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The dwindling wildlife species of our planet have become a cause célèbre for conservation groups, governments, and concerned citizens throughout the world. The application of powerful new genetic technologies to surviving populations of threatened mammals has revolutionized our ability to recognize hidden perils that afflict them. We have learned new lessons of survival, adaptation, and evolution from viewing the natural history of genomes in hundreds of detailed studies. A single case history of one species, the African cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus, is here reviewed to reveal a long-term story of conservation challenges and action informed by genetic discoveries and insights. A synthesis of 3 decades of data, interpretation, and controversy, capped by whole genome sequence analysis of cheetahs, provides a compelling tale of conservation relevance and action to protect this species and other threatened wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White-spotting patterns in mammals can be caused by mutations in the gene KIT, whose protein is necessary for the normal migration and survival of melanocytes from the neural crest. The alpaca (Vicugna pacos) blue-eyed white (BEW) phenotype is characterized by 2 blue eyes and a solid white coat over the whole body. Breeders hypothesize that the BEW phenotype in alpacas is caused by the combination of the gene causing gray fleece and a white-spotting gene. We performed an association study using KIT flanking and intragenic markers with 40 unrelated alpacas, of which 17 were BEW. Two microsatellite alleles at KIT-related markers were significantly associated (P < 0.0001) with the BEW phenotype (bew1 and bew2). In a larger cohort of 171 related individuals, we identify an abundance of an allele (bew1) in gray animals and the occurrence of bew2 homozygotes that are solid white with pigmented eyes. Association tests accounting for population structure and familial relatedness are consistent with a proposed model where these alleles are in linkage disequilibrium with a mutation or mutations that contribute to the BEW phenotype and to individual differences in fleece color. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Y chromosome haplotyping based on microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has proved to be a powerful tool for population genetic studies of humans. However, the promise of the approach is hampered in the majority of nonhuman mammals by the lack of Y-specific polymorphic markers. We were able to identify new male-specific polymorphisms in the domestic cat Felis catus and 6 additional Felidae species with a combination of molecular genetic and cytogenetic approaches including 1) identifying domestic cat male-specific microsatellites from markers generated from a male cat microsatellite-enriched genomic library, a flow-sorted Y cosmid library, or a Y-specific cat bacteria artificial chromosome (BAC) clone, (2) constructing microsatellite-enriched libraries from flow-sorted Y chromosomes isolated directly from focal wildcat species, and (3) screening Y chromosome conserved anchored tagged sequences primers in Felidae species. Forty-one male-specific microsatellites were identified, but only 6 were single-copy loci, consistent with the repetitive nature of the Y chromosome. Nucleotide diversity (π) of Y-linked intron sequences (2.1 kbp) was in the range of 0 (tiger) to 9.95 x 10-4 (marbled cat), and the number of SNPs ranged from none in the tiger to 7 in the Asian leopard cat. The Y haplotyping system described here, consisting of 4 introns (SMCY3, SMCY7, UTY11, and DBY7) and 1 polymorphic microsatellite (SMCY-STR), represents the first available markers for tracking intraspecific male lineage polymorphisms in Felidae species and promises to provide significant insights to evolutionary and population genetic studies of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Y chromosome haplotyping based on microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has proved to be a powerful tool for population genetic studies of humans. However, the promise of the approach is hampered in the majority of nonhuman mammals by the lack of Y-specific polymorphic markers. We were able to identify new male-specific polymorphisms in the domestic cat Felis catus and 6 additional Felidae species with a combination of molecular genetic and cytogenetic approaches including 1) identifying domestic cat male-specific microsatellites from markers generated from a male cat microsatellite-enriched genomic library, a flow-sorted Y cosmid library, or a Y-specific cat bacteria artificial chromosome (BAC) clone, (2) constructing microsatellite-enriched libraries from flow-sorted Y chromosomes isolated directly from focal wildcat species, and (3) screening Y chromosome conserved anchored tagged sequences primers in Felidae species. Forty-one male-specific microsatellites were identified, but only 6 were single-copy loci, consistent with the