Cats Genome as a Potential Model for Human Disease

The 99 Lives Cat Genome Sequencing Consortium was initiated in 2014 and has now reached its goal of over 100 high-quality genomes from domestic cats. Over 90% of genomes are 30x coverage, with a minimum of 20x coverage, and produced using only 100 – 150 bp paired-end reads from PCR-free libraries using Illumina HiSeq sequencing technology. The genome dataset is comprised of 114 domestic cats, including at least 22 breeds, a representative from the ten racial populations of cats, four parent-offspring trios, and a few affected sib-pairs. Over 20 investigators have contributed sequences to the consortium, as well as three industry partners. Funding has been provided by various contributors for each investigator, the Winn Feline Foundation, the National Geographic Foundation, and industry. Nearly 50% of wild felid species are represented within the dataset including cats from the domestic cat, leopard cat, puma, lynx, caracal, and panthera lineages. The 99 Lives dataset has led to the discover of DNA variants likely causal for congenita Myasthenic syndrome, progressive retinal atrophy, bobtailed tail, and a novel form of Niemann-Pick Type C in domestic cats, and a retinal degeneration in Black-footed cats and as well as several other traits that are yet unpublished. The dataset has allowed the identification of a vast array of variants in the cat genome that can support the development of a high-density DNA array. Goals are to include at least one representative from each cat breed and species, and to continue variant discovery for diseases and traits in the felids.