| Summary: | Genome models have almost unlimited potential for understanding the biology and origins of disease. Efforts on the human genome have resulted in significant advances in human medicine and understanding of human biology. Similarly, recent efforts have resulted in the completion of a high‐quality, sequence‐based assembly of the genome of the domestic dog ( Canis lupus familiaris ). Though comprehensive, the canine genome assembly, based solely on sequence data, may have misassembled contigs and scaffolds in addition to having multiple gaps in it (more than 3000 sequences are still unanchored to the assembly). We are validating the current genome assembly and incorporating orphaned sequences into the dog genome assembly by using next generation mapping technology to create a structural map based on detection of fluorescent tags in ultra‐long molecules of DNA. The original sequence of the canine genome was based on a purebred boxer named Tasha. Accordingly, we selected three closely related boxers (a dame and two sibling offspring) to produce optical maps as similar to each other and Tasha as possible for maximum resolution. Ultra‐high molecular weight DNA from these three individuals was labeled at BspQ1 sites and imaged in nanochannels designed to contain single DNA molecules. Whole genome restriction maps were produced by overlap layout consensus for comparison to the CanFam3.1 assembly. Our results lay the groundwork for improving the canine genome assembly and for developing this technology as a potential tool for identifying significant chromosomal alterations that are associated with disease in dogs. Support or Funding Information This work was supported by a grant from Morris Animal Foundation.
|
|---|