Comprehensive genome assembly reveals genetic diversity and carcass consumption insights in critically endangered Asian king vultures.
Sci Rep
; 14(1): 9455, 2024 04 24.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38658744
ABSTRACT
The Asian king vulture (AKV), a vital forest scavenger, is facing globally critical endangerment. This study aimed to construct a reference genome to unveil the mechanisms underlying its scavenger abilities and to assess the genetic relatedness of the captive population in Thailand. A reference genome of a female AKV was assembled from sequencing reads obtained from both PacBio long-read and MGI short-read sequencing platforms. Comparative genomics with New World vultures (NWVs) and other birds in the Family Accipitridae revealed unique gene families in AKV associated with retroviral genome integration and feather keratin, contrasting with NWVs' genes related to olfactory reception. Expanded gene families in AKV were linked to inflammatory response, iron regulation and spermatogenesis. Positively selected genes included those associated with anti-apoptosis, immune response and muscle cell development, shedding light on adaptations for carcass consumption and high-altitude soaring. Using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq)-based genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genetic relatedness and inbreeding status of five captive AKVs were determined, revealing high genomic inbreeding in two females. In conclusion, the AKV reference genome was established, providing insights into its unique characteristics. Additionally, the potential of RADseq-based genome-wide SNPs for selecting AKV breeders was demonstrated.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Genoma
/
Espécies em Perigo de Extinção
/
Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único
/
Falconiformes
Limite:
Animals
País/Região como assunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Sci Rep
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Tailândia