Recent successes and growth of the 99 Lives Cat Genome Sequencing Initiative

The 99 Lives cat whole genome sequencing initiative is a research community-based project that will sequence the genome of 99 or more cats in order to: 1) Improve coverage of the cat genome, 2) Improve future assemblies of the cat genome, 3) Identify normal and abnormal genetic variation, 4) Identify causative mutations for specific health concerns, 5) Allow veterinary hospitals to provide individual genome sequencing for cats for state of the art health care (similar to the developing standard of care for humans). Currently, illumina HiSeq 100 bp paired end sequencing reads is supported by the project. Sequencing is performed from two PCR-free libraries per cat of 350 bp and 550 bp for at least 15X coverage; 20X coverage for standard libraries. Contributors must provide the sequencing details for each genome. Maverix Biomics is based in San Mateo, CA. The will align the reads to the cat genome Felis_catus-6.2 sequence and will use FreeBayes to call SNPs. The cat reads and SNPs are overlaid onto a UCSC type browser for easy viewing of the data. Data tables can be accessed that provide the identified SNPs in specific genes, regions, chromosomes, or the entire genome. Maverix will provide a cumulative analysis of the variant calls for all cats after large groups or specific milestones (20, 40, 60, 80 and 99) of new cat genomes have been added to the database. Once a genome dataset is transferred to Maverix and funds accepted, the contributor will be given access to the website for the 99 Lives cat genome data. The Lyons Laboratory may be able to subsidize some data contributions. Contributors are expected to provide the basic signalment of the cats when possible, such as gender, breed, place of origin, and coat color. All cats are welcome, including exotic and wild felids. Over 20 cats are already available in the dataset with promises of over 30 additional cats.