Most cited article - PubMed ID 36077158
Bioinformatic Analysis of Ixodes ricinus Long Non-Coding RNAs Predicts Their Binding Ability of Host miRNAs
BACKGROUND: Ticks, hematophagous Acari, pose a significant threat by transmitting various pathogens to their vertebrate hosts during feeding. Despite advances in tick genomics, high-quality genomes were lacking until recently, particularly in the genus Ixodes, which includes the main vectors of Lyme disease. RESULTS: Here, we present the genome sequences of four tick species, derived from a single female individual, with a particular focus on the European species Ixodes ricinus, achieving a chromosome-level assembly. Additionally, draft assemblies were generated for the three other Ixodes species, I. persulcatus, I. pacificus, and I. hexagonus. The quality of the four genomes and extensive annotation of several important gene families have allowed us to study the evolution of gene repertoires at the level of the genus Ixodes and of the tick group. We have determined gene families that have undergone major amplifications during the evolution of ticks, while an expression atlas obtained for I. ricinus reveals striking patterns of specialization both between and within gene families. Notably, several gene family amplifications are associated with a proliferation of single-exon genes-most strikingly for fatty acid elongases and sulfotransferases. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of our data with existing genomes establishes a solid framework for the study of gene evolution, improving our understanding of tick biology. In addition, our work lays the foundations for applied research and innovative control targeting these organisms.
- Keywords
- Comparative genomics, Duplication, Hematophagy, Parasite, Retroposition,
- MeSH
- Biological Evolution * MeSH
- Phylogeny MeSH
- Genome * MeSH
- Ixodes * genetics classification MeSH
- Evolution, Molecular * MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Ticks can seriously affect human and animal health around the globe, causing significant economic losses each year. Chemical acaricides are widely used to control ticks, which negatively impact the environment and result in the emergence of acaricide-resistant tick populations. A vaccine is considered as one of the best alternative approaches to control ticks and tick-borne diseases, as it is less expensive and more effective than chemical controls. Many antigen-based vaccines have been developed as a result of current advances in transcriptomics, genomics, and proteomic techniques. A few of these (e.g., Gavac® and TickGARD®) are commercially available and are commonly used in different countries. Furthermore, a significant number of novel antigens are being investigated with the perspective of developing new anti-tick vaccines. However, more research is required to develop new and more efficient antigen-based vaccines, including on assessing the efficiency of various epitopes against different tick species to confirm their cross-reactivity and their high immunogenicity. In this review, we discuss the recent advancements in the development of antigen-based vaccines (traditional and RNA-based) and provide a brief overview of recent discoveries of novel antigens, along with their sources, characteristics, and the methods used to test their efficiency.
- Keywords
- anti-tick vaccine, antigen candidates, tick control, vaccinomics,
- MeSH
- Acaricides * MeSH
- Antigens MeSH
- Genomics methods MeSH
- Ticks * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Proteomics methods MeSH
- Vaccines * MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Acaricides * MeSH
- Antigens MeSH
- Vaccines * MeSH
Arthropod disease vectors not only transmit malaria but many other serious diseases, many of which are, to a greater or lesser degree, neglected [...].
