Exploring novel candidate genes from the Mouse Genome Informatics database: Potential implications for avian migration research

To search for genes associated with migratory phenotypes in songbirds,we selected candidate genes through annotations from the Mouse Genome Informatics database and assembled an extensive candidate-gene library.Then,we implemented a next-generation sequencing approach to obtain DNA sequences from the Painted Bun­ting genome.We focused on those sequences that were conserved across avian species and that aligned with candidate genes in our mouse library.We genotyped short sequence repeats from the following candidate genes:ADRA1d,ANKRD17,CISH and MYH7.We studied the possible correlations between allelic variations occur­ring in these novel candidate migration genes and avian migratory phenotypes available from the published lit­erature.We found that allele variation at MYH7 correlated with a calculated index of speed of migration(km/day)across 11 species of songbirds.We highlight the potential of the Mouse Genome Informatics database in providing new candidate genes that might play a crucial role in regulating migration in birds and possibly in other taxa.Our research effort shows the benefits and limitations of working with extensive genomic datasets and offers a snapshot of the challenges related to cross-species validation in behavioral and molecular ecology studies.

Derivation of Haploid Neurons from Mouse Androgenetic Haploid Embryonic Stem Cells

Dear Editor,Haploid embryonic stem cells（ha ESCs）hold great potential for genetic screening and the analysis of recessive phenotypes.Several studies have recently reported the generation of mammalian ha ESCs through gamete manipulation,and evaluated the benefits of using them for studying functional genomics in different mammals[1–4].