repetitive nature of the Y chromosome. Nucleotide diversity (π) of Y-linked intron sequences (2.1 kbp) was in the range of 0 (tiger) to 9.95 × 10−4 (marbled cat), and the number of SNPs ranged from none in the tiger to 7 in the Asian leopard cat. The Y haplotyping system described here, consisting of 4 introns (SMCY3, SMCY7, UTY11, and DBY7) and 1 polymorphic microsatellite (SMCY-STR), represents the first available markers for tracking intraspecific male lineage polymorphisms in Felidae species and promises to provide significant insights to evolutionary and population genetic studies of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The increased availability of quality genomic data has greatly improved the scope and resolution of our understanding of the recent evolutionary history of wild species adapted to extreme environments and their susceptibility to anthropogenic impacts. The guanaco (Lama guanicoe), the largest wild ungulate in South America, is a good example. The guanaco is well adapted to a wide range of habitats, including the Sechura Desert, the high Andes Mountains to the north, and the extreme temperatures and conditions of Navarino Island to the south. Guanacos also have a long history of overexploitation by humans. To assess the evolutionary impact of these challenging habitats on the genomic diversity, we analyzed 38 genomes (∼10 to 16×) throughout their extensive latitudinal distribution from the Sechura and Atacama Desert to southward into Tierra del Fuego Island. These included analyses of patterns of unique differentiation in the north and geographic region further south with admixture among L. g. cacsilensis and L. g. guanicoe. Our findings provide new insights on the divergence of the subspecies ∼800,000 yr BP and document two divergent demographic trajectories and to the initial expansion of guanaco into the more southern portions of the Atacama Desert. Patagonian guanacos have experienced contemporary reductions in effective population sizes, likely the consequence of anthropogenic impacts. The lowest levels of genetic diversity corresponded to their northern and western limits of distribution and some varying degrees of genetic differentiation. Adaptive genomic diversity was strongly linked with environmental variables and was linked with colonization toward the south followed by adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the role of body size in the diets of sympatric gray and culpeo foxes. Comparison of differences in the use of prey with the availability of prey; Determination of prey selection; Index of similarity between the species; Evidence in the differences of the feeding habits between gray and culpeo foxes.

The article offers information on alpaca, one of seven camelids that are found in some of the world's most arid ecosystems. Topics discussed include the increasing practice of alpaca husbandry and the emerging camelid genomic tools. Also mentioned is the second Camelid Genetics and Reproductive Biotechnologies meeting that was held on September 16-18, 2011 in anticipation of the completion of the alpaca genome.

The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) narrowly avoided extinction to become an oft-cited example of the benefits of intensive management, research, and collaboration to save a species through ex situ conservation breeding and reintroduction into its former range. However, the species remains at risk due to possible inbreeding, disease susceptibility, and multiple fertility challenges. Here, we report the de novo genome assembly of a male black-footed ferret generated through a combination of linked-read sequencing, optical mapping, and Hi-C proximity ligation. In addition, we report the karyotype for this species, which was used to anchor and assign chromosome numbers to the chromosome-length scaffolds. The draft assembly was ~2.5 Gb in length, with 95.6% of it anchored to 19 chromosome-length scaffolds, corresponding to the 2n = 38 chromosomes revealed by the karyotype. The assembly has contig and scaffold N50 values of 148.8 kbp and 145.4 Mbp, respectively, and is up to 96% complete based on BUSCO analyses. Annotation of the assembly, including evidence from RNA-seq data, identified 21,406 protein-coding genes and a repeat content of 37.35%. Phylogenomic analyses indicated that the black-footed ferret diverged from the European polecat/domestic ferret lineage 1.6 million yr ago. This assembly will enable research on the conservation genomics of black-footed ferrets and thereby aid in the further restoration of this endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the highlights of the President's Symposium of the American Genetic Association (AGA) held in Guanajuato, Mexico from July 23 to 26, 2011. The theme focuses on genomics and biodiversity with topics including the reconstruction of the population history of Latin America, advances in the study of maize, and epigenetics of flowers. Resource speakers from various academies include Robert Wayne, Joshua Der and Rachel Mueller.

