Chromosome-level genome assembly for the Aldabra giant tortoise enables insights into the genetic health of a threatened population.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) is one of only two giant tortoise species left in the world. The species is endemic to Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles and is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List (v2.3) due to its limited distribution and threats posed by climate change. Genomic resources for A. gigantea are lacking, hampering conservation efforts for both wild and ex situpopulations. A high-quality genome would also open avenues to investigate the genetic basis of the species' exceptionally long life span.

Findings

We produced the first chromosome-level de novo genome assembly of A. gigantea using PacBio High-Fidelity sequencing and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture. We produced a 2.37-Gb

SUBMITTER: Cilingir FG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9553416 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature