The admixed brushtail possum genome reveals invasion history in New Zealand and novel imprinted genes

Donna M. Bond, Oscar Ortega-Recalde, Melanie K. Laird, Takashi Hayakawa, Kyle S. Richardson, Finlay.C. B. Reese, Bruce Kyle, Brooke E. McIsaac-Williams, Bruce C. Robertson, Yolanda Heezik, Amy L. Adams, Wei-Shan Chang, Bettina Haase, Jacquelyn Mountcastle, Maximilian Driller, Joanna Collins, Kerstin Howe, Yasuhiro Go, Francoise Thibaud-Nissen, Nicholas C. Lister, Paul D. Waters, Olivier Fedrigo, Erich D. Jarvis, Neil J. Gemmell, Alana Alexander and Timothy A. Hore ()
Additional contact information
Donna M. Bond: University of Otago
Oscar Ortega-Recalde: University of Otago
Melanie K. Laird: University of Otago
Takashi Hayakawa: Hokkaido University
Kyle S. Richardson: University of Otago
Finlay.C. B. Reese: University of Otago
Bruce Kyle: University of Otago
Brooke E. McIsaac-Williams: University of Otago
Bruce C. Robertson: University of Otago
Yolanda Heezik: University of Otago
Amy L. Adams: University of Otago
Wei-Shan Chang: The University of Sydney
Bettina Haase: The Rockefeller University
Jacquelyn Mountcastle: The Rockefeller University
Maximilian Driller: Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research
Joanna Collins: Wellcome Sanger Institute
Kerstin Howe: Wellcome Sanger Institute
Yasuhiro Go: Hyogo University
Francoise Thibaud-Nissen: National Institutes of Health
Nicholas C. Lister: UNSW Sydney
Paul D. Waters: UNSW Sydney
Olivier Fedrigo: The Rockefeller University
Erich D. Jarvis: The Rockefeller University
Neil J. Gemmell: University of Otago
Alana Alexander: University of Otago
Timothy A. Hore: University of Otago

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-17

Abstract: Abstract Combining genome assembly with population and functional genomics can provide valuable insights to development and evolution, as well as tools for species management. Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), a model marsupial threatened in parts of their native range in Australia, but also a major introduced pest in New Zealand. Functional genomics reveals post-natal activation of chemosensory and metabolic genes, reflecting unique adaptations to altricial birth and delayed weaning, a hallmark of marsupial development. Nuclear and mitochondrial analyses trace New Zealand possums to distinct Australian subspecies, which have subsequently hybridised. This admixture allowed phasing of parental alleles genome-wide, ultimately revealing at least four genes with imprinted, parent-specific expression not yet detected in other species (MLH1, EPM2AIP1, UBP1 and GPX7). We find that reprogramming of possum germline imprints, and the wider epigenome, is similar to eutherian mammals except onset occurs after birth. Together, this work is useful for genetic-based control and conservation of possums, and contributes to understanding of the evolution of novel mammalian epigenetic traits.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41784-8

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