Integrating multi-omics in natural product research: Bridging bioinsecticide discovery and drug development

Abstract

Natural products remain significant sources of bioactive compounds for agriculture and medicine, though conventional discovery approaches are constrained by complex biosynthetic pathways, low metabolite yields, rediscovery of known compounds and labour-intensive screening. The combination of multi-omics technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics has revolutionised natural product research, providing a comprehensive view of biosynthetic gene clusters, regulatory networks, proteins and metabolites. Multi-omics, when used in conjunction with analytical tools such as GC-MS, LC-MS and NMR, is a powerful approach for the identification, validation and optimisation of bioactive molecules. This review critically analyses the integrated omics approach to the discovery of natural products and the ability to connect two seemingly disparate areas of research, such as the development of bioinsecticides and pharmaceutical research. Shared strategies highlighted include genome mining, metabolomics, systems biology, synthetic biology and artificial intelligence for sustainable bioinsecticide development and modern drug discovery. Representative examples such as artemisinin and paclitaxel highlight the benefits of multi-omics in better understanding biosynthetic mechanisms, production optimisation and biosynthetic improvement. The review also provides a discussion of major technical, biological, analytical and computational challenges faced with data integration, standardisation and validation. Lastly, future prospects highlight the potential of artificial intelligence, CRISPR, single-cell omics, spatial metabolomics and the One Health approach for more sustainable agriculture and precision medicine. Multi-omics together constitute a common platform to speed up natural product innovation in both agriculture and pharmaceuticals.