For the first time, the entire genome of Asiatic lion, an endangered
species, has been sequenced by scientists from CSIR-Centre for Cellular
and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad.
De novo sequencing and
annotation have resulted in a draft assembly of the entire genome of a
male Asiatic lion. “This firsthand information would help us to better
understand the evolution of Asiatic lions and also make possible
comparative analysis with other big cats,” says Dr. Ajay Gaur, the lead
author of the study, which was recently published online in BioRxiv, the
pre-print website.
Comparitive study
With the
complete genome of royal Bengal tiger, African Cheetah and Jaguar
available, comparative studies of all these big cats would be possible.
He said only partial genomic information of the African lion was
available now. Comparative genomics between African and Asiatic lions
could be undertaken once the complete genome of the African lion is
sequenced.
The population of the endangered Asiatic lion is very
low — only 523 animals are present in the Gir forests. The genome
sequencing would enable scientists to develop specific markers to study
population
genetics (the
differences at the gene level within a population) and get newer
insights into its population status and subsequent management.
Comparative
analysis with other felids and mammalian genomes unravelled the
evolutionary history of the Asiatic lion and its position among other
felids. The study noted that the evaluation of genetic diversity placed
the Asiatic lion in the lowest bracket of genomic diversity index
highlighting the gravity of its conservation status.
The genome is estimated to be 2.3 Gb (Gigabase) long and is found to have 20,543 protein-coding genes.
Multi-pronged approach
Dr.
Gaur says that they found several candidate genes which are
up-regulated in Asiatic lion and a few of them were specific to males.
As
regards the crucial aspect of conservation of Asiatic lions, he says
there is a need to adopt a multi-pronged approach and the study will
enable better disease and population management of the endangered big
cat by identifying characteristics which are specific to Asiatic lions.
CCMB
Director, Dr. Rakesh Mishra says candidate genes which are specific to
Asiatic lion can be identified by comparing with other big cats. The
final objective is to understand the species at DNA level and study if
there are any specific problems with regard to adaptability to
environment or behaviour vis-à-vis other big cats.
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/ccmb-scientists-sequence-asiatic-lion-genome/article27103990.ece
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