Comprehensive genome assembly reveals genetic diversity and carcass consumption insights in critically endangered Asian king vultures
Issued Date
2024-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
20452322
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85191260059
Journal Title
Scientific Reports
Volume
14
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Scientific Reports Vol.14 No.1 (2024)
Suggested Citation
Buthasane W., Shotelersuk V., Chetruengchai W., Srichomthong C., Assawapitaksakul A., Tangphatsornruang S., Pootakham W., Sonthirod C., Tongsima S., Wangkumhang P., Wilantho A., Thongphakdee A., Sanannu S., Poksawat C., Nipanunt T., Kasorndorkbua C., Koepfli K.P., Pukazhenthi B.S., Suriyaphol P., Wongsurawat T., Jenjaroenpun P., Suriyaphol G. Comprehensive genome assembly reveals genetic diversity and carcass consumption insights in critically endangered Asian king vultures. Scientific Reports Vol.14 No.1 (2024). doi:10.1038/s41598-024-59990-9 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/98186
Title
Comprehensive genome assembly reveals genetic diversity and carcass consumption insights in critically endangered Asian king vultures
Author(s)
Buthasane W.
Shotelersuk V.
Chetruengchai W.
Srichomthong C.
Assawapitaksakul A.
Tangphatsornruang S.
Pootakham W.
Sonthirod C.
Tongsima S.
Wangkumhang P.
Wilantho A.
Thongphakdee A.
Sanannu S.
Poksawat C.
Nipanunt T.
Kasorndorkbua C.
Koepfli K.P.
Pukazhenthi B.S.
Suriyaphol P.
Wongsurawat T.
Jenjaroenpun P.
Suriyaphol G.
Shotelersuk V.
Chetruengchai W.
Srichomthong C.
Assawapitaksakul A.
Tangphatsornruang S.
Pootakham W.
Sonthirod C.
Tongsima S.
Wangkumhang P.
Wilantho A.
Thongphakdee A.
Sanannu S.
Poksawat C.
Nipanunt T.
Kasorndorkbua C.
Koepfli K.P.
Pukazhenthi B.S.
Suriyaphol P.
Wongsurawat T.
Jenjaroenpun P.
Suriyaphol G.
Author's Affiliation
Siriraj Hospital
Zoological Park Organization, Bangkok
Chulalongkorn University
Conservation and Research Center (National Zoo)
King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital
Kasetsart University
George Mason University
Thailand National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Zoological Park Organization, Bangkok
Chulalongkorn University
Conservation and Research Center (National Zoo)
King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital
Kasetsart University
George Mason University
Thailand National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
The Asian king vulture (AKV), a vital forest scavenger, is facing globally critical endangerment. This study aimed to construct a reference genome to unveil the mechanisms underlying its scavenger abilities and to assess the genetic relatedness of the captive population in Thailand. A reference genome of a female AKV was assembled from sequencing reads obtained from both PacBio long-read and MGI short-read sequencing platforms. Comparative genomics with New World vultures (NWVs) and other birds in the Family Accipitridae revealed unique gene families in AKV associated with retroviral genome integration and feather keratin, contrasting with NWVs’ genes related to olfactory reception. Expanded gene families in AKV were linked to inflammatory response, iron regulation and spermatogenesis. Positively selected genes included those associated with anti-apoptosis, immune response and muscle cell development, shedding light on adaptations for carcass consumption and high-altitude soaring. Using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq)-based genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genetic relatedness and inbreeding status of five captive AKVs were determined, revealing high genomic inbreeding in two females. In conclusion, the AKV reference genome was established, providing insights into its unique characteristics. Additionally, the potential of RADseq-based genome-wide SNPs for selecting AKV breeders was demonstrated.