Genome sequence of an Australian kangaroo, Macropus eugenii, provides insight into the evolution of mammalian reproduction and development.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We present the genome sequence of the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii, which is a member of the kangaroo family and the first representative of the iconic hopping mammals that symbolize Australia to be sequenced. The tammar has many unusual biological characteristics, including the longest period of embryonic diapause of any mammal, extremely synchronized seasonal breeding and prolonged and sophisticated lactation within a well-defined pouch. Like other marsupials, it gives birth to highly altricial young, and has a small number of very large chromosomes, making it a valuable model for genomics, reproduction and development.

Results

The genome has been sequenced to 2 × coverage using Sanger sequencing, enhanced with additional next generation sequencing and the i

SUBMITTER: Renfree MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3277949 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature