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Lok S, Lau TNH, Trost B, Tong AHY, Paton T, Wintle RF, Engstrom MD, Gunn A, Scherer SW. Chromosomal-level reference genome assembly of muskox (Ovibos moschatus) from Banks Island in the Canadian Arctic, a resource for conservation genomics. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21023. [PMID: 39284808 PMCID: PMC11405533 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67270-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The muskox (Ovibos moschatus), an integral component and iconic symbol of arctic biocultural diversity, is under threat by rapid environmental disruptions from climate change. We report a chromosomal-level haploid genome assembly of a muskox from Banks Island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The assembly has a contig N50 of 44.7 Mbp, a scaffold N50 of 112.3 Mbp, a complete representation (100%) of the BUSCO v5.2.2 set of 9225 mammalian marker genes and is anchored to the 24 chromosomes of the muskox. Tabulation of heterozygous single nucleotide variants in our specimen revealed a very low level of genetic diversity, which is consistent with recent reports of the muskox having the lowest genome-wide heterozygosity among the ungulates. While muskox populations are currently showing no overt signs of inbreeding depression, environmental disruptions are expected to strain the genomic resilience of the species. One notable impact of rapid climate change in the Arctic is the spread of emerging infectious and parasitic diseases in the muskox, as exemplified by the range expansion of muskox lungworms, and the recent fatal outbreaks of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, a pathogen normally associated with domestic swine and poultry. As a genomics resource for conservation management of the muskox against existing and emerging disease modalities, we annotated the genes of the major histocompatibility complex on chromosome 2 and performed an initial assessment of the genetic diversity of this complex. This resource is further supported by the annotation of the principal genes of the innate immunity system, genes that are rapidly evolving and under positive selection in the muskox, genes associated with environmental adaptations, and the genes associated with socioeconomic benefits for Arctic communities such as wool (qiviut) attributes. These annotations will benefit muskox management and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Lok
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Rm 13.9713, Suite 03-6577, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
| | - Timothy N H Lau
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Rm 13.9713, Suite 03-6577, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Brett Trost
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Rm 13.9713, Suite 03-6577, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Amy H Y Tong
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Tara Paton
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Rm 13.9713, Suite 03-6577, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Richard F Wintle
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Rm 13.9713, Suite 03-6577, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Mark D Engstrom
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, ON, M5S 2C6, Canada
| | | | - Stephen W Scherer
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Rm 13.9713, Suite 03-6577, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
- McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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Gu T, Hu J, Yu L. Evolution and conservation genetics of pangolins. Integr Zool 2024; 19:426-441. [PMID: 38146613 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Pangolins (Pholidota, Manidae) are classified as an evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered mammal due to their unique morphology (nail-like scales and a myrmecophagous diet) and being the victim of heavy poaching and worldwide trafficking. As such, pangolins serve as a textbook example for studying the special phenotypic evolutionary adaptations and conservation genetics of an endangered species. Recent years have demonstrated significant advancements in the fields of molecular genetics and genomics, which have translated to a series of important research achievements and breakthroughs concerning the evolution and conservation genetics of pangolins. This review comprehensively presents the hitherto advances in phylogeny, adaptive evolution, conservation genetics, and conservation genomics that are related to pangolins, which will provide an ample understanding of their diversity, molecular adaptation mechanisms, and evolutionary potentials. In addition, we highlight the priority of investigating species/population diversity among pangolins and suggest several avenues of research that are highly relevant for future pangolin conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resource in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jingyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resource in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Li Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resource in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
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Luo H, Lin Q, Fang W, Chen X, Zhou X. Genomic insights into the endangered white-eared night heron (Gorsachius magnificus). BMC Genom Data 2024; 25:11. [PMID: 38291423 PMCID: PMC10826008 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-024-01194-1] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A genome sequence of a threatened species can provide valuable genetic information that is important for improving the conservation strategies. The white-eared night heron (Gorsachius magnificus) is an endangered and poorly known ardeid bird. In order to support future studies on conservation genetics and evolutionary adaptation of this species, we have reported a de novo assembled and annotated whole-genome sequence of the G. magnificus. DATA DESCRIPTION The final draft genome assembly of the G. magnificus was 1.19 Gb in size, with a contig N50 of 187.69 kb and a scaffold N50 of 7,338.28 kb. According to BUSCO analysis, the genome assembly contained 97.49% of the 8,338 genes in the Aves (odb10) dataset. Approximately 10.52% of the genome assembly was composed of repetitive sequences. A total of 14,613 protein-coding genes were predicted in the genome assembly, with functional annotations available for 14,611 genes. The genome assembly exhibited a heterozygosity rate of 0.49 heterozygosity per kilobase pair. This draft genome of G. magnificus provides valuable genomic resources for future studies on conservation and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Luo
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Qingxian Lin
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.
| | - Wenzhen Fang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaolin Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.
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Dhanjal DS, Singh R, Sharma V, Nepovimova E, Adam V, Kuca K, Chopra C. Advances in Genetic Reprogramming: Prospects from Developmental Biology to Regenerative Medicine. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:1646-1690. [PMID: 37138422 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230503144619] [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: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The foundations of cell reprogramming were laid by Yamanaka and co-workers, who showed that somatic cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent cells (induced pluripotency). Since this discovery, the field of regenerative medicine has seen advancements. For example, because they can differentiate into multiple cell types, pluripotent stem cells are considered vital components in regenerative medicine aimed at the functional restoration of damaged tissue. Despite years of research, both replacement and restoration of failed organs/ tissues have remained elusive scientific feats. However, with the inception of cell engineering and nuclear reprogramming, useful solutions have been identified to counter the need for compatible and sustainable organs. By combining the science underlying genetic engineering and nuclear reprogramming with regenerative medicine, scientists have engineered cells to make gene and stem cell therapies applicable and effective. These approaches have enabled the targeting of various pathways to reprogramme cells, i.e., make them behave in beneficial ways in a patient-specific manner. Technological advancements have clearly supported the concept and realization of regenerative medicine. Genetic engineering is used for tissue engineering and nuclear reprogramming and has led to advances in regenerative medicine. Targeted therapies and replacement of traumatized , damaged, or aged organs can be realized through genetic engineering. Furthermore, the success of these therapies has been validated through thousands of clinical trials. Scientists are currently evaluating induced tissue-specific stem cells (iTSCs), which may lead to tumour-free applications of pluripotency induction. In this review, we present state-of-the-art genetic engineering that has been used in regenerative medicine. We also focus on ways that genetic engineering and nuclear reprogramming have transformed regenerative medicine and have become unique therapeutic niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daljeet Singh Dhanjal
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Reena Singh
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Varun Sharma
- Head of Bioinformatic Division, NMC Genetics India Pvt. Ltd., Gurugram, India
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, 50003, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, Brno, CZ 613 00, Czech Republic
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, Brno, CZ-612 00, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, 50003, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, 50005, Czech Republic
| | - Chirag Chopra
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
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Mochales-Riaño G, Fontsere C, de Manuel M, Talavera A, Burriel-Carranza B, Tejero-Cicuéndez H, AlGethami RHM, Shobrak M, Marques-Bonet T, Carranza S. Genomics reveals introgression and purging of deleterious mutations in the Arabian leopard ( Panthera pardus nimr). iScience 2023; 26:107481. [PMID: 37601769 PMCID: PMC10432787 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In endangered species, low-genetic variation and inbreeding result from recent population declines. Genetic screenings in endangered populations help to assess their vulnerability to extinction and to create informed management actions toward their conservation efforts. The leopard, Panthera pardus, is a highly generalist predator with currently eight different subspecies. Yet, genomic data are still lacking for the Critically Endangered Arabian leopard (P. p. nimr). Here, we sequenced the whole genome of two Arabian leopards and assembled the most complete genomic dataset for leopards to date. Our phylogenomic analyses show that leopards are divided into two deeply divergent clades: the African and the Asian. Conservation genomic analyses indicate a prolonged population decline, which has led to an increase in inbreeding and runs of homozygosity, with consequent purging of deleterious mutations in both Arabian individuals. Our study represents the first attempt to genetically inform captive breeding programmes for this Critically Endangered subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Fontsere
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, The Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, 1352 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marc de Manuel
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrián Talavera
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Héctor Tejero-Cicuéndez
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raed Hamoud M. AlGethami
- National Center for Wildlife, Prince Saud Al-Faisal for Wildlife Research, P. O Box 1086, Taif, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Shobrak
- National Center for Wildlife, Prince Saud Al-Faisal for Wildlife Research, P. O Box 1086, Taif, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tomas Marques-Bonet
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salvador Carranza
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
