Coral Genome Project

The project

The genome of Acropora millepora, the best-characterised coral at the molecular level, has already yielded a number of important insights into the evolution of all animals. Corals are among the simplest animals at the tissue level of organization, and may reflect the ancestral animal condition and reveal important features of genome evolution. Comparison of the coral genome with that of the in progress for the is closely related sea anemone Nematostella is expected to yield important insights into why corals, but not sea anemones, build reefs, and to the biochemical basis of symbiosis. We should also gain insights into the ability of corals to respond to stresses such as those imposed by global climate change.

Goals / deliverables
1. Insights into the genome of the common ancestor of all animals.
2. An understanding of the basis of coral-specific properties, such as the ability to build coral reefs (and why this process is abnormal in stressed corals) and the basis of their obligate symbiosis with algae.
3. A better understanding of coral biology and adaptability, leading to better predictions about how corals might respond to environmental stresses and disease, and to the design of strategies for reef remediation and protection.

Why study the Acropora millepora genome?
The coral genome sequence has both practical economic and basic scientific significance. Acropora species are the dominant reef-building corals in the Australasian region, and are amongst the most vulnerable to stress and disease. Understanding the molecular bases of fundamental processes such as calcification and the uptake and loss of the symbionts that drive coral growth is fundamental to maintaining coral health. Such an understanding can most efficiently be achieved with a complete genome sequence.

What is the benefit to Australia?
Corals have an iconic significance for Australia – we have the best-preserved coral reef system in the world and, with an estimated tourism value of $1.6 billion per year, the Great Barrier Reef is a cornerstone of the Australian tourist industry. Due to the degradation of reefs elsewhere in the world this value will grow if we can keep our reefs healthy. Sequencing the A. millepora genome will enable more accurate prediction of the impact of stress and disease on coral reefs, and the design of remediation and protection strategies.

Project costs
Based on two-fold coverage and a genome size estimate of approximately 200 Mb, the costs associated with shotgun sequencing the Acropora genome would be around $1.6 million. Additional costs include bi-directional sequencing of 100,000 ESTs ($0.6 million) and sequence assembly costs (unknown).

Contact information
Prof David Miller, Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811
Phone: 07-47-814473
Fax: 07-47-816078
david.miller@jcu.edu.au
http://www.jcu.edu.au/school/pms/CGC/CoralGenomicsHP.html

Dr Eldon Ball, Centre for the Molecular Genetics of Development, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601
Phone: 02-6125-4496
Fax: 02-6125-8294

eldon.ball@anu.edu.au
http://www.cmgd.adelaide.edu.au/research/dev_evo/

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