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23.10.2024 10:31

Rapid genome analysis of a Whippet sighthound sets new standard for biodiversity research

Stephanie Mayer-Bömoser LOEWE-Zentrum Translationale Biodiversitätsgenomik
Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

    The continuing global loss of biodiversity is making it increasingly necessary to rapidly collect and analyse genetic information on endangered species. In a joint project, the Department of Human Genetics at Bioscientia Institute for Medical Diagnostics GmbH in Ingelheim am Rhein and the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG) in Frankfurt, both in Germany, have sequenced and analysed the complete genome of a Whippet sighthound in less than a week. This advance could have a lasting impact on genome research in species and biodiversity conservation. The study has been published in the journal “GigaByte”.

    The continuing global loss of biodiversity is making it increasingly necessary to rapidly collect and analyse genetic information on endangered species. In a joint project, the Department of Human Genetics at Bioscientia Institute for Medical Diagnostics GmbH in Ingelheim am Rhein and the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG) in Frankfurt, both in Germany, have sequenced and analysed the complete genome of a Whippet sighthound in less than a week. This advance could have a lasting impact on genome research in species and biodiversity conservation. The study has been published in the journal “GigaByte”.

    The analysis of a Whippet genome, carried out jointly by the Bioscientia Institute and the LOEWE Centre TBG, used a new technology: whole genomes are sequenced very precisely and in long sections, so-called 'long reads'. This was achieved in record time using the example of the Whippet, one of the fastest land animals. This is not only a technical success, but was also initiated as a symbolic project to address the challenge of species extinction.

    “We are demonstrating that we can obtain and analyse complete genome information in a matter of days – not months,” explains Prof. Dr Hanno Bolz, Head of Human Genetics at Bioscientia. The novel collaboration between Bioscientia’s human geneticists and the researchers at the LOEWE Centre TBG sets a new standard and provides an effective tool for biodiversity research.

    Rapid analysis is increasingly important for the conservation of endangered species, as time is of the essence in the face of the rapid loss of biodiversity. “With such projects, we can quickly provide important genetic information on endangered species. This helps us not only to understand their evolutionary adaptations, but also to develop targeted conservation measures,” says Dr Carola Greve, head of the laboratory at the LOEWE Centre TBG. In addition to the Whippet project, another joint study by the two research partners on the endangered garden dormouse will be published shortly. Several other joint sequencing projects are already underway.

    At the Bioscientia Institute's Department of Human Genetics, around 100 experts analyse thousands of genomes as well as the protein-coding regions of genomes, known as exomes, every year to identify the causes of rare genetic diseases in patients from all over the world. Bioscientia is the first laboratory to apply the innovative 'long read' genome sequencing method used in the sighthound study to human genetic diagnostics. This will make it possible to identify genetic diseases in humans more efficiently, with the potential to significantly improve treatment options.

    Scientists at the LOEWE Centre TBG, based at the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, are sequencing the genomes of many non-human organisms, from bacteria to whales. The information provides valuable information about plants and animals, many of which are endangered, as well as insights into their biological relationships, evolution and adaptations to environmental conditions. This benefits basic and applied research, including conservation management.


    Wissenschaftliche Ansprechpartner:

    Dr Carola Greve
    Laboratory head
    LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG)
    Senckenberg Society for Nature Research
    Phone +49 (0)69 7542-1844
    carola.greve@senckenberg.de
    https://tbg.senckenberg.de/

    Prof Hanno Jörn Bolz, MD
    Head of Human Genetics
    Human Genetics / Ingelheim
    Bioscientia Institute for Medical Diagnostics GmbH
    Konrad-Adenauer-Strasse 17
    55218 Ingelheim
    Tel: +49 (0)6132 781-206
    hanno.bolz@bioscientia.de
    www.bioscientia.de


    Originalpublikation:

    Publication in GigaByte:
    Marcel Nebenführ, David Prochotta, Alexander Ben Hamadou, Axel Janke, Charlotte Gerheim, Christian Betz, Carola Greve, Hanno J. Bolz
    “High-speed whole-genome sequencing of a Whippet: Rapid chromosome-level assembly and annotation of an extremely fast dog's genome”
    https://doi.org/10.46471/gigabyte.134


    Bilder

    Sighthounds, such as this Whippet breed, are among the fastest land animals in the world. Now, for the first time, a genome has been completely sequenced in record time as part of a collaborative project.
    Sighthounds, such as this Whippet breed, are among the fastest land animals in the world. Now, for t ...
    ashva – stock.adobe.com
    ashva – stock.adobe.com, 164543555


    Merkmale dieser Pressemitteilung:
    Journalisten
    Biologie, Medizin, Meer / Klima, Umwelt / Ökologie
    überregional
    Forschungsergebnisse, Wissenschaftliche Publikationen
    Englisch


     

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