IPARUS (Integrated Platform for Parus Alignments, Resources and Useful Sequences) is a web-based genomic resource platform developed at the Gossmann Lab (TU Dortmund University).
This platform provides public access to genomic data and resources for birds of the Parus genus, with a focus on the great tit (Parus major). Our goal is to facilitate collaboration and provide researchers and the public with tools to explore avian genomic diversity.
- Geospatial Sample Map: An interactive map showing the geographical distribution of the samples hosted on this platform.
- Sequence Data & Metadata: Comprehensive tables providing access to sample-specific information, metadata, and sequencing details.
- Interactive Genome Visualization: Using the integrated IGV Browser, users can select and compare two different genomic samples side-by-side against the reference genome.
- Methodology & References: Access to the processing steps used for the datasets and a curated list of related scientific publications.
The live version of the platform is available here: 👉 https://gossmann-lab.github.io/iparus/
The data provided through this portal follows the research conducted at the Gossmann Lab. The platform includes datasets analyzed in major publications, such as Chen et al. (2025) and others, contributing to the understanding of population genetics and genomic differentiation in songbirds.
- Project Coordinator: Dr. Nikolas Vellnow (nikolas.vellnow@tu-dortmund.de)
- Lead Developer: Mohammadmoein Hajihoseinigazestani (moeinm2h@gmail.com)
- Institution: Laboratory of Computational Systems Biology (CSB), TU Dortmund University.
For inquiries and collaborations, please refer to the Contact tab within the web portal or visit the Gossmann Lab website.
The following publications analyze the genomic samples hosted on this platform:
- Chen, Y.-C. et al. (2025). Opinion: Why Sex-Based Genomic Differentiation Should Not Be Overlooked in Population Genetics. Mol. Ecol. e70061.
- Cheng, Y. et al. (2021). Parallel genomic responses to historical climate change and high elevation in East Asian songbirds. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 118, e2023918118.
- Cheng, Y. et al. (2020). Comparative Genomics Reveals Evolution of a Beak Morphology Locus in a High-Altitude Songbird. Mol. Biol. Evol. 37, 2983–2988.
- Corcoran, P. et al. (2017). Determinants of the Efficacy of Natural Selection on Coding and Noncoding Variability in Two Passerine Species. Genome Biol. Evol. 9, 2987–3007.
- Laine, V.N. et al. (2016). Evolutionary signals of selection on cognition from the great tit genome and methylome. Nat. Commun. 7, 10474.
- Qu, Y. et al. (2015). Genetic responses to seasonal variation in altitudinal stress: whole-genome resequencing of great tit in eastern Himalayas. Sci. Rep. 5, 14256.
- Qu, Y. et al. (2013). Ground tit genome reveals avian adaptation to living at high altitudes in the Tibetan plateau. Nat. Commun. 4, 2071.
© 2026 IPARUS Project - TU Dortmund University.