A genome is an organism’s complete set of DNA, including all of its genes. Genomics is an interdisciplinary field of science focusing on the structure, function, evolution, mapping, and editing of genomes. Genomics also involves the sequencing and analysis of genomes through uses of high throughput DNA sequencing. For the first time, the entire genome of Asiatic lion has been sequenced by scientists from CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad.

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The objective is to understand the species at DNA level and study if there are any specific problems with regard to adaptability to environment or behaviour vis-à-vis other big cats.

Importance of Genome Sequencing:

• Sequencing the genome is an important step towards understanding it.
• The genome sequence will represent a valuable shortcut, helping scientists find genes much more easily and quickly. A genome sequence does contain some clues about where genes are, even though scientists are just learning to interpret these clues.
• Scientists also hope that being able to study the entire genome sequence will help them understand how the genome as a whole works—how genes work together to direct the growth, development and maintenance of an entire organism.
• Finally, genes account for less than 25 percent of the DNA in the genome, and so knowing the entire genome sequence will help scientists study the parts of the genome outside the genes.
• This includes the regulatory regions that control how genes are turned on and off, as well as long stretches of “nonsense” or “junk” DNA—so called because significance of it hasn’t been established.

Need and significance:

• This firsthand information would help researchers to better understand the evolution of Asiatic lions and also make possible comparative analysis with other big cats.
• The population of the endangered Asiatic lion is very low — only 523 animals are present in the Gir forests.
• The genome sequencing would enable scientists to develop specific markers to study population genetics (the differences at the gene level within a population) and get newer insights into its population status and subsequent management.
• The study will enable better disease and population management of the endangered big cat by identifying characteristics which are specific to Asiatic lions. E.g.: 21 lions reportedly died between September and October in Gir forest of Gujarat due to Canine distemper virus , Such incidents can be avoided.
• Comparative genomics between African and Asiatic lions could be undertaken once the complete genome of the African lion is sequenced.
• Comparative analysis with other felids and mammalian genomes unravelled the evolutionary history of the Asiatic lion and its position among other felids.
• The study noted that the evaluation of genetic diversity placed the Asiatic lion in the lowest bracket of genomic diversity index highlighting the gravity of its conservation status.

Conclusion:

With the complete genome of royal Bengal tiger, African Cheetah and Jaguar available, comparative studies of all these big cats would be possible. Such researches will help in adopting a multi-pronged approach towards conservation efforts.