Chromosome-level genome of the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus): a resource for eco-evo-disease research

The increasing availability of reference genomes for non-traditional model species is enhancing research in ecology and evolution. Here, we present a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation for the bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus, an emerging model mammal. The 2.24 Gb assembly is resolved into 28 chromosome-scale scaffolds, consistent with the known karyotype of the species. We predicted 40,393 gene loci, including 21,029 protein-coding genes supported by Swiss-Prot homology. Repetitive elements account for approximately 29% of the genome. The assembly achieves a 90.6% BUSCO score, underscoring its completeness. Compared to previously available fragmented assemblies, this genome enables investigation of genome architecture, selection and structural variation at unprecedented resolution. In particular, this chromosome-level resource supports research into ecological and evolutionary responses to climate variation across space and time. It also holds value for other fields, including developmental biology and studies of immunology and virology, where the bank vole is used as a model for host-pathogen interactions-expanding the relevance of this genomic resource across biological disciplines.