Python regius Genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation
This study utilizes a hybrid sequencing approach to assemble and annotate the genome of the ball python (Python regius). Ball pythons are a unique model organism that have been used to study physiological organ remodeling and metabolic plasticity in response to feeding. For example, pythons undergo significant and rapid, yet physiological cardiac hypertrophy after feeding. They also are remarkably resistant to muscular atrophy even after extended periods of fasting. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind these remarkable phenotypes may contribute to novel therapeutic approaches in humans. This study is the first to produce a high-quality, contiguous genome of a member of the python family. This will aid in future studies into cardiac remodeling and muscular atrophy as well as contributing to our understanding of evolutionary biology in snakes.