Decoding house sparrow genome unveils insight into avian evolution
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Varanasi/Prayagraj: For the first time, a team of researchers from Manipal University Jaipur,
Banaras Hindu University
, the Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata and other leading institutions achieved a significant milestone in avian genomics by successfully sequencing and assembling the whole genome of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus).
This high-quality genome assembly identified 24,152 genes and offers a vital resource for understanding the evolutionary biology, adaptation and population dynamics of passerines, a diverse group of birds that includes the house sparrow. This study was published in the Giga Byte, Giga Science journal.
Co-led by Prof Prashanth Suravajhala of Manipal University and Prof Gyaneshwer Chaubey of BHU, the study utilised advanced sequencing technologies and a robust genomic workflow to produce a 922 MB reference genome.
The assembly, comprising 268,193 contig bases, revealed significant genetic similarities to the genomes of the chicken (Gallus gallus) and zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata).
The team also performed functional annotations, identifying key genes related to circadian rhythms, immune responses, and oxygen transport, shedding light on the house sparrow's adaptability to diverse environments.
The house sparrow, a globally distributed species, experienced alarming population declines, with studies reporting up to an 89% drop in urban areas like Paris and over 70% in Indian cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Factors such as urbanisation, habitat loss and environmental changes have been implicated in these declines. This new genomic resource provides a foundation for investigating the genetic underpinnings of these declines, including the Allee effect, where low population densities impact individual fitness.
The first author of this study, Dr Vikas Kumar, senior scientist from ZSI Kolkata, said that the phylogenetic analysis indicates that the house sparrow shares a common ancestor with the Eurasian tree sparrow and Saxaul sparrow, diverging approximately 4.4 million years ago.
These findings enhance understanding of avian phylogenetics and evolutionary timelines.
"This genome assembly is a treasure trove for researchers studying avian evolution, adaptation, and conservation. By decoding the genetic blueprint of the house sparrow, we can better understand how these birds adapt to changing environments and inform conservation strategies to protect this iconic species," said Prof.
Suravajhala.
Prof Gyaneshwer Chaubey said, "The Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genome analyses in passerines that we performed serve as a powerful tool for understanding avian evolution and diversity. We exploited this by analysing mtDNA, where we could infer evolutionary relationships, thereby understanding avian ancestry."
The research, supported by the Department of Forestry, govts of Rajasthan and India, and the Birla Institute of Scientific Research, is a collaborative effort involving equal contributions from Vikas Kumar, Gopesh Sharma, Sankalp Sharma, Samvrutha Prasad, Shailesh Desai, and others.
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