuébecCanada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS)Université LavalQuébec CityQuébecCanada
- Centre de Recherche et d'innovation sur les Végétaux (CRIV)Université LavalQuébec CityQuébecCanada
- Institute Intelligence and Data (IID)Université LavalQuébec CityQuébecCanada
| | - Mohsen Niazian
- Département de PhytologieUniversité LavalQuébec CityQuébecCanada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS)Université LavalQuébec CityQuébecCanada
- Centre de Recherche et d'innovation sur les Végétaux (CRIV)Université LavalQuébec CityQuébecCanada
- Institute Intelligence and Data (IID)Université LavalQuébec CityQuébecCanada
| | - Davoud Torkamaneh
- Département de PhytologieUniversité LavalQuébec CityQuébecCanada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS)Université LavalQuébec CityQuébecCanada
- Centre de Recherche et d'innovation sur les Végétaux (CRIV)Université LavalQuébec CityQuébecCanada
- Institute Intelligence and Data (IID)Université LavalQuébec CityQuébecCanada
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Boissinot J, Adamek K, Jones AMP, Normandeau E, Boyle B, Torkamaneh D. Comparative restriction enzyme analysis of methylation (CREAM) reveals methylome variability within a clonal in vitro cannabis population. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1381154. [PMID: 38872884 PMCID: PMC11169872 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1381154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The primary focus of medicinal cannabis research is to ensure the stability of cannabis lines for consistent administration of chemically uniform products to patients. In recent years, tissue culture has emerged as a valuable technique for genetic preservation and rapid multiplication of cannabis clones. However, there is concern that the physical and chemical conditions of the growing media can induce somaclonal variation, potentially impacting the viability and uniformity of clones. To address this concern, we developed Comparative Restriction Enzyme Analysis of Methylation (CREAM), a novel method to assess DNA methylation patterns and used it to study a population of 78 cannabis clones maintained in tissue culture. Through bioinformatics analysis of the methylome, we successfully detected 2,272 polymorphic methylated regions among the clones. Remarkably, our results demonstrated that DNA methylation patterns were preserved across subcultures within the clonal population, allowing us to distinguish between two subsets of clonal lines used in this study. These findings significantly contribute to our understanding of the epigenetic variability within clonal lines in medicinal cannabis produced through tissue culture techniques. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the effects of tissue culture on DNA methylation and ensuring the consistency and reliability of medicinal cannabis products with therapeutic properties. Additionally, the CREAM method is a fast and affordable technology to get a first glimpse at methylation in a biological system. It offers a valuable tool for studying epigenetic variation in other plant species, thereby facilitating broader applications in plant biotechnology and crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Boissinot
- Département de phytologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche et d’innovation sur les végétaux (CRIV), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Institut intelligence et données (IID), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Kristian Adamek
- Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Eric Normandeau
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Brian Boyle
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Davoud Torkamaneh
- Département de phytologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche et d’innovation sur les végétaux (CRIV), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Institut intelligence et données (IID), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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de Ronne M, Lapierre É, Torkamaneh D. Genetic insights into agronomic and morphological traits of drug-type cannabis revealed by genome-wide association studies. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9162. [PMID: 38644388 PMCID: PMC11033274 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58931-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L., previously concealed by prohibition, is now a versatile and promising plant, thanks to recent legalization, opening doors for medical research and industry growth. However, years of prohibition have left the Cannabis research community lagging behind in understanding Cannabis genetics and trait inheritance compared to other major crops. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) of nine key agronomic and morphological traits, using a panel of 176 drug-type Cannabis accessions from the Canadian legal market. Utilizing high-density genotyping-by-sequencing (HD-GBS), we successfully generated dense genotyping data in Cannabis, resulting in a catalog of 800 K genetic variants, of which 282 K common variants were retained for GWAS analysis. Through GWAS analysis, we identified 18 markers significantly associated with agronomic and morphological traits. Several identified markers exert a substantial phenotypic impact, guided us to putative candidate genes that reside in high linkage-disequilibrium (LD) with the markers. These findings lay a solid foundation for an innovative cannabis research, leveraging genetic markers to inform breeding programs aimed at meeting diverse needs in the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime de Ronne
- Département de Phytologie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche et d'innovation sur les Végétaux (CRIV), Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
- Institut Intelligence et Données (IID), Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Éliana Lapierre
- Département de Phytologie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche et d'innovation sur les Végétaux (CRIV), Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
- Institut Intelligence et Données (IID), Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Davoud Torkamaneh
- Département de Phytologie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada.
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada.
- Centre de Recherche et d'innovation sur les Végétaux (CRIV), Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada.
- Institut Intelligence et Données (IID), Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada.
