The genome of the last wild horse species sequenced

June 14 () –

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have successfully mapped the entire genome of the Przewalski’s horse, also known as Mongolian wild horse or takhi.

The species was once extinct in the wild and now has a population of around 2,000 animals thanks to conservation efforts. It is considered the last species of truly wild horse that survives today.

The study, published in the journal G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, was led by Nicole Flack and Lauren Hughes, researchers in the School of Veterinary Medicine, along with Christopher Faulk, professor in the School of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences. University of Minnesota students contributed to genome sequencing through Faulk’s animal science course.

“The genome is the basic blueprint of an animal and tells us what makes a species unique and also tells us about the health of a population,” Faulk said. it’s a statement. “My students worked together to produce the highest quality Przewalski’s horse genome in the world.”

Researchers can now use this as a tool to make accurate predictions about what genetic mutations mean for Przewalski’s horse health and conservation.

“Studying genes without a good reference is like putting together a 3 billion-piece puzzle without the picture on the box,” Flack said. “Przewalski’s horse researchers studying mutations in an important gene “They need a good reference image to compare their puzzle to.”

The researchers used a blood sample from Varuschka, a 10-year-old Przewalski mare at the Minnesota Zoo, to construct a representative map of the species’ genes. The Zoo has long been active in breeding and handling Przewalski horses, with more than 50 foals born since the 1970s.

“We were excited to partner with the University of Minnesota to preserve the genetic health of the species as its populations continue to recover, both in zoos and in the wild,” said Anne Rivas, doctor of veterinary medicine at the Minnesota Zoo. “We are delighted to offer our community the opportunity to see the horse as a result of our conservation efforts.

The cutting-edge sequencing technology used to build the genome uses a small machine about the size of a soda can. Its portability means that this method could be adapted for deeper studies of wild Przewalski’s horses in remote locations.

Future applications of the reference genome may include the study of genes that help the horse adapt to environmental changesidentifying mutations associated with specific traits or diseases and making future breeding decisions to help improve genetic diversity.

Given the extreme population bottleneck that occurred during the near-extinction of the Przewalski’s horse, such understanding is crucial to continuing breeding efforts.