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Shahzad A, Ullah MW, Ali J, Aziz K, Javed MA, Shi Z, Manan S, Ul-Islam M, Nazar M, Yang G. The versatility of nanocellulose, modification strategies, and its current progress in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159937. [PMID: 36343829 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Deterioration in the environmental ecosystems through the depletion of nonrenewable resources and the burden of deleterious contaminants is considered a global concern. To this end, great interest has been shown in the use of renewable and environmentally-friendly reactive materials dually to promote environmental sustainability and cope with harmful contaminants. Among the different available options, the use of nanocellulose (NC) as an environmentally benign and renewable natural nanomaterial is an attractive candidate for environmental remediation owing to its miraculous physicochemical characteristics. This review discusses the intrinsic properties and the structural aspects of different types of NC, including cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), and bacterial cellulose (BC) or bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). Also, the different modification strategies involving the functionalization or hybridization of NC by using different functional and reactive materials aimed at wastewater remediation have been elaborated. The modified or hybridized NC has been explored for its applications in the removal or degradation of aquatic contaminants through adsorption, filtration, coagulation, catalysis, photocatalysis, and pollutant sensing. This review highlights the role of NC in the modified composites and describes the underlying mechanisms involved in the removal of contaminants. The life-cycle assessment (LCA) of NC is discussed to unveil the hidden risks associated with its production to the final disposal. Moreover, the contribution of NC in the promotion of waste management at different stages has been described in the form of the five-Rs strategy. In summary, this review provides rational insights to develop NC-based environmentally-friendly reactive materials for the removal and degradation of hazardous aquatic contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajmal Shahzad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Muhammad Wajid Ullah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China.
| | - Jawad Ali
- School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Technology and Business University, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Kazim Aziz
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asif Javed
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zhijun Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Sehrish Manan
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Mazhar Ul-Islam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Dhofar University, Salalah 211, Oman
| | - Mudasir Nazar
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China.
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Oluwole OG, Henry M. Genomic medicine in Africa: a need for molecular genetics and pharmacogenomics experts. Curr Med Res Opin 2023; 39:141-147. [PMID: 36094413 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2124072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The large-scale implementation of genomic medicine in Africa has not been actualized. This overview describes how routine molecular genetics and advanced protein engineering/structural biotechnology could accelerate the implementation of genomic medicine. By using data-mining and analysis approaches, we analyzed relevant information obtained from public genomic databases on pharmacogenomics biomarkers and reviewed published studies to discuss the ideas. The results showed that only 68 very important pharmacogenes currently exist, while 867 drug label annotations, 201 curated functional pathways, and 746 annotated drugs have been catalogued on the largest pharmacogenomics database (PharmGKB). Only about 5009 variants of the reported ∼25,000 have been clinically annotated. Predominantly, the genetic variants were derived from 43 genes that contribute to 2318 clinically relevant variations in 57 diseases. Majority (∼60%) of the clinically relevant genetic variations in the pharmacogenes are missense variants (1390). The enrichment analysis showed that 15 pharmacogenes are connected biologically and are involved in the metabolism of cardiovascular and cancer drugs. The review of studies showed that cardiovascular diseases are the most frequent non-communicable diseases responsible for approximately 13% of all deaths in Africa. Also, warfarin pharmacogenomics is the most studied drug on the continent, while CYP2D6, CYP2C9, DPD, and TPMT are the most investigated pharmacogenes with allele activities indicated in African and considered to be intermediate metaboliser for DPD and TPMT (8.4% and 11%). In summary, we highlighted a framework for implementing genomic medicine starting from the available resources on ground.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwafemi G Oluwole
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marc Henry
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Zhang T, Meng J, Yang F, Li X, Yin X, Zhang J, He S. Genome-wide assessment of population genetic and demographic history in Magnolia odoratissima based on SLAF-seq. CONSERV GENET 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01500-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Nieto-Blázquez ME, Schreiber D, Mueller SA, Koch K, Nowak C, Pfenninger M. Human impact on the recent population history of the elusive European wildcat inferred from whole genome data. