Development and Application of Potentially Universal Microsatellite Markers for Pheasant Species.

Pheasants are widely distributed in the southwest of China, but many of them are endangered due to habitat fragmentation and environmental changes. Genetic diversity is crucial for species to maintain their evolutionary potential, and thus it is important to develop universal genetic markers for facilitating the assessment of genetic diversity and planning effective conservation actions in these endangered species. In this study, 471 microsatellite loci which are common among eight pheasant species were screened based on genome data, and 119 loci were selected to develop microsatellite markers.

Comparative Analysis of Olfactory Receptor Repertoires Sheds Light on the Diet Adaptation of the Bamboo-Eating Giant Panda Based on the Chromosome-Level Genome.

The giant panda () is the epitome of a flagship species for wildlife conservation and also an ideal model of adaptive evolution. As an obligate bamboo feeder, the giant panda relies on the olfaction for food recognition. The number of olfactory receptor (OR) genes and the rate of pseudogenes are the main factors affecting the olfactory ability of animals.

The draft genome of the Tibetan partridge (Perdix hodgsoniae) provides insights into its phylogenetic position and high-altitude adaptation.

The Tibetan partridge (Perdix hodgsoniae) is a widely distributed endemic species in high-altitude areas across the Tibetan Plateau where the hypoxia, lower temperature and high ultraviolet radiation are pivotal factors influencing survival. However, the underlying genetic adaptation of the Tibetan partridge to extreme environments remains uncertain due to limited genomic resources. Similarly, the phylogenetic position of Perdix within Phasianidae remains controversial due to lacking information.

Whole genome bisulfite sequencing reveals DNA methylation roles in the adaptive response of wildness training giant pandas to wild environment.

DNA methylation modification can regulate gene expression without changing the genome sequence, which helps organisms to rapidly adapt to new environments. However, few studies have been reported in non-model mammals. Giant panda () is a flagship species for global biodiversity conservation.

Chromosome-level Genome Assembly of the High-altitude Leopard (Panthera pardus) Sheds Light on Its Environmental Adaptation.

The leopard (Panthera pardus) has the largest natural distribution from low- to high-altitude areas of any wild felid species, but recent studies have revealed that leopards have disappeared from large areas, probably owing to poaching, a decline of prey species, and habitat degradation. Here, we reported the chromosome-scale genome assembly of the high-altitude leopard (HL) based on nanopore sequencing and high-throughput chromatin conformation capture (Hi-C) technology. Panthera genomes revealed similar repeat composition, and there was an appreciably conserved synteny between HL and the other two Panthera genomes.