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January 2013Volume 3 Issue 1 Spotlights in Genomics / News from BGI / Research Highlight
www.genomics.cn
Chinese Scientists Decode the First Genome Sequence of Chinese Plum, Providing Important Resource for Fruit ImprovementA Chinese research team, led by Beijing Forestry University, BGI, Beijing Lin Fu Ke Yuan Flowers Co., Ltd, and other institutes, has completed the first genomic sequence of Prunus mume, known as mei. This work is extremely important for the deeper understanding of Rosaceae evolution and provides an invaluable resource for the improvement of fruit trees. The latest study was published online in Nature Communication. More
BGI Reports the First Genome Sequence of Domestic Goat, Setting a Good Example for Facilitating de novo Assembly of Large GenomesIn a collaborative study published online in Nature Biotechnology, researchers from Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, BGI, and other institutes, have completed the first genome sequence of domestic goat by a robust approach integrated with next-generation sequencing (NGS) and whole-genome mapping (WGM) technologies. The goat genome is the first reference genome for small ruminant animals and may help to advance the understanding of distinct ruminants’ genomic features from non-ruminant species. More
BGI Reports the New Findings Reveal Blood Pressure Dugs may Treat Chronic PainAn international team, comprised King’s College London, Pfizer, BGI and other organizations, has explored the genetic variation related with pain sensitivity in the normal population, revealing some existing discovery that treatments for high blood pressure may also be used to treat chronic pain in the future. The latest study was published online in the international journal PLoS Genetics. More
BGI Reports the Findings between De novo Germline Mutation and Autism A study published online in Cell reports the latest investigation of de novo germline mutation by whole genome sequencing in autism patients. This study provides a global view of the landscape of mutability and its influence on genetic diversity and susceptibility in autism, and its implications on other human diseases. The work was a collaborative effort led by international teams comprised of the University of California, San Diego, BGI, and other institutes. More
BGI Reports Genomic Breakthroughs for Bat Biology, Providing New Insights into the Evolution of Flight and ImmunityBGI announces the online publication in Science of the latest findings through genomic analysis of two distantly related bat species, the Black flying fox (Pteropus alecto) and David’s Myotis (Myotis davidii). The work here provides new insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying the evolution of flight and immunity of bats, and also opens the way for addressing major gaps into understanding of bat biology and provides new directions for future research. More
Chinese Scientists Discover Evidence of Giant Panda’s Population History and Local Adaptation by Whole Genome ResequencingA research team, led by Institute of Zoology of Chinese Academy of Sciences and BGI, has successfully reconstructed a continuous population history of the giant panda from its origin to the present. The findings suggested whereas global changes in climate were the primary drivers in panda population fluctuation for millions of years, human activities were likely to underlie recent population divergence and serious decline. This work reveals a good example for assessing and establishing the best conservation method for other endangered species. The latest study was published online in Nature Genetics. More
Asian Young Researchers to Advance Computational and Omics BiologyThe 6th Asian Young Researchers Conference on Computational and Omics Biology (AYRCOB) is composed of six organizing countries and districts, including Australia, China, Singapore, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The two-day conference provides a good opportunity for young researchers to exchange views on scientific knowledge and promote the future international collaboration on computational and systems biology. More
The 2012 ISCB-Asia/SCCG Conference to Advance Computational Biology and Biomedical InformaticsThe 2012 ISCB-Asia/SCCG, a joint-event of ISCB-Asia 2012 and the Shenzhen Conference on Computational Genomics (SCCG), is co-organized by International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) and BGI. The three-day conference brings together prominent researchers, global industry luminaries and university students from the fields of computational biology, biomedical informatics, and genomics. It also provides an excellent platform for better exchanging ideas and discussing cutting-edge advances on computational biology and biomedical informatics. More
The First Shenzhen International Biotech Innovation Forum & Expo to Promote Bio-industry Chain DevelopmentThe first Shenzhen International Biotech Innovation Forum & Expo (SIBIFE), co-organized by Shenzhen Municipal people’s Government, China Medicinal Biotechnology Association and BGI, is being held from December 13 to December 15 at Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. The conference features invited presentations by prominent researchers, global industry luminaries and top policy makers, in addition to over 100 exhibitors from the areas of biological science, biological technologies, biological medicine and healthcare. More
The Workshop on Translational Science of Mendelian Disorders to Advance Trans-omics ApplicationThe workshop on translational science of Mendelian Disorders was successfully conducted at Una Hotel Tocq, Milan, Italy. Around 150 researchers, scientists and representatives from BGI, China National GeneBank, University of Naples Federico II, University of Bologna, Embassy of China in Italy and other institutes and organizations, attended the meeting and exchanged their latest advances and insights on Mendelian disorders research. More