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:709. [PMID: 36258177 PMCID: PMC9578205 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08930-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The extent and impact of evolutionary change occurring in natural populations in response to rapid anthropogenic impact is still poorly understood on the genome-wide level. Here, we explore the genetic structure, demographic history, population differentiation, and domestic introgression based on whole genome data of the endangered European wildcat in Germany, to assess potential genomic consequences of the species' recent spread across human-dominated cultural landscapes. RESULTS Reconstruction of demographic history and introgression rates based on 47 wildcat and 37 domestic cat genomes suggested late introgression between wild and domestic cat, coinciding with the introduction of domestic cat during the Roman period, but overall relatively low rates of hybridization and introgression from domestic cats. Main population divergence found between an eastern and central German wildcat clade was found to be of rather recent origin (200 y), and thus the likely consequence of anthropogenic persecution and resulting isolation in population refugia. We found similar effective population sizes and no substantial inbreeding across populations. Interestingly, highly differentiated genes between wild cat populations involved in the tryptophan-kynurenine-serotonin pathway were revealed, which plays a role in behavioral processes such as stress susceptibility and tolerance, suggesting that differential selection acted in the populations. CONCLUSIONS We found strong evidence for substantial recent anthropogenic impact on the genetic structure of European wildcats, including recent persecution-driven population divergence, as well as potential adaptation to human-dominate environments. In contrast, the relatively low levels of domestic introgression and inbreeding found in this study indicate a substantial level of "resistance" of this elusive species towards major anthropogenic impacts, such as the omnipresence of domestic cats as well as substantial habitat fragmentation. While those findings have strong implications for ongoing conservation strategies, we demand closer inspection of selective pressures acting on this and other wildlife species in anthropogenic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Esther Nieto-Blázquez
- Molecular Ecology Group, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Dennis Schreiber
- Molecular Ecology Group, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sarah A Mueller
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Wildlife Genetics, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, 63571, Gelnhausen, Germany
| | - Katrin Koch
- European Wildcat Monitoring, Bund Für Umwelt Und Naturschutz, Rheinland-Pfalz, 55118, Mainz, Germany
| | - Carsten Nowak
- Centre for Wildlife Genetics, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, 63571, Gelnhausen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Markus Pfenninger
- Molecular Ecology Group, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute for Molecular and Organismic Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128, Mainz, Germany
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Liu G, Zhang BF, Chang J, Hu XL, Li C, Xu TT, Liu SQ, Hu DF. Population genomics reveals moderate genetic differentiation between populations of endangered Forest Musk Deer located in Shaanxi and Sichuan. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:668. [PMID: 36138352 PMCID: PMC9503231 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08896-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many endangered species exist in small, genetically depauperate, or inbred populations, hence promoting genetic differentiation and reducing long-term population viability. Forest Musk Deer (Moschus berezovskii) has been subject to illegal hunting for hundreds of years due to the medical and commercial values of musk, resulting in a significant decline in population size. However, it is still unclear to what extent the genetic exchange and inbreeding levels are between geographically isolated populations. By using whole-genome data, we reconstructed the demographic history, evaluated genetic diversity, and characterized the population genetic structure of Forest Musk Deer from one wild population in Sichuan Province and two captive populations from two ex-situ centers in Shaanxi Province. RESULTS SNP calling by GATK resulted in a total of 44,008,662 SNPs. Principal component analysis (PCA), phylogenetic tree (NJ tree), ancestral component analysis (ADMIXTURE) and the ABBA-BABA test separated Sichuan and Shaanxi Forest Musk Deer as two genetic clusters, but no obvious genetic differentiation was observed between the two captive populations. The average pairwise FST value between the populations in Sichuan and Shaanxi ranged from 0.05-0.07, suggesting a low to moderate genetic differentiation. The mean heterozygous SNPs rate was 0.14% (0.11%-0.15%) for Forest Musk Deer at the genomic scale, and varied significantly among three populations (Chi-square = 1.22, p < 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis Test), with the Sichuan population having the lowest (0.11%). The nucleotide diversity of three populations varied significantly (p < 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis Test), with the Sichuan population having the lowest genetic θπ (1.69 × 10-3). CONCLUSIONS Genetic diversity of Forest Musk Deer was moderate at the genomic scale compared with other endangered species. Genetic differentiation between populations in Sichuan and Shaanxi may not only result from historical biogeographical factors but also be associated with contemporary human disturbances. Our findings provide scientific aid for the conservation and management of Forest Musk Deer. They can extend the proposed measures at the genomic level to apply to other musk deer species worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Bao-Feng Zhang
- College of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Jiang Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Xiao-Long Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Chao Li
- Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Tin-Tao Xu
- College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Shu-Qiang Liu
- College of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - De-Fu Hu
- College of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100085, China.
