Evolution of Genomic Oddities

Explore the fascinating world of avian genomics in this comprehensive lecture on the evolution of genomic oddities in birds. Delve into three intriguing stories about transposons, satellites, and germline/soma genome differences. Discover the challenges of whole genome sequencing and learn how to resolve assembly gaps in these complex genetic puzzles. Examine the unique characteristics of sex chromosomes, including the low collinearity and abundance of endogenous retroviruses in W chromosomes. Investigate the elusive nature of centromeres and their shifts across songbird species. Uncover the surprising revelation that not all cells contain the same genome, exploring programmed DNA elimination and the germline-restricted chromosome (GRC). Gain insights into tissue-specific linked-read sequencing, gene enrichment patterns, and the expression of the GRC in adult gonads. Conclude with an exploration of evolutionary strata on the GRC and its potential emergence in the passerine ancestor, leaving you with thought-provoking take-home messages and future research directions in avian genomics.