The European Reference Genome Atlas initiative, or ERGA for short, seeks to produce reference genomes of species found in Europe. The initiative was announced in the latest issue of Nature.
ERGA’s mission is to produce high-quality reference genomes of eukaryotic species in Europe. The initiative will also increase understanding of European biodiversity, as it is estimated that about one fifth of Europe’s around 200,000 species are at risk of extinction.
Researchers from the Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland are involved in the initiative. The first Finnish genome to be mapped as part of the initiative is the genome of a mountain hare from Ilomantsi, eastern Finland. According to Research Director and genetics specialist Jaakko Pohjoismäki, the genome of the mountain hare, to be published later this year, will become the international standard for the species.
When it comes to the genome of the mountain hare, researchers are particularly interested in the hybridisation of the mountain hare with the brown hare. However, genome mapping will also benefit the conservation of endangered populations of the species, and it will enhance understanding of the species’ ability to adapt to climate change.
“Thanks to advances in DNA sequencing methods, the order of base pairs in an organism’s DNA can nowadays be easily identified. Typically, however, sequenced DNA is very fragmented, and we don’t necessarily know from which chromosome a certain sequence originates. Reference genomes, on the other hand, are assembled to correspond the whole chromosomes, and their genetic content is examined as well. This could be compared to reading a book in a random order of pages, or by reading it from front to cover. Both ways contain the same information, but one is definitely more usable. In the future, any piece of sequence data, even if fragmented, can be compiled and its content identified by comparing it with the existing reference genome, which speeds up and enhances research,” Pohjoismäki says.
The ERGA community strives for increasingly efficient production of reference genomes by developing and sharing data and research methods. This work undertaken researchers will enhance and extend the use of genomic data for biodiversity protection and restoration.
ERGA’s work is guided by adherence to the international FAIR and CARE principles pertaining to transparency and ethics in scientific research, as well as by the prioritisation of threatened biodiversity. Reference genomes are sought to be produced with balanced taxonomic, geographical and habitat representation in mind.
Further information on the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) initiative can be found at: https://www.erga-biodiversity.eu/. Nature article and ERGA community members.