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Lok S, Lau TNH, Trost B, Tong AHY, Wintle RF, Engstrom MD, Stacy E, Waits LP, Scrafford M, Scherer SW. Chromosomal-level reference genome assembly of the North American wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus): a resource for conservation genomics. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 12:jkac138. [PMID: 35674384 PMCID: PMC9339297 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We report a chromosomal-level genome assembly of a male North American wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus) from the Kugluktuk region of Nunavut, Canada. The genome was assembled directly from long-reads, comprising: 758 contigs with a contig N50 of 36.6 Mb; contig L50 of 20; base count of 2.39 Gb; and a near complete representation (99.98%) of the BUSCO 5.2.2 set of 9,226 genes. A presumptive chromosomal-level assembly was generated by scaffolding against two chromosomal-level Mustelidae reference genomes, the ermine and the Eurasian river otter, to derive a final scaffold N50 of 144.0 Mb and a scaffold L50 of 7. We annotated a comprehensive set of genes that have been associated with models of aggressive behavior, a trait which the wolverine is purported to have in the popular literature. To support an integrated, genomics-based wildlife management strategy at a time of environmental disruption from climate change, we annotated the principal genes of the innate immune system to provide a resource to study the wolverine's susceptibility to new infectious and parasitic diseases. As a resource, we annotated genes involved in the modality of infection by the coronaviruses, an important class of viral pathogens of growing concern as shown by the recent spillover infections by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 to naïve wildlife. Tabulation of heterozygous single nucleotide variants in our specimen revealed a heterozygosity level of 0.065%, indicating a relatively diverse genetic pool that would serve as a baseline for the genomics-based conservation of the wolverine, a rare cold-adapted carnivore now under threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Lok
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Timothy N H Lau
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Brett Trost
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Amy H Y Tong
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Richard F Wintle
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Mark D Engstrom
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada
| | - Elise Stacy
- Environmental Science Program, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Arctic Beringia, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA
| | - Lisette P Waits
- Department of Fish and Wildlife, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Matthew Scrafford
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4K9, Canada
| | - Stephen W Scherer
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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12
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Mamo LT, Wood G, Wheeler D, Kelaher BP, Coleman MA. Conservation genomics of a critically endangered brown seaweed. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2021; 57:1345-1355. [PMID: 33908033 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Seaweeds provide valuable ecosystem services, but many are undergoing global decline due to climate and anthropogenic stressors. The brown macroalga, Nereia lophocladia (hereafter called Nereia), is among only a handful of seaweeds globally to be listed as critically endangered and is only described from two known locations, but there exists little knowledge about this species. Here, we combine field surveys to verify the distribution of Nereia, with cutting-edge genomics to determine genetic diversity and population structure, and inform ongoing conservation actions. We expand Nereia's known distribution from one to seven locations along a 70-km long coastal stretch in New South Wales but reveal small population sizes at some sites (as few as 8 individuals despite extensive searching). A total of 1,261 genome-wide SNPs were retained from 70 individuals after filtering, and 304 outlier loci under putative selection were detected by one of three methods. Populations showed low genetic diversity (mean expected heterozygosity HE = 0.055 ± 0.014) and high levels of inbreeding within populations (mean FIS = 0.721 ± 0.085), along with high genetic differentiation among sites (mean FST = 0.276), which may increase susceptibility to future environmental change and decrease the species' ability to recover after loss. Given these findings, we recommend the consideration of both in situ and ex situ conservation measures for Nereia, as well as further research into the species' ecology and biology. Nereia remains of conservation concern and its listing as critically endangered is justified until further investigation elucidates the full distribution and adaptive capacity of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea T Mamo
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, 2450, Australia
| | - Georgina Wood
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Coastal and Marine Ecosystems, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - David Wheeler
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange, New South Wales, 2800, Australia
| | - Brendan P Kelaher
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, 2450, Australia
| | - Melinda A Coleman
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, 2450, Australia
- Department of Primary Industries, NSW Fisheries, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, 2450, Australia
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13
