Transcriptome resequencing data for rock pigeon (Columba livia)

Area of Science:

• * Ornithology
• * Genetics
• * Neuroscience

Background:

• * Bird navigation is a complex phenomenon.
• * The genetic basis of pigeon homing remains poorly understood.
• * Key brain regions involved in navigation require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To investigate the genetic mechanisms underlying pigeon navigation.
• * To analyze RNA sequencing data from various pigeon breeds.
• * To explore the role of the hippocampus and GSR in magnetoreception.

Main Methods:

• * Whole transcriptome sequencing of 60 samples from racing homer, Shiraz tumblers, feral pigeons, and Persian high flyers.
• * RNA extraction from optic lobe, olfactory bulb, hippocampus, and cere.
• * Paired-end sequencing using Illumina Hiseq 2000, generating approximately 342.1 Gbp of data.

Main Results:

• * RNA sequencing data generated for multiple pigeon breeds.
• * Data deposited in NCBI SRA database (PRJNA532674).
• * Potential to reveal insights into the hippocampus' role and GSR contribution to magnetoreception.

Conclusions:

• * The generated dataset offers a valuable resource for studying pigeon navigation.
• * Further analysis can elucidate the genetic underpinnings of magnetoreception.
• * This research may unlock new understanding of avian navigational abilities.