Nature named BGI Executive Director Jun Wang “People Who Mattered This Year”December 20,2012, Nature announced Ten People Who Mattered This Year.Thirty-six-year-old BGI Executive Director Jun Wang is on the list and also the only Chinese. BGI has gained the global recognition on its influence in basic research. In 2012, BGI has made great efforts in translating genomics science into real-world applications. More
China (Mainland) BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen, 518083, ChinaTel: 400-706-6615 +86-755-2527-3620 Email: [email protected] www.genomics.cn
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Japan(Kobe)BGI Japan, Kobe KIMEC Center BLDG. 8F, 1-5-2 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, KobeCity, Hyogo-pref. 650-0047, JAPANTel: +81-78-599-6108 Email: [email protected] www.bgisequence.com/jp/
Coming Up Events Coming Up Events Coming Up Events Coming Up Events Coming Up Events Coming Up Events Coming Up Events Coming Up Events Coming Up Events Coming Up Events Coming Up Events Coming Up Events Coming Up Events Hosted by BGI
PAG Asia 2013 March 17-19th, 2013, Singapore Learn More
HGM 2013 and 21st International Congress of GeneticsApril 13-18th, 2013, Singapore Learn More
2013 International Conference on Genomics in EuropeJune 25-28th, 2013, Ghent, Belgium Learn More
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Bat Genome Gives Insight Into Flight and Disease Resistance
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image source：http://www.weather.com.cn/climate/qhbhyw/08/371097.shtml
Human Health & Medicine
1. Cadaver Stem Cells Offer New Hope of Life After Death More
2. New Insight Into Cell Development and Cancer More
3. Mimicking a Natural Defense Against Malaria to Develop New Treatments More
4. Enzyme Accelerates Malignant Stem Cell Cloning in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia More
5. Immune System Changes May Drive Aggressiveness Of Recurrent Tumors More
6. Study Suggests Gene Variation May Shape Bladder Cancer Treatment More
7. Genetic Sequencing Breakthrough to Aid Treatment for Congenital Hyperinsulinism More
8. Genetic Clues to Insulin Production: Genomic Analysis Method Helps Track Genetic Contributors Relevant to Diabetes More
Pharma & Biotech
1. Stroke Drug Kills Bacteria That Cause Ulcers and Tuberculosis More
2. New Class of Malaria Drugs Using Essential Calcium Enzyme Developed More
3. Statin Drug Shows Promise For Fighting Malaria Effects More
4. NIH-funded Trial Launched to Assess Experimental TB Drug More
5. Drug May Offer New Approach to Treating Insomnia More
6. Ultrasound Diagnoses Appendicitis Without X-Rays More
7. Automated Design for Drug Discovery More
8. Real-time Outbreak Sequencing More
Plants & Animals
1. Top Genomes of 2012 More
2. 2 New Species of Orchid Found in Cuba More
3. New Genetics Project Could Help Save the Ash Tree More
4. Blades and Clades: Why Some Grasses Got Better Photosynthesis More
5. Chinese Medicine Yields Secrets: Atomic Mechanism of Two-Headed Molecule Derived from Chang Shan, a Traditional Chinese Herb More
6. Discovery May Pave Way to Genetically Enhanced Biofuel Crops More
7. 'Gold Standard' Cotton Genome Sequenced More
8. Doing the Math for How Songbirds Learn to Sing More
Bats, as a group, are often characterized as creepy, disease-carrying, and even blood-sucking animals as often depicted in horror movies. They are reservoirs for a number of dangerous viruses that often prove deadly to humans and animals following infection, such as Ebola, Marburg, SARS, Hendra, Nipah, and many others. A breakthrough that will lead to understanding how bats carry very deadly viruses without getting sick has been published in Science by an international team of researchers who completed the first whole bat genome sequencing.
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Bats are a member of Pegasoferae, and it diverged from the Equus (horse) lineage approximately 88 million years ago (MYA). The incongruence between nuclear and mitochondrial trees may reflect rapid evolution of the mitochondrial genome of the bat ancestor during the evolution of flight.
Many genes in the DNA damage checkpoint/DNA repair pathway of the bat ancestor was expansion, which is relate to minimizing/repairing the negative effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated as a consequence of flight.
Examining the genes associated with the innate immune system of bats, the study found c-REL was positively selected gene,as well as KLRs and KIRs were entirely absent in the Black flying fox and reduced to a single Ly49 pseudogene in David’s Myotis.
The digestive enzyme RNASE4 in David’s Myotis may be involved in virus resistance, but the gene has acquired a frame-shift mutation in Black flying fox. It relates to the fact that David’s Myotis is insectivorous, and Black flying fox feeds on fruits, flowers and nectar.
Six candidate genes related to hibernation showing positive selection in David’s Myotis relative to non-hibernators, and seven genes related with echolocation had significantly higher dN/dS in the echolocating David’s Myotis branch relative to non-echolocating branches.
Research highlights in this study:
Guojie Zhang, Christopher Cowled, et al. Comparative Analysis of Bat Genomes Provides Insight
into the Evolution of Flight and Immunity,Science DOI: 10.1126/science.1230835
Microbe
1. Scientists Sequence Genome of Pathogen Responsible for Pneumocystis Pneumonia More
2. Blame Bacteria if You Start Putting on Weight More
3. Even In Same Vineyard, Different Microbes May Create Variations In Wine Grapes More
4. Lethal Weapon: Bacteria's High-Risk Suicide Strategy More
5. Microevolutionary Analysis of Clostridium Difficile Genomes to Investigate Transmission More
6. Production of 5-Aminovaleric and Glutaric Acid by Metabolically Engineered Microorganism More
7. A Giant Puzzle With Billions of Pieces More
8. Microevolutionary Analysis of Clostridium Difficile Genomes to Investigate Transmission More
