The admixed brushtail possum genome reveals invasion history in New Zealand and novel imprinted genes.

ABSTRACT: Combining genome assembly with population and functional genomics can provide valuable insights to development and evolution, as well as tools for species management. Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), a model marsupial threatened in parts of their native range in Australia, but also a major introduced pest in New Zealand. Functional genomics reveals post-natal activation of chemosensory and metabolic genes, reflecting unique adaptations to altricial birth and delayed weaning, a hallmark of marsupial development. Nuclear and mitochondrial analyses trace New Zealand possums to distinct Australian subspecies, which have subsequently hybridised. This admixture allowed phasing of parental alleles genome-wide, ultimately r

SUBMITTER: Bond DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10582058 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature