Bat1K
Bat1K is an international scientific consortium launched in 2017 with the mission of sequencing the genomes of all living bat species- approximately 1,450 - to produce high-quality, chromosome-level assemblies. This large-scale effort aims to uncover the genetic basis of bats' unique adaptations, including powered flight, echolocation, extraordinary longevity, and robust immune responses. The project also provides crucial data for evolutionary studies, conservation strategies, and biomedical research.
History
Bat1K was co-founded by:Emma Teeling Sonja VernesSince its inception, the consortium has expanded significantly and now includes approximately 550 members, comprising bat biologists, genome scientists, computational researchers, and conservationists from around the world.
Key collaborating institutions include:
- University College Dublin
- University of St Andrews
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
- The Wellcome Sanger Institute
- Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
- Stony Brook University
- Texas Tech University
- EarthBio Genome Project
- European Reference Genome Atlas
- Vertebrate Genome Project
- Sanger Darwin Tree of Life Project
Applications
Several research areas could be furthered by documenting bat genomes. These include healthy ageing, disease resistance, ecosystem function and ecosystem services, sensory perception, communication, limb development, and mammal genome structure.The Bat1K consortium is structured into multiple specialized working groups, each focusing on a different aspect of bat genomics research:Non-coding DNA, miRNAs, and Genome EvolutionSensory Perception, Echolocation, and Vocal LearningConservation and EcologyLongevity and AgingMitochondrial Group Immunity and VirologyFlight and Metabolism
These working groups bring together experts in genetics, ecology, physiology, and evolutionary biology to collaboratively advance the understanding of bats.