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Tissue Collection of Bats for -Omics Analyses and Primary Cell Culture
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Six reference-quality genomes reveal evolution of bat adaptations
David Jebb1,2,3, Zixia Huang4, Martin Pippel1,3
1Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.
Nature
|July 24, 2020
Summary
Reference-quality genomes reveal bat flight, echolocation, and immunity adaptations. These genomic resources illuminate the evolution of unique bat traits and offer insights relevant to human health.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Bats exhibit remarkable adaptations like flight, echolocation, longevity, and unique immunity.
- Understanding the genetic basis of these traits is crucial for evolutionary studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate high-quality reference genomes for six bat species.
- To elucidate the molecular and evolutionary underpinnings of bat adaptations.
Main Methods:
- Long-read sequencing and advanced scaffolding techniques.
- Integrated gene annotation using TOGA software and transcriptomics.
- Phylogenetic analyses of genomic regions to determine bat evolutionary placement.
- Genome-wide screens for selection, gene loss/expansion, and microRNA variation.
Main Results:
- Generated reference-quality genomes for six bat species.
- Resolved bat phylogeny, placing them basally within Scrotifera.
- Identified positive selection on hearing genes, suggesting ancestral echolocation.
- Found evidence of selection on immunity genes and expansion of antiviral APOBEC3 genes.
- Documented genomic viral integrations indicating historical viral tolerance.
- Validated bat-specific microRNA variations.
Conclusions:
- Reference-quality bat genomes provide essential resources for studying adaptation.
- Genomic insights reveal molecular mechanisms behind bat immunity and echolocation.
- These findings stimulate research relevant to human health and disease.
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