The Atlantic Iberian brown trout is at the southwestern limit of its distribution. At this ecological edge, which was once a glacial refugia, anadromy becomes less common as increased water temperatures restricted populations closer to the headwaters. We examined 847 individuals from 20 populations from throughout this region and assessed spatial genetic structure using 11 protein and four microsatellite loci. The higher levels of heterozygosity and allelic diversity north of the southernmost limit of anadromy (SLA), as well as an isolation-by-distance model of population structure, likely influenced by the anadromous forms, suggest that more stable demographic conditions existed over time in this region. Populations south of the SLA were highly differentiated given the restricted size of the area (protein FST = 0.16 in the north and 0.63 in the south of the SLA; microsatellite FST = 0.18 in the north and 0.70 in the south of the SLA). The low levels of heterozygosity and the pattern of southward allele depletion in resident populations is indicative of fragmentation, caused by stressful ecological conditions that reduced the anadromy (restricting gene flow) and the effective population sizes (higher genetic drift), which, in combination, dramatically decreased within-population genetic variation and increased among-population genetic variation. The higher gene diversity north of the SLA does not reflect ancestry but rather the signature of a population size expansion, as evidence suggest the persistence of older populations (with several private alleles) south of the SLA. These data support a scenario that demonstrates how contemporary events (critical ecological conditions) can moderate historical influences, suggesting that careful interpretation of the evolutionary history of glacial refugia is necessary, especially where populations persisted for a long time but not always with optimal ecological conditions. These peripheral populations are of high conservation value and should be preserved to help conserve the future potential of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demography and spatial patterns of free-ranging American mink were documented by continuous year-round trapping and radiotracking along 24 km of the River Thames in England, United Kingdom. An estimated average of 7.19 ± 0.58 SE minks per month were present between May 1995 and August 1997. Kit and juvenile paternity was assessed using 7 microsatellite markers and we observed evidence that multiple paternity occurred in this population. Although males maintained territories during most of the year, they sired litters in areas beyond their territory boundaries. We suggest that a male's inability to monopolize paternity, along with a female's ability to continue ovulation after successful matings (i.e., superfetation) explains why males abandon territoriality during the breeding season. We suggest that the main function of a brief delayed implantation of this species may be to enable female mink to retain superfetation, which facilitates the fertilization of ova from different ovulations by different males. This mink model, consisting of disarticulating residency from fatherhood and the possibility of superfetation, may occur more widely among related species and requires a re-evaluation of mustelid sociobiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typical avian eyes are phenotypically engineered for photopic vision (daylight). In contrast, the highly derived eyes of the barn owl (Tyto alba) are adapted for scotopic vision (dim light). The dramatic modifications distinguishing barn owl eyes from other birds include: 1) shifts in frontal orientation to improve binocularity, 2) rod-dominated retina, and 3) enlarged corneas and lenses. Some of thesefeaturesparallelmammalianeyepatterns,whicharehypothesizedtohaveinitiallyevolvedinnocturnalenvironments.Here,we used an integrative approach combining phylogenomics and functional phenotypes of 211 eye-development genes across 48 avian genomesrepresentingmostavianorders,includingthestemlineageofthescotopic-adaptedbarnowl.Overall,weidentified25eyedevelopment genes that coevolved under intensified or relaxed selection in the retina, lens, cornea, and optic nerves of the barn owl. The agtpbp1 gene, which is associated with the survival of photoreceptor populations, was pseudogenized in the barn owl genome. Our results further revealed that barn owl retinal genes responsible for the maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation of photoreceptors experienced an evolutionary relaxation. Signatures of relaxed selection were also observed in the lens and cornea morphology-associated genes, suggesting that adaptive evolution in these structures was essentially structural. Four eyedevelopment genes (ephb1, phactr4, prph2, and rs1) evolved in positive association with the orbit convergence in birds and under relaxedselectioninthebarnowllineage,likelycontributingtoanincreasedrelianceonbinocularvisioninthebarnowl.Moreover,we found evidence of coevolutionary interactions among genes that are expressed in the retina, lens, and optic nerve, suggesting synergetic adaptive events. Our study disentangles the genomic changes governing the binocularity and low-light perception adaptations of barn owls to nocturnal environments while revealing the molecular mechanisms contributing to the shift from the typical avian photopic vision to the more-novel scotopic-adapted eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pangolins, considered the most-trafficked mammals on