Genome map for rare bird finished
Source: Xinhua |
April 16, 2011, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
CHINESE scientists have sequenced the genome of the crested ibis, an achievement which may aid efforts to protect the endangered bird, researchers said yesterday at a press conference in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province.
By understanding the genetic make-up of the rare crested ibis, researchers may be able to explain the species' low birth rate and high mortality rate, said Li Shengbin, a scientist with Xi'an Jiaotong University.
Researchers from the university and the Beijing Genomics Institute in Shenzhen, China's flagship genome center, sequenced DNA that was separated from 1.5 milliliters of blood taken from a two-year-old bird. They found that the crested ibis genome contains about 1.37 billion base pairs, about half of what is found in the human genome.
They also compared the crested ibis genome with that of the egret, a bird that lives in the same habitat but is far more fertile, Li said.
"The whole process is complicated, and we need to establish the complete nucleotide sequence of the genome," he said. "It was like making a sweater out of a messy pile of wool."
Wang Jian, president of Beijing Genomics Institute, said the sequencing was precise and up to international standards.
"The map is a basis for further genome research that will ultimately decode the mysteries of the low fertility rate of crested ibises," Wang said.
He said researchers would collect DNA samples from more crested ibises for genetic and evolutionary studies before coming to any conclusion.
The DNA mapping of the crested ibis is part of the BGI's 1,000 plant and animal reference genome project launched in January 2010 that has also sequenced genomes of rare species like the giant panda and Tibetan antelope.
By 2012, BGI hopes to establish one of the world's most comprehensive genome databases.
The crested ibis is the fourth bird genome to be sequenced after the chicken, zebra finch and turkey.
The rare species is found in China, Japan, Russia and North Korea. It is considered a symbol of good luck in China. As of last year, China's crested ibis population had reached 1,617, including 997 in the wild and 620 raised in captivity, the State Forestry Administration said.
By understanding the genetic make-up of the rare crested ibis, researchers may be able to explain the species' low birth rate and high mortality rate, said Li Shengbin, a scientist with Xi'an Jiaotong University.
Researchers from the university and the Beijing Genomics Institute in Shenzhen, China's flagship genome center, sequenced DNA that was separated from 1.5 milliliters of blood taken from a two-year-old bird. They found that the crested ibis genome contains about 1.37 billion base pairs, about half of what is found in the human genome.
They also compared the crested ibis genome with that of the egret, a bird that lives in the same habitat but is far more fertile, Li said.
"The whole process is complicated, and we need to establish the complete nucleotide sequence of the genome," he said. "It was like making a sweater out of a messy pile of wool."
Wang Jian, president of Beijing Genomics Institute, said the sequencing was precise and up to international standards.
"The map is a basis for further genome research that will ultimately decode the mysteries of the low fertility rate of crested ibises," Wang said.
He said researchers would collect DNA samples from more crested ibises for genetic and evolutionary studies before coming to any conclusion.
The DNA mapping of the crested ibis is part of the BGI's 1,000 plant and animal reference genome project launched in January 2010 that has also sequenced genomes of rare species like the giant panda and Tibetan antelope.
By 2012, BGI hopes to establish one of the world's most comprehensive genome databases.
The crested ibis is the fourth bird genome to be sequenced after the chicken, zebra finch and turkey.
The rare species is found in China, Japan, Russia and North Korea. It is considered a symbol of good luck in China. As of last year, China's crested ibis population had reached 1,617, including 997 in the wild and 620 raised in captivity, the State Forestry Administration said.
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