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Fahmi, Tibbetts IR, Bennett MB, Dudgeon CL. Delimiting cryptic species within the brown-banded bamboo shark, Chiloscyllium punctatum in the Indo-Australian region with mitochondrial DNA and genome-wide SNP approaches. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:121. [PMID: 34134613 PMCID: PMC8207608 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01852-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Delimiting cryptic species in elasmobranchs is a major challenge in modern taxonomy due the lack of available phenotypic features. Employing stand-alone genetics in splitting a cryptic species may prove problematic for further studies and for implementing conservation management. In this study, we examined mitochondrial DNA and genome-wide nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the brown-banded bambooshark, Chiloscyllium punctatum to evaluate potential cryptic species and the species-population boundary in the group. Results Both mtDNA and SNP analyses showed potential delimitation within C. punctatum from the Indo-Australian region and consisted of four operational taxonomic units (OTUs), i.e. those from Indo-Malay region, the west coast of Sumatra, Lesser Sunda region, and the Australian region. Each OTU can be interpreted differently depending on available supporting information, either based on biological, ecological or geographical data. We found that SNP data provided more robust results than mtDNA data in determining the boundary between population and cryptic species. Conclusion To split a cryptic species complex and erect new species based purely on the results of genetic analyses is not recommended. The designation of new species needs supportive diagnostic morphological characters that allow for species recognition, as an inability to recognise individuals in the field creates difficulties for future research, management for conservation and fisheries purposes. Moreover, we recommend that future studies use a comprehensive sampling regime that encompasses the full range of a species complex. This approach would increase the likelihood of identification of operational taxonomic units rather than resulting in an incorrect designation of new species. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12862-021-01852-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahmi
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jalan Pasir Putih I No. 1 Ancol, Jakarta, 14430, Indonesia.
| | - Ian R Tibbetts
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Michael B Bennett
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Christine L Dudgeon
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
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14
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Genomics for conservation: a case study of behavioral genes in the Tasmanian devil. CONSERV GENET 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-021-01354-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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15
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Capblancq T, Munson H, Butnor JR, Keller SR. Genomic drivers of early-life fitness in Picea rubens. CONSERV GENET 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-021-01378-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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16
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Skorupski J. Fifty Years of Research on European Mink Mustela lutreola L., 1761 Genetics: Where Are We Now in Studies on One of the Most Endangered Mammals? Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1332. [PMID: 33187363 PMCID: PMC7696698 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to present the current state of knowledge about the genetics of European mink Mustela lutreola L., 1761, which is one of the most endangered mammalian species in the world. This article provides a comprehensive description of the studies undertaken over the last 50 years in terms of cytogenetics, molecular genetics, genomics (including mitogenomics), population genetics of wild populations and captive stocks, phylogenetics, phylogeography, and applied genetics (including identification by genetic methods, molecular ecology, and conservation genetics). An extensive and up-to-date review and critical analysis of the available specialist literature on the topic is provided, with special reference to conservation genetics. Unresolved issues are also described, such as the standard karyotype, systematic position, and whole-genome sequencing, and hotly debated issues are addressed, like the origin of the Southwestern population of the European mink and management approaches of the most distinct populations of the species. Finally, the most urgent directions of future research, based on the research questions arising from completed studies and the implementation of conservation measures to save and restore M. lutreola populations, are outlined. The importance of the popularization of research topics related to European mink genetics among scientists is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Skorupski
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Szczecin, Adama Mickiewicza 16 St., 70-383 Szczecin, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-914-441-685
- Polish Society for Conservation Genetics LUTREOLA, Maciejkowa 21 St., 71-784 Szczecin, Poland
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17
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Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of Variants in Domestic and Wild Bactrian Camels Using Whole-Genome Sequencing Data. Int J Genomics 2020; 2020:2430846. [PMID: 32724789 PMCID: PMC7381958 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2430846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The population size of Bactrian camels is smaller than dromedary, and they are distributed in cold and mountain regions and are also at the risk of extinction in some countries such as Iran. To identify and investigate the genome-wide variations, whole-genome sequencing of two Iranian Bactrian camels were performed with 37.4- and 42.6-fold coverage for the first time. Along with Iranian Bactrian camels, sequencing data from two Mongolian domestic and two wild Bactrian camels deposited in the NCBI were reanalyzed. The analysis eventuated to the identification of 4,908,998, 4,485,725, and 4,706,654 SNPs for Iranian, Mongolian domestic, and wild Bactrian camels, respectively. Also, INDEL variations ranged from 358,311 to 533,188 in all six camels. Results of variants annotation in all samples revealed that more than 88 percent of SNPs and INDELs were located in the intergenic and intronic regions. We found that 800,530 SNPs were common among all studied camels, containing 4,046 missense variants that affected 2,428 genes. Investigation of common genes among all camels containing the missense SNPs showed that there are 98 zinc finger and 4 fertility-related genes (ZP1, ZP2, ZP4, and ZPBP) in this set.