Earth, are rapidly heading to extinction. Eight extant species of these African and Asian scale-bodied anteaters are commonly recognized, but their evolutionary relationships remain largely unexplored. Here, we present the most comprehensive phylogenetic assessment of pangolins, based on genetic variation of complete mitogenomes and 9 nuclear genes. We confirm deep divergence among Asian and African pangolins occurring not later than the Oligocene-Miocene boundary ca. 23 million years ago (Ma) (95% HPD = 18.7-27.2), limited fossil evidence suggesting dispersals from Europe. We recognize 3 genera including Manis (Asian pangolins), Smutsia (large African pangolins), and Phataginus (small African pangolins), which first diversified in the Middle-Upper Miocene (9.8-13.3 Ma) through a period of gradual cooling coinciding with a worldwide taxonomic diversification among mammals. Based on large mitogenomic distances among the 3 genera (18.3-22.8%) and numerous (18) morphological traits unique to Phataginus, we propose the subfamily Phatagininae subfam. nov. to designate small African pangolins. In contrast with the morphological-based literature, our results establish that the thick-tailed pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is sister-species of the Sunda (Manis javanica) and Palawan (Manis culionensis) pangolins. Mitogenomic phylogenetic delineations supported additional pangolin species subdivisions (n = 13), including 6 African common pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) lineages, but these patterns were not fully supported by our multi-locus approach. Finally, we identified more than 5000 informative mitogenomic sites and diagnostic variation from 5 nuclear genes among all species and lineages of pangolins, providing an important resource for further research and for effectively tracing the worldwide pangolin trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diverse group of genes are involved in the tooth development of mammals. Several studies, focused mainly on mice and rats, have provided a detailed depiction of the processes coordinating tooth formation and shape. Here we surveyed 236 tooth-associated genes in 39 mammalian genomes and tested for signatures of selection to assess patterns of molecular adaptation in genes regulating mammalian dentition. Of the 236 genes, 31 (~13.1 %) showed strong signatures of positive selection that may be responsible for the phenotypic diversity observed in mammalian dentition. Mammalian-specific tooth-associated genes had accelerated mutation rates compared with older genes found across all vertebrates. More recently evolved genes had fewer interactions (either genetic or physical), were associated with fewer Gene Ontology terms and had faster evolutionary rates compared with older genes. The introns of these positively selected genes also exhibited accelerated evolutionary rates, which may reflect additional adaptive pressure in the intronic regions that are associated with regulatory processes that influence tooth-gene networks. The positively selected genes were mainly involved in processes like mineralization and structural organization of tooth specific tissues such as enamel and dentin. Of the 236 analyzed genes, 12 mammalian-specific genes (younger genes) provided insights on diversification of mammalian teeth as they have higher evolutionary rates and exhibit different expression profiles compared with older genes. Our results suggest that the evolution and development of mammalian dentition occurred in part through positive selection acting on genes that previously had other functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily defends organisms from endogenous and noxious environmental compounds, and thus is crucial for survival. However, beyond mammals the molecular evolution of CYP2 subfamilies is poorly understood. Here, we characterized the CYP2 family across 48 avian whole genomes representing all major extant bird clades. Overall, 12 CYP2 subfamilies were identified, including thefirst description of the CYP2F, CYP2G, and several CYP2AF genes in avian genomes. Some of the CYP2 genes previously described as being lineage-specific, such as CYP2K and CYP2W, are ubiquitous to all avian groups. Furthermore, we identified a large number of CYP2J copies, which have been associated previously with water reabsorption. We detected positive selection in the avian CYP2C, CYP2D, CYP2H, CYP2J, CYP2K, and CYP2AC subfamilies. Moreover, we identified new substrate recognition sites (SRS0, SRS2_SRS3, and SRS3.1) and heme binding areas that influence CYP2 structure and function of functional importance as under significant positive selection. Some of the positively selected sites in avian CYP2D are located within the same SRS1 region that was previously linked with the metabolism of plant toxins. Additionally, we find that selective constraint variations in some avian CYP2 subfamilies are consistently associated with different feeding habits (CYP2H and CYP2J), habitats (CYP2D, CYP2H, CYP2J, and CYP2K), and migratory behaviors (CYP2D, CYP2H, and CYP2J). Overall, our findings indicate that there has been active enzyme site selection on CYP2 subfamilies and differential selection associated with different life history traits among birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pangolins (order Pholidota) are the only mammals covered by scales. We have recently sequenced and analyzed the genomes of two critically endangered Asian pangolin species, namely the Malayan pangolin (Manis javanica) and