Whole-genome sequence of the Tibetan frog Nanorana parkeri and the comparative evolution of tetrapod genomes

We provide a de novo genome of the Tibetan frog, Nanorana parkeri, and conduct a series of comparisons with other vertebrates. Approximately one-half of the genome of Nanorana consists of transposable elements (TEs). The frequencies and distributional patterns of TEs differ considerably between Nanorana and Xenopus, the only other amphibian for which a genome has been sequenced. The genomes of these two frogs exhibit substantial homologous synteny blocks with rare interchromosomal and intrachromosomal rearrangements. We also identify 11 Mb of amphibian-specific conserved elements comprising 217 genes. These highly conserved genes provide a basis for comparative genomic analyses throughout frogs.