Unlocking the Secrets of a South African Healer: The Helichrysum aureonitens Genome Breakthrough

South African researchers have achieved a milestone in plant genomics with the first chromosome-level genome assembly of Helichrysum aureonitens, a revered medicinal plant known locally as 'impepho-emhlophe' or golden everlasting. This tufted perennial herb, native to the grasslands and mountains of South Africa, has long been used by traditional healers to treat infections, wounds, and respiratory ailments. The high-quality assembly provides unprecedented insights into the genetic basis of its potent antimicrobial properties, paving the way for new natural antibiotics amid rising global resistance to conventional drugs.

This accomplishment highlights the growing prowess of South African higher education institutions and research councils in genomics, positioning the country as a leader in bioprospecting its rich biodiversity. Universities like the University of Pretoria and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) have been at the forefront, building on decades of phytochemical studies.

Traditional Roots: Helichrysum aureonitens in South African Ethnomedicine

Helichrysum aureonitens belongs to the Asteraceae family and thrives in diverse regions from the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal. Indigenous communities burn its leaves as incense for spiritual cleansing and apply extracts topically for skin infections, showcasing its dual medicinal and cultural significance. Scientific validation began in the 1990s when University of Pretoria researchers isolated 3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone (galangin), a flavonoid demonstrating strong activity against bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and fungi such as Candida albicans.

Further studies at Walter Sisulu University and other institutions revealed essential oils rich in α-pinene and β-caryophyllene, contributing to wound-healing effects. Seasonal variations influence metabolite profiles, with summer collections showing peak anti-HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus type 1) activity due to higher chlorogenic acid levels. These findings underscore why a full genome map is transformative for validating and enhancing traditional knowledge through modern science.

The Assembly Project: A Collaborative Triumph for SA Genomics

The chromosome-level genome assembly of Helichrysum aureonitens was led by bioinformaticians at the SAMRC Genomics Platform, in partnership with the University of Pretoria's Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) and Stellenbosch University's Plant Sciences Division. Inspired by recent successes like the Helichrysum odoratissimum assembly, the team employed long-read PacBio HiFi sequencing combined with Hi-C chromatin conformation capture to anchor scaffolds into 14 pseudochromosomes, achieving 99.5% completeness.

The genome spans approximately 1.8 Gbp, with a contig N50 of 25 Mb, rivaling top plant references. This effort aligns with the African BioGenome Project, where South African academics are sequencing 100+ indigenous species to unlock biotech potential. Funding from the Department of Science and Innovation supported postgraduate training, fostering next-generation genomicists at SA universities.

Genomic Architecture: Genes, Ploidy, and Evolutionary Insights

Analysis revealed a diploid genome (2n=28), with whole-genome duplication events common in Asteraceae. Over 45,000 protein-coding genes were annotated, including expanded terpene synthase and cytochrome P450 families linked to secondary metabolism. Comparative genomics with related species like Helichrysum italicum highlighted lineage-specific expansions in phenylpropanoid pathways, responsible for flavonoids.

• Terpenoid backbone biosynthesis cluster on chromosome 5: 28 genes, up-regulated in leaves.
• Flavonoid pathway (PAL, C4H genes): Sequenced from H. aureonitens cultures at UP.
• ABC transporters for compound secretion, aiding plant defense.

These features explain adaptations to arid SA environments and potent bioactivity.

Photo by Google DeepMind on Unsplash

Antimicrobial Gene Clusters: From Genome to Drug Targets

The assembly pinpointed biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) for key antimicrobials. Galangin synthase genes cluster on chromosome 3, with promoters responsive to microbial elicitors. Multi-omics integration (transcriptomics under infection) showed up-regulation of non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) producing novel peptides active against MRSA.

Pathway reconstruction predicts 15 new flavonoids, validated by LC-MS on elicited cell cultures from UP labs. This unlocks rational engineering for higher yields, addressing SA's antibiotic crisis where 27% of infections are resistant.Explore research jobs in plant biotech at South African universities.

Implications for Drug Discovery and Public Health

In South Africa, where TB and HIV co-infections drive antimicrobial needs, H. aureonitens genes offer leads for novel therapies. CRISPR editing of BGCs could produce semi-synthetic antibiotics, as demonstrated in similar UP projects. Partnerships with pharma giants like Aspen Pharmacare are emerging, boosting tech transfer from academia.

The genome data is deposited in NCBI, enabling global collaboration while prioritizing SA IP rights under Nagoya Protocol. Early models predict 50% yield increase in galangin production via metabolic engineering.

South African Universities Driving Plant Genomics Excellence

Institutions like UP, UCT, and Wits lead SA's genomics revolution. UP's FABI sequenced C4H from H. aureonitens a decade ago, laying groundwork. SAMRC's platform, hosted at universities, trained 200+ students in 2025. This project exemplifies NRF-rated researchers mentoring PhDs, with 80% retention in SA academia.

• UP: Phytochemical genomics hub.
• Stellenbosch: Metabolomics integration.
• Wits: Evolutionary biology context.

Such initiatives position SA higher ed for biotech jobs boom.Discover university opportunities in South Africa or research assistant roles.

Challenges in Plant Genome Research and Solutions

High heterozygosity and polyploidy challenged assembly, overcome by trio-binning and purging haplotypes. Funding gaps persist, but DSI's R1.2 billion genomics investment in 2026 addresses this. Ethical bioprospecting ensures benefit-sharing with Khoi-San knowledge holders.

Step-by-step assembly process:

Photo by Flora Orosz on Unsplash

1. PacBio for contigs.
2. Hi-C for scaffolding.
3. RNA-Seq annotation.
4. Orthology with 100+ plants.

Future Outlook: From Genome to Global Impact

Prospects include synthetic biology for sustainable antimicrobials, reducing reliance on wild harvesting threatened by climate change. SA universities plan field trials and AI-driven variant discovery. This assembly boosts NIRF-like rankings for biotech programs.

For aspiring researchers, programs like UP's MSc Genomics offer hands-on training.Craft your academic CV for success.

Careers in SA Plant Genomics: Opportunities Abound

The project created 15 jobs, from bioinformaticians to field biologists. Demand surges for PhDs in postdoc positions and rate professors in genomics. Visit higher ed jobs or university jobs for listings. With 20% growth in biotech enrollment, now's the time.