Genome empowerment for the Puerto Rican parrot – <it>Amazona vittata</it>

• Main Author: O’Brien Stephen J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 2012-09-01
• Series: GigaScience
• Subjects: Puerto Rican parrot; Whole-genome sequencing; Genomics; Conservation; Education; Funding
• Online Access: http://www.gigasciencejournal.com/content/1/1/13

<p>Abstract</p> <p>A unique community-funded project in Puerto Rico has launched whole-genome sequencing of the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot (<it>Amazona vittata</it>), with interpretation by genome bioinformaticians and students, and deposition into public online databases. This is the first article that focuses on the whole genome of a parrot species, one endemic to the USA and recently threatened with extinction. It provides invaluable conservation tools and a vivid example of hopeful prospects for future genome assessment of so many new species. It also demonstrates inventive ways for smaller institutions to contribute to a field largely considered the domain of large sequencing centers.</p>