Podarcis muralis Genome sequencing and assembly

This project is aimed at understanding the genetic basis underlying colour polymorphisms in lizards, using the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) as a model. Using phenotypic, genomic and gene expression analysis, and using a de novo reference genome as a backbone, we mapped traits (colour morphs) to specific genomic regions, for the first time identifying the genes that regulate the expression of pterin and carotenoid-based pigmentation in reptiles.