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Updated: May 20, 2026

Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (Array CGH) for Detection of Genomic Copy Number Variants
Published on: February 21, 2015
Exploring copy number variation in the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) genome by array comparative genome
L Fontanesi1, P L Martelli, E Scotti
1Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Sezione di Allevamenti Zootecnici, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 48, 40127 Bologna, Italy. luca.fontanesi@unibo.it
Researchers mapped European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) copy number variations (CNVs) for the first time. This genome map reveals CNVs impacting numerous genes, offering new insights into rabbit biology and genetics.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Comparative Genomics
- Animal Genetics
Background:
- The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) holds significant importance across diverse fields, including agriculture, pet ownership, biomedical research, and pest control.
- Advancements in rabbit genome sequencing provide novel opportunities for in-depth genomic studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct the first comprehensive copy number variation (CNV) genome map for the European rabbit.
- To identify and characterize CNVs across the Oryctolagus cuniculus genome.
Main Methods:
- Array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) was employed to analyze the European rabbit genome.
- Identification and mapping of copy number variation regions (CNVRs) were performed using the OryCun2.0 genome assembly.
Main Results:
- A total of 155 copy number variation regions (CNVRs) were identified, encompassing approximately 0.3% of the rabbit genome.
- These CNVRs included 95 regions of gain, 59 regions of loss, and 1 region with both.
- Approximately 50% of the identified CNVRs overlapped with 139 protein-coding genes, including Major Histocompatibility Complex genes, with 277 associated gene ontology terms.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first genome-wide map of copy number variations in the European rabbit.
- The identified CNVs potentially harbor functional significance and warrant further investigation into their biological roles.
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Comparing Copy Number Variations and SNPs
Copy number variations or CNVs are the structural variations that cover more than 1kb of DNA sequence. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), on the other hand, is a single nucleotide change or a point mutation that is found in more than 1%...
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
DNA Microarrays
Genome Copying Errors

