The 5th Herbal Research Webinar Series 2025, organized by Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s Herbal Research Group, featured Professor Liu Chang from the Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), Beijing, China. His presentation, titled “From Organelle Genomes to Therapeutic miRNAs: Exploring Medicinal Plants and Fungi with Ganoderma lucidum as a Model,” focused on the use of genomics and bioinformatics in advancing the study of medicinal plants and fungi. The webinar welcomed 30 participants from multiple faculties of UBD and IBTE, as well as other institutions, including Northern Marianas College, Universitas Gadjah Mada, New Uzbekistan University and other private sectors.
Professor Liu Chang, a leading scholar in medicinal plant bioinformatics and genomics with over 110 indexed publications and multiple national patents, shared insights into how organelle genome research, particularly plastid genomics, supports the accurate identification, conservation, and sustainable use of traditional medicinal plants. He explained that while plant identification has traditionally relied on morphological features, DNA barcoding and plastid genome sequencing provide a much higher degree of precision in species authentication. This genomic approach ensures drug safety, efficacy, and standardization, and also aids in the preservation of medicinal biodiversity.
He discussed the concept of DNA barcoding and “super-barcoding,” which use genetic markers from chloroplast DNA to identify species more effectively than conventional methods. His team has compiled several reference works and atlases that serve as molecular identification guides for Chinese medicinal materials, reflecting the maturity of this research field.
Professor Liu Chang also introduced several bioinformatics tools developed by his laboratory to facilitate organelle genome research. Among these are PAPPI, a genome assembler that uses deep learning to classify and assemble organelle sequences; CPGAVAS2, a widely cited tool for genome annotation and visualization; and CPGView, a program for quality control and graphical display of genome annotations. These tools have become global resources in plastid genome analysis and are widely used in medicinal plant studies.
To demonstrate practical applications, he presented a case study on Yao traditional medicine, focusing on 104 herbs used by the Yao ethnic group in southern China. Using DNA barcoding and plastome sequencing, his group catalogued and analyzed these species to create a digital database that preserves their genetic and ethnobotanical information. The initiative aims to protect indigenous knowledge while providing a molecular foundation for further pharmacological and commercial development.
Professor Liu Chang also highlighted opportunities for publication in the journal Mitochondrial DNA Part B: Resources, which specialises in organelle genome research, and encouraged collaboration on similar projects. He mentioned the MAKDA training program, which provides hands-on training in DNA marker development and bioinformatics, with the next session planned for 2026.
During the question and answer session, participants discussed possible collaborations and funding avenues between China and Brunei. Professor Liu Chang noted that while sequencing and data analysis are relatively straightforward, the greatest challenge often lies in locating and collecting authentic plant samples, especially for rare or mountainous species. He emphasised the importance of establishing prior collaborations and joint publications to strengthen applications for international research grants.
The webinar concluded with an appreciation to Professor Liu Chang for his comprehensive and inspiring presentation, which showcased how modern genomic technologies can strengthen the study, authentication, and preservation of medicinal plants. The session reflected growing interest in integrating molecular biology, informatics, and traditional herbal knowledge to promote sustainable development and future therapeutic innovation.
