The European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) pilot project celebrates its achievement in bringing together researchers from various parts of Europe to develop top-notch reference genomes for 98 species. This achievement is a key step toward creating a comprehensive reference genome database for all European flora, fauna, and fungi.
The European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) pilot project celebrates its achievement in uniting researchers across Europe to create high-quality reference genomes for 98 different species. This is a notable advancement in the effort to establish a thorough reference genome database covering all European animals, plants, and fungi. Launched in 2021 by then ERGA chair Dr. Camila Mazzoni from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW), this collaborative initiative has drawn on contributions from the community at large. The project’s success lays the groundwork for a fresh, inclusive, and equitable approach to biodiversity genomics, as detailed in a research article released today in the journal npj Biodiversity.
In a recent publication, the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) highlights the successful outcomes of its pilot endeavor. This innovative project fostered a vast cooperative network of scientists and institutions spanning 33 countries, aimed at producing high-quality reference genomes for 98 European species thus far. The pilot has offered important insights and revealed crucial challenges, positioning ERGA as a leading example for decentralized and inclusive biodiversity genomics initiatives globally.
Significant milestones of this project include the first chromosome-level genome assemblies of species from Greece, recognized as one of Europe’s biodiversity hotspots. Local scientists in Greece have collected samples from species like the Cretan wall lizard (Podarcis cretensis) and Aristotle’s catfish (Silurus aristotelis), creating genomes that are now freely accessible worldwide. These examples showcase the remarkable achievements possible when a global community of biodiversity experts collaborates, enhancing teamwork both internationally and domestically. The ERGA pilot project prioritized equity and inclusion to ensure that genomic research and resources are available to everyone, regardless of their location. For many scientists and nations involved, this project was their initial chance to contribute to the creation of advanced genomic resources for their local biodiversity.
Furthermore, the ERGA pilot project succeeded in generating excitement and awareness around the rising significance of biodiversity genomics within Europe and beyond. Genomic data can provide crucial insights that inform conservation strategies for threatened species and lead to advancements in human health, bioeconomy, biosecurity, and other fields. For instance, the greater argentine (Argentina silus), a vital fish species from the northern Atlantic, was sequenced during this project. The resulting reference genome will enhance scientists’ ability to accurately assess the genetic health of this species’ populations, guiding responsible and sustainable fishing practices.
Additionally, a high-quality reference genome is now accessible for the first time for the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). This new resource will facilitate research into genetic disorders tied to known symptoms. Notably, it will help investigate conditions like ‘pinching-off syndrome,’ as explained by raptor specialist Dr. Oliver Krone from the Leibniz-IZW. In this ailment, the flight feathers of juvenile white-tailed eagles are malformed, hindering their ability to fly. The underlying genetic factors causing these feather deformities are inherited recessively from both parent birds. The eagle genome also offers opportunities for phylogenetic studies, allowing the differentiation between subpopulations or identifying isolated groups, Krone notes.
As the scientific community worldwide pursues the full potential of genomic data, establishing a Europe-wide collaborative network under ERGA accelerates scientific advancements and transforms them into concrete benefits for biodiversity and society. This network also aids scientists at varying career stages in discovering opportunities for training, partnerships, and funding. The ERGA pilot project was co-initiated in early 2021 by then chair Dr. Camila Mazzoni from the Leibniz-IZW and the Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research (BeGenDiv), who engaged hundreds of genomic scientists to design and execute the project in an inclusive and decentralized manner.
ERGA represents the European node of the broader Earth BioGenome Project (EBP), which aspires to sequence all eukaryotic life on Earth. Achieving this ambitious goal requires global participation and new decentralized genome production methods. The ERGA pilot project has demonstrated that a fully collaborative and coordinated model of genome production is not only achievable but effective — even at a continental level without centralized funding. In fact, most of the project’s budget stemmed from grassroots contributions by individual members and partnering organizations, supported additionally by sequencing partners and commercial sequencing companies offering grants, discounts, and in-kind support.
The ERGA pilot project has also identified and tackled various challenges associated with international collaboration. These obstacles include legal and logistical issues related to shipping biological samples across borders, resource imbalances among participating countries, and the need to balance decentralization with the standardization required to ensure that only the highest quality reference genome assemblies meeting EBP criteria are produced.
The decentralized model of ERGA promises great potential for the future of biodiversity genomics. The pilot project’s achievements in building momentum and uniting researchers demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. By promoting international collaboration and emphasizing inclusivity and equity, ERGA is establishing new benchmarks in biodiversity genomics. The insights gained and challenges addressed during the pilot will guide future initiatives, advancing robust standardized protocols and a thorough genomic database for species across Europe and beyond.
For More Information
https://www.erga-biodiversity.eu/
https://begendiv.de/
