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 Vernes
Since 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:
Key partner projects include:
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 Evolution
  • Sensory Perception, Echolocation, and Vocal Learning
  • Conservation and Ecology
  • Longevity and Aging
  • Mitochondrial Group
  • Immunity and Virology
  • Flight and Metabolism
These working groups bring together experts in genetics, ecology, physiology, and evolutionary biology to collaboratively advance the understanding of bats.

Results

In 2020, the genomes of six species were published: the greater horseshoe bat, Egyptian fruit bat, pale spear-nosed bat, greater mouse-eared bat, Kuhl's pipistrelle, and the velvety free-tailed bat. These genomes were called "comparable to the best reference-quality genomes that have so far been generated for any eukaryote with a gigabase-sized genome". In 2020, the project's stated goal was to sequence an additional 27 genomes, with a representative from each family of bats, within the next year.