Reference genome assemblies

Our research group produces chromosome-level, reference-quality genome assemblies for a wide range of animal species, both independently and in collaboration with partners. We are also part of the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) community.

A reference genome is a model genome – essentially a standard comparison point against which the genomic data of other individuals are analysed. It is not a “perfect” or “correct” genome, but rather a carefully assembled example that represents what the species’ DNA typically looks like: how it is organised into chromosomes, in what order the sequences occur, and what genes it contains.

A reference genome can be compared to a map. A map is not the terrain itself, but it allows one to navigate through it. In the same way, a reference genome helps researchers understand where genes are located and how the genomes of different individuals differ from one another.

Without a reference genome, DNA sequences would remain as isolated fragments of ATGC letters. Comparing such fragments to a reference genome makes it possible to assemble them into larger, biologically meaningful compositions and to place them into the correct genomic context, thereby revealing their functional significance.

Reference genomes are fundamental to all genetic research on a species. Our own group is particularly interested in the use of cell lines from diverse animal species in experimental research. Without detailed knowledge of the genes of these species, such work would be conducted entirely blind.

Below you will find brief introductions to our reference genome projects.

European brown hare (Lepus europaeus)

Mountain hare (Lepus timidus)

Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa saimensis)

Finnish forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus)

Collaboration with project Psyche

Collaboration with DToL