Sequencing the genome of the Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) as a model for studying extreme adaptations in snakes

Abstract

The Consortium for Snake Genomics is in the process of sequencing the genome and creating transcriptomic resources for the Burmese python. Here, we describe how this will be done, what analyses this work will include, and provide a timeline.

Figure 1

Phylogenetic tree of major amniote vertebrate lineages. Approximate divergence times are indicated. The turtle lineage is not included, and the placement of that lineage on this tree is controversial.

Figure 2

Repetitive elements in the Burmese python genome. The estimated proportion of the Burmese python genome sequence occupied by different repetitive elements (including the largest category, 'unannotated') is indicated. Results are based on genomic sample-sequencing using 454 genomic shotgun libraries, and identification of known and de novo repeat elements within these data was performed as reported in [27]. LINE, long interspersed element; LTR, long terminal repeat; SINE, short interspersed element.