the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla). These complete genome sequences will serve as reference sequences for future research to address issues of species conservation and to advance knowledge in mammalian biology and evolution. To further facilitate the global research effort in pangolin biology, we developed the Pangolin Genome Database (PGD), as a future hub for hosting pangolin genomic and transcriptomic data and annotations, andwith useful analysis tools for the research community. Currently, the PGD provides the reference pangolin genome and transcriptome data, gene sequences and functional information, expressed transcripts, pseudogenes, genomic variations, organ-specific expression data and other useful annotations. We anticipate that the PGD will be an invaluable platform for researchers who are interested in pangolin andmammalian research. We will continue updating this hub by including more data, annotation and analysis tools particularly from our research consortium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landscape fragmentation is often a major cause of species extinction as it can affect a wide variety of ecological processes. The impact of fragmentation varies among species depending on many factors, including their life-history traits and dispersal abilities. Felids are one of the groups most threatened by fragmented landscapes because of their large home ranges, territorial behavior, and low population densities. Here, we model the impacts of habitat fragmentation on patterns of genetic diversity in the guigna (Leopardus guigna), a small felid that is closely associated with the heavily human-impacted temperate rainforests of southern South America. We assessed genetic variation in 1798 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA sequences, 15 microsatellite loci, and 2 sex chromosome genes and estimated genetic diversity, kinship, inbreeding, and dispersal in 38 individuals from landscapes with differing degrees of fragmentation on Chiloé Island in southern Chile. Increased fragmentation was associated with reduced genetic diversity, but not with increased kinship or inbreeding. However, in fragmented landscapes, there was a weaker negative correlation between pairwise kinship and geographic distance, suggesting increased dispersal distances. These results highlight the importance of biological corridors to maximize connectivity in fragmented landscapes and contribute to our understanding of the broader genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation, especially for forest-specialist carnivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landscape fragmentation is often a major cause of species extinction as it can affect a wide variety of ecological processes. The impact of fragmentation varies among species depending on many factors, including their life-history traits and dispersal abilities. Felids are one of the groups most threatened by fragmented landscapes because of their large home ranges, territorial behavior, and low population densities. Here, we model the impacts of habitat fragmentation on patterns of genetic diversity in the guigna (Leopardus guigna), a small felid that is closely associated with the heavily human-impacted temperate rainforests of southern South America. We assessed genetic variation in 1798 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA sequences, 15 microsatellite loci, and 2 sex chromosome genes and estimated genetic diversity, kinship, inbreeding, and dispersal in 38 individuals from landscapes with differing degrees of fragmentation on Chiloé Island in southern Chile. Increased fragmentation was associated with reduced genetic diversity, but not with increased kinship or inbreeding. However, in fragmented landscapes, there was a weaker negative correlation between pairwise kinship and geographic distance, suggesting increased dispersal distances. These results highlight the importance of biological corridors to maximize connectivity in fragmented landscapes and contribute to our understanding of the broader genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation, especially for forest-specialist carnivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytogenetic chromosome maps offer molecular tools for genome analysis and clinical cytogenetics and are of particular importance for species with difficult karyotypes, such as camelids (2n = 74). Building on the available human–camel zoo-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) data, we developed the first cytogenetic map for the alpaca (Lama pacos, LPA) genome by isolating and identifying 151 alpaca bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones corresponding to 44 specific genes. The genes were mapped by FISH to 31 alpaca autosomes and the sex chromosomes; 11 chromosomes had 2 markers, which were ordered by dual-color FISH. The STS gene mapped to Xpter/Ypter, demarcating the pseudoautosomal region, whereas no markers were assigned to chromosomes 14, 21, 22, 28, and 36. The chromosome-specific markers were applied in clinical cytogenetics to identify LPA20, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-carrying chromosome, as a part of an autosomal translocation in a sterile male llama (Lama glama, LGL; 2n = 73,XY). FISH with LPAX BACs and LPA36 paints, as well as comparative genomic hybridization, were also used to investigate the origin of the minute chromosome, an abnormally small LPA36 in infertile female alpacas. This collection of cytogenetically mapped markers represents a new tool for camelid clinical