Genomic Research Key to Visayan Spotted Deer Conservation

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

A recent breakthrough by the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) Visayas, based at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Miagao, could be key to the survival of the critically endangered Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi).

Researchers from Silliman University (SU) in Dumaguete City partnered with PGC Visayas to sequence the genome of the Visayan spotted deer, mapping its complete set of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

DNA is a molecule that carries genetic information, determining an organism’s development and function.

The research team published a paper on February 24 titled “Draft Genome of the Endangered Visayan Spotted Deer (Rusa alfredi), a Philippine Endemic Species” in the Gigabyte Journal, a peer-reviewed open-science publication.

According to SU’s website, the study used Illumina short-read sequencing technology to assemble the first-ever draft genome of the Visayan spotted deer, achieving a 2.52-gigabase (Gb) total genome length and a 95.5% completeness score.

UNDERSTANDING GENETIC DIVERSITY

Carmel Javier, a researcher at PGC Visayas, told Daily Guardian on Air on March 7 that SU wanted to determine whether the captive Visayan spotted deer population was genetically diverse.

This was in preparation for SU’s future plans to release around 80 deer currently under their care.

However, they first resorted to genome sequencing, citing the lack of prior genetic studies on the species.

“Since no one has sequenced the entire genetic code of the Visayan spotted deer, that’s where we came in, since PGC Visayas had the technology and resources,” Javier said.

She explained that understanding the genetic composition of the captive deer is essential for their survival in the wild.

“Since they’ve been in captivity for a long time, genetic changes may have occurred. These changes could negatively affect their survival once released,” she said.

“They may also carry diseases acquired in captivity that could spread in the wild. Instead of increasing their population, they might endanger other species. That’s why studying their genetic condition before release is crucial,” she added.

PROCESS

The team’s bioinformatician, Albert Noblezada, said the study involved DNA extraction and laboratory analysis.

Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel Ferriols, director of PGC Visayas, explained that Noblezada’s role was to interpret the genetic code generated from sequencing.

“The bioinformatics stage after genomics is critical. We can generate a lot of information, but understanding it requires high computing power and trained researchers,” Ferriols said.

“Like the Visayan spotted deer, bioinformaticians in the Philippines are a rare breed,” he added.

Citing UPV’s focus on fisheries and aquatic sciences, Ferriols also noted their involvement in breeding programs, including research on saline-tolerant tilapia and genetic variations of tahong (mussels) in different locations.