Genome Sequencing of Microtus fortis

The reed vole (Microtus fortis) serves as a significant rodent model, particularly distinguished by its robust natural resistance to Schistosoma japonicum infection. To unravel the genetic basis of this remarkable immunity and other unique biological characteristics, we present the first chromosome-level genome assembly for M. fortis. Employing PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing combined with Hi-C scaffolding techniques, we constructed a high-quality 2.29 Gb genome. This assembly is anchored into 26 pseudomolecules, achieving a contig N50 of 68.89 Mb and incorporating 97.73% of the sequence into scaffolds. The genome demonstrates high completeness, as indicated by a BUSCO score of 96.3% (glires_odb10), and contains a repeat content of 42.93%. This high-quality genome assembly provides an invaluable resource for advancing research into the adaptive evolution and unique biological traits of M. fortis, especially its parasite resistance mechanisms.

东方田鼠（Microtus fortis）是一类重要的啮齿类动物模型，其最为显著的特征是对日本血吸虫（Schistosoma japonicum）感染具备极强的天然抵抗力。为解析这一卓越免疫特性及其他独特生物学特征的遗传基础，本研究首次发布东方田鼠的染色体级基因组组装结果。本研究采用PacBio HiFi长读长测序结合Hi-C支架组装技术，构建了质量优异的2.29 Gb基因组。该组装结果锚定为26条假染色体，Contig N50达到68.89 Mb，97.73%的序列被整合至支架序列中。该基因组完整性优异，经BUSCO评估得分为96.3%（glires_odb10数据库），重复序列占比为42.93%。这一高质量基因组组装结果将为推进东方田鼠适应性进化、独特生物学性状尤其是其抗寄生虫免疫机制相关研究提供宝贵的资源。