Transposable elements shape the landscape of heterozygous structural variation in a bird genome.

ABSTRACT: Avian genomes exhibit compact organization and remarkable chromosomal stability. However, the extent and mechanisms by which structural variation in avian genomes differ from those in other vertebrate lineages are poorly explored. This study generated a diploid genome assembly for the golden pheasant ( Chrysolophus pictus), a species distinguished by the vibrant plumage of males. Each haploid genome assembly included complete chromosomal models, incorporating all microchromosomes. Analysis revealed extensive tandem amplification of immune-related genes across the smallest microchromosomes (dot chromosomes), with an average copy number of 54. Structural variation between the haploid genomes was primarily shaped by large insertions and deletions (indels), with minimal contributions fr

SUBMITTER: Li BP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11891004 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature