The complete genome sequence of the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer). (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Glanzmann, Brigitte; Möller, Marlo; le Roex, Nikki; Tromp, Gerard; Hoal, Eileen; van Helden, Paul
• Is Part Of: BMC genomics. Volume 17:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 7
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Genome assembly -- Syncerus caffer -- Bos taurus -- Genetic diversity; Genomes -- Periodicals; Gene mapping -- Periodicals; Genomics -- Periodicals; Base Sequence -- Periodicals; Chromosome Mapping -- Periodicals; Genetic Techniques -- Periodicals; Sequence Analysis, DNA -- Periodicals; 572.8605
• DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-3364-0
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-2164

Abstract

Abstract Background The African buffalo(Syncerus caffer) is an important role player in the savannah ecosystem. It has become a species of relevance because of its role as a wildlife maintenance host for an array of infectious and zoonotic diseases some of which include corridor disease, foot-and-mouth disease and bovine tuberculosis. To date, no complete genome sequence forS. caffer had been available for study and the genomes of other species such as the domestic cow(Bos taurus) had been used as a proxy for any genetics analysis conducted on this species. Here, the high coverage genome sequence of the African buffalo(S. caffer) is presented. Results A total of 19, 765 genes were predicted and 19, 296 genes could be successfully annotated toS. caffer while 469 genes remained unannotated. Moreover, in order to extend a detailed annotation ofS. caffer, gene clusters were constructed using twelve additional mammalian genomes. TheS. caffer genome contains 10, 988 gene clusters, of which 62 are shared exclusively betweenB. taurus andS. caffer . Conclusions This study provides a unique genomic perspective for theS. caffer, allowing for the identification of novel variants that may play a role in the natural history and physiological adaptations.