Scientists have launched a crowdfunding plea to raise ?30,000 to map the Manx cat genome.

They say it would be the Isle of Man's first genome sequencing project.

Manx-born biologist Rachel Glover, a biologist based in Yorkshire, is spearheading the project.

She said: 'The Manx cat is well known for having no tail and the project will produce the first genome sequence for the iconic breed. The project aims to search all 2.8 billion letters of cat DNA for mutations that make the Manx breed unique as well as mutations that contribute to Manx syndrome, a disorder sometimes seen in Manx cats that can cause incontinence and spina bifida.'

The DNA sequencing will be carried out in the United States, with local company ServiceTech providing the computational power required to analyse the genome and host the data. A local vet will also be involved to medically assess the cats chosen for sequencing and take blood samples.

But the project needs funding of ?10,000 per cat and wants to sequence at least three Manx cats. Local businesses are being urged to offer sponsorship, while cat owners who donate will be able to enter their pet into the selection process.

Rachel said: 'This is a great opportunity for everyone on the Isle of Man to play a part in the Island's first genome project and a world first for the Manx cat. The cat is so strongly associated with the Island that I feel really passionately that the effort to sequence the first Manx cat genome should start here with the Manx people. We hope to raise enough to sequence three cats but the sky is the limit as the more cats we can sequence the more discoveries we will make.'

For more information visit www.manxcatgenome.com or visit the crowdfunding page at http://igg.me/at/manxcatgenome

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