cytogenetics and has applications for the improvement of the alpaca genome map and sequence assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The extent to which taste receptor specificity correlates with, or even predicts, diet choice is not known. We recently reported that the insensitivity to sweeteners shown by species of Felidae can be explained by their lacking of a functional Tas1r2 gene. To broaden our understanding of the relationship between the structure of the sweet receptors and preference for sugars and artificial sweeteners, we measured responses to 12 sweeteners in 6 species of Carnivora and sequenced the coding regions of Tas1r2 in these same or closely related species. The lion showed no preference for any of the 12 sweet compounds tested, and it possesses the pseudogenized Tas1r2. All other species preferred some of the natural sugars, and their Tas1r2 sequences, having complete open reading frames, predict functional sweet receptors. in addition to preferring natural sugars, the lesser panda also preferred 3 (neotame, sucralose, and aspartame) of the 6 artificial sweeteners. Heretofore, it had been reported that among vertebrates, only Old World simians could taste aspartame. The observation that the lesser panda highly preferred aspartame could be an example of evolutionary convergence in the identification of sweet stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent and geographic patterns of molecular genetic diversity of the largest remaining free-ranging cheetah population were described in a survey of 313 individuals from throughout Namibia. Levels of relatedness, including paternity/maternity (parentage), were assessed across all individuals using 19 polymorphic microsatellite loci, and unrelated cheetahs (n = 89) from 7 regions were genotyped at 38 loci to document broad geographical patterns. There was limited differentiation among regions, evidence that this is a generally panmictic population. Measures of genetic variation were similar among all regions and were comparable with Eastern African cheetah populations. Parentage analyses confirmed several observations based on field studies, including 21 of 23 previously hypothesized family groups, 40 probable parent/offspring pairs, and 8 sibling groups. These results also verified the successful integration and reproduction of several cheetahs following natural dispersal or translocation. Animals within social groups (family groups, male coalitions, or sibling groups) were generally related. Within the main study area, radio-collared female cheetahs were more closely interrelated than similarly compared males, a pattern consistent with greater male dispersal. The long-term maintenance of current patterns of genetic variation in Namibia depends on retaining habitat characteristics that promote natural dispersal and gene flow of cheetahs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translocation of mtDNA into the nuclear genome, also referred to as numt, was first reported in the domestic cat (Felis catus) by Lopez et al. (1994). The Lopez-numt consisted of a translocation of 7.9 kbp of mtDNA that inserted into the domestic cat chromosome D2 around 1.8 million years ago. More than a decade later, the release of the domestic cat whole-genome shotgun sequences (1.9 x coverage) provides the resource to obtain more comprehensive insight into the extent of mtDNA transfer over time in the domestic cat genome. MegaBLAST searches revealed that the cat genome harbors a wide variety of numts (298 320 bp), one-third of which likely correspond to the Lopez-numt tandem repeat, whereas the remaining numts are probably derived from multiple independent insertions, which in some cases were followed by segmental duplication after insertion in the nucleus. Numts were detected across most cat chromosomes, but the number of numts assigned to chromosomes is underestimated due to the relatively high number of numt sequences with insufficient flanking sequence to map. The catalog of cat numts provides a valuable resource for future studies in Felidae species, including its use as a tool to avoid numt contaminations that may confound population genetics and phylogenetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translocation of mtDNA into the nuclear genome, also referred to as numt, was first reported in the domestic cat (Felis catus) by Lopez et al. (1994). The Lopez-numt consisted of a translocation of 7.9 kbp of mtDNA that inserted into the domestic cat chromosome D2 around 1.8 million years ago. More than a decade later, the release of the domestic cat whole-genome shotgun sequences (1.9× coverage) provides the resource to obtain more comprehensive insight into the extent of mtDNA transfer over time in the domestic cat genome. MegaBLAST searches revealed that the cat genome harbors a wide variety of numts (298 320 bp), one-third of which likely correspond to the Lopez-numt tandem repeat, whereas the remaining numts are probably derived from multiple independent insertions, which in some cases were followed by segmental duplication after insertion in the nucleus. Numts were detected across most cat chromosomes, but the number of numts assigned to chromosomes is underestimated due to the relatively high number of numt sequences with insufficient flanking sequence to map. The catalog of cat numts provides a valuable resource for future studies in Felidae species, including its use as a tool to avoid numt contaminations that may confound population genetics and phylogenetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]