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Babaei M, Nemati H, Arouiee H, Torkamaneh D. Characterization of indigenous populations of cannabis in Iran: a morphological and phenological study. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:151. [PMID: 38418942 PMCID: PMC10902964 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-04841-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is a historically, culturally, and economically significant crop in human societies, owing to its versatile applications in both industry and medicine. Over many years, native cannabis populations have acclimated to the various environments found throughout Iran, resulting in rich genetic and phenotypic diversity. Examining phenotypic diversity within and between indigenous populations is crucial for effective plant breeding programs. This study aimed to classify indigenous cannabis populations in Iran to meet the needs of breeders and breeding programs in developing new cultivars. RESULTS Here, we assessed phenotypic diversity in 25 indigenous populations based on 12 phenological and 14 morphological traits in male and female plants. The extent of heritability for each parameter was estimated in both genders, and relationships between quantitative and time-based traits were explored. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified traits influencing population distinctions. Overall, populations were broadly classified into early, medium, and late flowering groups. The highest extent of heritability of phenological traits was found in Start Flower Formation Time in Individuals (SFFI) for females (0.91) Flowering Time 50% in Individuals (50% of bracts formed) (FT50I) for males (0.98). Populations IR7385 and IR2845 exhibited the highest commercial index (60%). Among male plants, the highest extent of Relative Growth Rate (RGR) was observed in the IR2845 population (0.122 g.g- 1.day- 1). Finally, populations were clustered into seven groups according to the morphological traits in female and male plants. CONCLUSIONS Overall, significant phenotypic diversity was observed among indigenous populations, emphasizing the potential for various applications. Early-flowering populations, with their high RGR and Harvest Index (HI), were found as promising options for inclusion in breeding programs. The findings provide valuable insights into harnessing the genetic diversity of indigenous cannabis for diverse purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Babaei
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Azadi Square, Mashhad, 9177948974, Razavi Khorasan, Iran
- Département de Phytologie, Université Laval, Rue de l'Université, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Rue de l'Université, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de recherche et d'innovation sur les végétaux (CRIV), Rue de l'Agriculture , Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Institute Intelligence and Data (IID), Rue de l'Agriculture Québec City, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Hossein Nemati
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Azadi Square, Mashhad, 9177948974, Razavi Khorasan, Iran.
| | - Hossein Arouiee
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Azadi Square, Mashhad, 9177948974, Razavi Khorasan, Iran
| | - Davoud Torkamaneh
- Département de Phytologie, Université Laval, Rue de l'Université, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Rue de l'Université, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de recherche et d'innovation sur les végétaux (CRIV), Rue de l'Agriculture , Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Institute Intelligence and Data (IID), Rue de l'Agriculture Québec City, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
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Lapierre É, de Ronne M, Boulanger R, Torkamaneh D. Comprehensive Phenotypic Characterization of Diverse Drug-Type Cannabis Varieties from the Canadian Legal Market. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3756. [PMID: 37960111 PMCID: PMC10648736 DOI: 10.3390/plants12213756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) stands as a historically significant and culturally important plant, embodying economic, social, and medicinal relevance for human societies. However, years of prohibition and stigmatization have hindered the cannabis research community, which is hugely undersized and suffers from a scarcity of understanding of cannabis genetics and how key traits are expressed or inherited. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive phenotypic characterization of 176 drug-type cannabis accessions, representative of Canada's legal market. We assessed germination methods, evaluated various traits including agronomic, morphological, and cannabinoid profiles, and uncovered significant variation within this population. Notably, the yield displayed a negative correlation with maturity-related traits but a positive correlation with the fresh biomass. Additionally, the potential THC content showed a positive correlation with maturity-related traits but a negative correlation with the yield. Significant differences were observed between the plants derived from regular female seeds and feminized seeds, as well as between the plants derived from cuttings and seeds for different traits. This study advances our understanding of cannabis cultivation, offering insights into germination practices, agronomic traits, morphological characteristics, and biochemical diversity. These findings establish a foundation for precise breeding and cultivar development, enhancing cannabis's potential in the legal market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éliana Lapierre
- Département de Phytologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (É.L.); (M.d.R.); (R.B.)
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche et d’Innovation sur les Végétaux (CRIV), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Institut Intelligence et Données (IID), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Maxime de Ronne
- Département de Phytologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (É.L.); (M.d.R.); (R.B.)
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche et d’Innovation sur les Végétaux (CRIV), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Institut Intelligence et Données (IID), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Rosemarie Boulanger
- Département de Phytologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (É.L.); (M.d.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Davoud Torkamaneh
- Département de Phytologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (É.L.); (M.d.R.); (R.B.)
