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[Newsletter No.29] Complete Genome Sequencing of Thalasseus bernsteini Achieved by Korean Research Teams
CBD-CHM Newsletter Vol. 29
Complete Genome Sequencing of Thalasseus bernsteini Achieved by Korean Research Teams
The Honam National Institute of Biological Resources (HNIBR) and the National Institute of Ecology (NIE) have successfully completed the genome sequencing of Thalasseus bernsteini designated as a globally endangered species and Class I endangered wildlife.
Thalasseus bernsteini ― Critically Endangered (CR)1) on the IUCN Red List ― is one of the world's rarest seabirds with an estimated global population of only about 100 individuals in the uninhabited islands of Korea, China, and Taiwan. The Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea designated the species as a Class I endangered wildlife in 2022.
The NIE first confirmed the species' breeding in 2016 on the uninhabited island of Yuksando in Yeonggwang, Jeollanam-do province, and has conducted a decade-long ecological study of the population in Korea.
In July 2024, the HNIBR and NIE launched a project on the Whole-Genome Sequencing to identify the species' ecological and genetic characteristics. The research team successfully assembled approximately 1.17 billion base pairs into a complete chromosome-level genome.
Genome analysis is to decode the full DNA sequence of an organism and provides essential data for biological research and biodiversity conservation.
Based on the newly sequenced genome, researchers analyzed the DNA sequence of Thalasseus bernsteini in Korea and discovered alarmingly low genetic diversity2) with only about 5 differences found per 10,000 base pairs.
The level of genetic diversity is lower than that of other globally endangered species such as the giant panda (12 differences per 10,000 base pairs) and the crane (17 differences per 10,000 based pairs). This indicates a small population size and possibility of inbreeding.
1)
Critically Endangered (CR): The highest risk category assigned by the IUCN Red List before extinction in the wild. It indicates a species faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future.
2)
Genetic diversity refers to the quantifiable indicator used to assess the extent of variation in DNA sequences between individuals.
