Browsing by Author "Montague, M. J."

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Open Access
Building and improving reference genome assemblies
(IEEE, 2017-01) Steinberg, K. M.; Schneider, V. A.; Alkan, Can; Montague, M. J.; Warren, W. C.; Church, D. M.; Wilson, R. K.
A genome sequence assembly provides the foundation for studies of genotypic and phenotypic variation, genome structure, and evolution of the target organism. In the past four decades, there has been a surge of new sequencing technologies, and with these developments, computational scientists have developed new algorithms to improve genome assembly. Here we discuss the relationship between sequencing technology improvements and assembly algorithm development and how these are applied to extend and improve human and nonhuman genome assemblies. © 1963-2012 IEEE.
Open Access
Comparative analysis of the domestic cat genome reveals genetic signatures underlying feline biology and domestication
(Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2014-12-02) Montague, M. J.; Li, G.; Gandolfi, B.; Khan, R.; Aken, B. L.; Marques Bonet, T.; Alkan C.; Thomas, G. W. C.; Warren, W. C.; Searle, S. M. J.; Minx, M.; Hilliera, LaDeana W.; Koboldt, D. C.; Davis, B. W.; Driscoll, C. A.; Barr, C. S.; Blackistone, K.; Quilez, J.; Lorente-Galdos, B.; Marques Bonet, T.; Hahnj, M. W.; Menotti-Raymond, M.; O’Brien, S. J.; Wilson, R. K.; Lyons, L. A.; Murphy, W. J.
Little is known about the genetic changes that distinguish domestic cat populations from their wild progenitors. Here we describe a high-quality domestic cat reference genome assembly and comparative inferences made with other cat breeds, wildcats, and other mammals. Based upon these comparisons, we identified positively selected genes enriched for genes involved in lipid metabolism that underpin adaptations to a hypercarnivorous diet. We also found positive selection signals within genes underlying sensory processes, especially those affecting vision and hearing in the carnivore lineage. We observed an evolutionary tradeoff between functional olfactory and vomeronasal receptor gene repertoires in the cat and dog genomes, with an expansion of the feline chemosensory system for detecting pheromones at the expense of odorant detection. Genomic regions harboring signatures of natural selection that distinguish domestic cats from their wild congeners are enriched in neural crest-related genes associated with behavior and reward in mouse models, as predicted by the domestication syndrome hypothesis. Our description of a previously unidentified allele for the gloving pigmentation pattern found in the Birman breed supports the hypothesis that cat breeds experienced strong selection on specific mutations drawn from random bred populations. Collectively, these findings provide insight into how the process of domestication altered the ancestral wildcat genome and build a resource for future disease mapping and phylogenomic studies across all members of the Felidae.