Thamnophis sirtalis Genome sequencing and assembly
Research on the comparative genomics of mammals is now in high gear with the completion of complete genome sequences for several species and many additional species receiving high priority for lower coverage genomic sequencing. By contrast, the comparative genomics of Reptilia-the sister group of mammals, which includes birds and non-avian reptiles lags far behind. Although the recently completed chicken genome has made a significant contribution, there is nonetheless an urgent need to build genomic resources for the reptiles, the only major vertebrate lineage for which there is still no complete genome sequence. Only through studying the sister group of mammals will the idiosyncrasies of mammalian genome evolution become apparent. Furthermore, a number of reptile lineages serve as important models for developmental biology, neurobiology, physiology, endocrinology and other fields.