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18
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Tan MP, Wong LL, Razali SA, Afiqah-Aleng N, Mohd Nor SA, Sung YY, Van de Peer Y, Sorgeloos P, Danish-Daniel M. Applications of Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies and Computational Tools in Molecular Evolution and Aquatic Animals Conservation Studies: A Short Review. Evol Bioinform Online 2019; 15:1176934319892284. [PMID: 31839703 PMCID: PMC6896124 DOI: 10.1177/1176934319892284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquatic ecosystems that form major biodiversity hotspots are critically threatened due to environmental and anthropogenic stressors. We believe that, in this genomic era, computational methods can be applied to promote aquatic biodiversity conservation by addressing questions related to the evolutionary history of aquatic organisms at the molecular level. However, huge amounts of genomics data generated can only be discerned through the use of bioinformatics. Here, we examine the applications of next-generation sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools to study the molecular evolution of aquatic animals and discuss the current challenges and future perspectives of using bioinformatics toward aquatic animal conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pau Tan
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia.,Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - Li Lian Wong
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia.,Institute of Tropical Aquaculture, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - Siti Aisyah Razali
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - Nor Afiqah-Aleng
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - Siti Azizah Mohd Nor
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - Yeong Yik Sung
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - Yves Van de Peer
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia.,Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick Sorgeloos
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia.,Laboratory of Aquaculture & Artemia Reference Center, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Muhd Danish-Daniel
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia.,Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
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19
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Brandies P, Peel E, Hogg CJ, Belov K. The Value of Reference Genomes in the Conservation of Threatened Species. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E846. [PMID: 31717707 PMCID: PMC6895880 DOI: 10.3390/genes10110846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation initiatives are now more crucial than ever-over a million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction over the coming decades. The genetic management of threatened species held in insurance programs is recommended; however, few are taking advantage of the full range of genomic technologies available today. Less than 1% of the 13505 species currently listed as threated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have a published genome. While there has been much discussion in the literature about the importance of genomics for conservation, there are limited examples of how having a reference genome has changed conservation management practice. The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), is an endangered Australian marsupial, threatened by an infectious clonal cancer devil facial tumor disease (DFTD). Populations have declined by 80% since the disease was first recorded in 1996. A reference genome for this species was published in 2012 and has been crucial for understanding DFTD and the management of the species in the wild. Here we use the Tasmanian devil as an example of how a reference genome has influenced management actions in the conservation of a species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life & Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; (P.B.); (E.P.); (C.J.H.)
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20
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Christensen KA, Leong JS, Sakhrani D, Biagi CA, Minkley DR, Withler RE, Rondeau EB, Koop BF, Devlin RH. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) genome and transcriptome. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195461. [PMID: 29621340 PMCID: PMC5886536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
When unifying genomic resources among studies and comparing data between species, there is often no better resource than a genome sequence. Having a reference genome for the Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) will enable the extensive genomic resources available for Pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon, and rainbow trout to be leveraged when asking questions related to the Chinook salmon. The Chinook salmon's wide distribution, long cultural impact, evolutionary history, substantial hatchery production, and recent wild-population decline make it an important research species. In this study, we sequenced and assembled the genome of a Chilliwack River Hatchery female Chinook salmon (gynogenetic and homozygous at all loci). With a reference genome sequence, new questions can be asked about the nature of this species, and its role in a rapidly changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris A. Christensen
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, West Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Ruth E. Withler
- Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
| | | | - Ben F. Koop
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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