99 Lives Cat Sequencing - nearly half way there!

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 have been utilized for the project. Sequencing was performed from two PCR-free libraries per cat of 350 bp and 550 bp inserts for at least 15X coverage; 20X coverage for standard libraries. Maverix Biomics, based in San Mateo, CA, provides analytic services and database resources for the project. As part of the service, Maverix performs full quality control analysis, and aligns reads to the cat genome (Felis_catus-6.2) sequence, using FreeBayes to call SNPs. Cat reads and SNPs are overlaid onto a UCSC-type cat genome browser for easy viewing of the data. In addition, interactive variant data tables contain SNPs and indels and can be filtered by specific genes or regions, genic effect or phenotype-specific allele frequency. Maverix also provides a cumulative analysis of the variant calls for all cats in the project 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 analysis service purchased, the contributor will be given access to the website for the complete 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.