About the Project
The HGSC is sequencing the genome of the Megabat, Pteropus vampyrus (Malayan flying fox).
The megabat is one of 24 animals whose genome will be sequenced to 2x coverage for comparative genomic studies. 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 two-fold coverage WGS sequencing is scheduled for 2006.
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).
Access to the Data
All sequence reads are deposited in the NCBI trace archive as they are produced. Assemblies of contigs and scaffolds, as well as Blast access to the data will be made available here and at the relevant public databases as soon as they are produced.
Resources
Low-Coverage Mammalian Genome Project
Photo by Allyson Walsh, Lubee Bat Conservancy