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The genome and developmental transcriptome of the strongylid nematode Haemonchus contortus.
- Source :
-
Genome biology [Genome Biol] 2013 Aug 28; Vol. 14 (8), pp. R89. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 Aug 28. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Background: The barber's pole worm, Haemonchus contortus, is one of the most economically important parasites of small ruminants worldwide. Although this parasite can be controlled using anthelmintic drugs, resistance against most drugs in common use has become a widespread problem. We provide a draft of the genome and the transcriptomes of all key developmental stages of H. contortus to support biological and biotechnological research areas of this and related parasites.<br />Results: The draft genome of H. contortus is 320 Mb in size and encodes 23,610 protein-coding genes. On a fundamental level, we elucidate transcriptional alterations taking place throughout the life cycle, characterize the parasite's gene silencing machinery, and explore molecules involved in development, reproduction, host-parasite interactions, immunity, and disease. The secretome of H. contortus is particularly rich in peptidases linked to blood-feeding activity and interactions with host tissues, and a diverse array of molecules is involved in complex immune responses. On an applied level, we predict drug targets and identify vaccine molecules.<br />Conclusions: The draft genome and developmental transcriptome of H. contortus provide a major resource to the scientific community for a wide range of genomic, genetic, proteomic, metabolomic, evolutionary, biological, ecological, and epidemiological investigations, and a solid foundation for biotechnological outcomes, including new anthelmintics, vaccines and diagnostic tests. This first draft genome of any strongylid nematode paves the way for a rapid acceleration in our understanding of a wide range of socioeconomically important parasites of one of the largest nematode orders.
- Subjects :
- Animals
Anthelmintics pharmacology
Drug Resistance genetics
Female
Gene Expression Regulation
Genome Size
Haemonchiasis parasitology
Haemonchiasis veterinary
Haemonchus drug effects
Haemonchus growth & development
Helminth Proteins chemistry
Helminth Proteins genetics
Host-Parasite Interactions
Male
Peptide Hydrolases chemistry
Peptide Hydrolases genetics
Sheep
Sheep Diseases parasitology
Antigens, Helminth genetics
Genes, Helminth
Genome, Helminth
Haemonchus genetics
Life Cycle Stages genetics
Transcriptome
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1474-760X
- Volume :
- 14
- Issue :
- 8
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Genome biology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 23985341
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/gb-2013-14-8-r89