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche et d’Innovation sur les Végétaux (CRIV), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Institut Intelligence et Données (IID), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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Current status and future prospects in cannabinoid production through in vitro culture and synthetic biology. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 62:108074. [PMID: 36481387 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
For centuries, cannabis has been a rich source of fibrous, pharmaceutical, and recreational ingredients. Phytocannabinoids are the most important and well-known class of cannabis-derived secondary metabolites and display a broad range of health-promoting and psychoactive effects. The unique characteristics of phytocannabinoids (e.g., metabolite likeness, multi-target spectrum, and safety profile) have resulted in the development and approval of several cannabis-derived drugs. While most work has focused on the two main cannabinoids produced in the plant, over 150 unique cannabinoids have been identified. To meet the rapidly growing phytocannabinoid demand, particularly many of the minor cannabinoids found in low amounts in planta, biotechnology offers promising alternatives for biosynthesis through in vitro culture and heterologous systems. In recent years, the engineered production of phytocannabinoids has been obtained through synthetic biology both in vitro (cell suspension culture and hairy root culture) and heterologous systems. However, there are still several bottlenecks (e.g., the complexity of the cannabinoid biosynthetic pathway and optimizing the bioprocess), hampering biosynthesis and scaling up the biotechnological process. The current study reviews recent advances related to in vitro culture-mediated cannabinoid production. Additionally, an integrated overview of promising conventional approaches to cannabinoid production is presented. Progress toward cannabinoid production in heterologous systems and possible avenues for avoiding autotoxicity are also reviewed and highlighted. Machine learning is then introduced as a powerful tool to model, and optimize bioprocesses related to cannabinoid production. Finally, regulation and manipulation of the cannabinoid biosynthetic pathway using CRISPR- mediated metabolic engineering is discussed.
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Hesami M, Pepe M, Baiton A, Salami SA, Jones AMP. New Insight into Ornamental Applications of Cannabis: Perspectives and Challenges. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11182383. [PMID: 36145783 PMCID: PMC9505140 DOI: 10.3390/plants11182383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The characteristic growth habit, abundant green foliage, and aromatic inflorescences of cannabis provide the plant with an ideal profile as an ornamental plant. However, due to legal barriers, the horticulture industry has yet to consider the ornamental relevance of cannabis. To evaluate its suitability for introduction as a new ornamental species, multifaceted commercial criteria were analyzed. Results indicate that ornamental cannabis would be of high value as a potted-plant or in landscaping. However, the readiness timescale for ornamental cannabis completely depends on its legal status. Then, the potential of cannabis chemotype Ⅴ, which is nearly devoid of phytocannabinoids and psychoactive properties, as the foundation for breeding ornamental traits through mutagenesis, somaclonal variation, and genome editing approaches has been highlighted. Ultimately, legalization and breeding for ornamental utility offers boundless opportunities related to economics and executive business branding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Hesami
- Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Marco Pepe
- Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Austin Baiton
- Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Seyed Alireza Salami
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Engineering, University of Tehran, Karaj 31587-77871, Iran
- Industrial and Medical Cannabis Research Institute (IMCRI), Tehran 14176-14411, Iran
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Pepe M, Hesami M, Jones AMP. Machine Learning-Mediated Development and Optimization of Disinfection Protocol and Scarification Method for Improved In Vitro Germination of Cannabis Seeds. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:plants10112397. [PMID: 34834760 PMCID: PMC8619272 DOI: 10.3390/plants10112397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In vitro seed germination is a useful tool for developing a variety of biotechnologies, but cannabis has presented some challenges in uniformity and germination time, presumably due to the disinfection procedure. Disinfection and subsequent growth are influenced by many factors, such as media pH, temperature, as well as the types and levels of contaminants and disinfectants, which contribute independently and dynamically to system complexity and nonlinearity. Hence, artificial intelligence models are well suited to model and optimize this dynamic system. The current study was aimed to evaluate the effect of different types and concentrations of disinfectants (sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide) and immersion times on contamination frequency using the generalized regression neural network (GRNN), a powerful artificial neural network (ANN). The GRNN model had high prediction performance (R2 > 0.91) in both training and testing. Moreover, a genetic algorithm (GA) was subjected to the GRNN to find the optimal type and level of disinfectants and immersion time to determine the best methods for contamination reduction. According to the optimization process, 4.6% sodium hypochlorite along with 0.008% hydrogen peroxide for 16.81 min would result in the best outcomes. The results of a validation experiment demonstrated that this protocol resulted in 0% contamination as predicted, but germination rates were low and sporadic. However, using this sterilization protocol in combination with the scarification of in vitro cannabis seed (seed tip removal) resulted in 0% contamination and 100% seed germination within one week.
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