Filling in Remaining Gaps in the Cat Genome Assembly

During the past decade, increasingly detailed genetic maps of the cat genome have led to the discovery of causative genetic mutations for breed-specific feline diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy, an eye disorder leading to blindness, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common heart disease in cats. Researchers will fill in critical remaining gaps in the current cat genome assembly that include gaps associated with the cat’s immune system. A comprehensive, highly accurate feline genome sequence will improve the research community’s ability to identify more mutations for simple and complex diseases and traits in breed and non-breed domestic cats.