About the Project
 Image source: Wikimedia |
The BCM-HGSC is sequencing the genome of the Megabat (Malayan flying fox, Pteropus vampyrus).
The low-coverage (2x) Sanger sequence was published as a part of the 29 mammals project (Nature).
The megabat sequencing project initially planned to sequence for 2x WGS of Cynopterus, but after discussion with NHGRI and bat researchers (Emma Teeling, Mark Springer, Allyson Walsh, and Dana LeBlanc), the plan was revised to sequence P. vampyrus.
The high quality draft genome sequence upgraded by BCM-HGSC using the Illumina technology is being prepared for publication.
The Pteropus vampyrus bat is one of the most well-studied megabats, and is a model for infectious disease research as it is a host for the Hendra and Nipah viruses which can be fatal to humans.
Tissue samples for the project were kindly provided by Dr. Allyson Walsh and Dana LeBlanc at the Lubee Bat Conservancy. DNA was extracted from frozen kidney tissue from a deceased female bat named Shadow. Whole genome shotgun libraries were prepared, and sequencing for the project is currently underway.
The project is funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI).