Background
Tsetse flies (
Glossina
sp.) are the vectors of human and animal trypanosomiasis throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Tsetse flies are distinguished from other Diptera by unique adaptations, including lactation and the birthing of live young (obligate viviparity), a vertebrate blood-specific diet by both sexes, and obligate bacterial symbiosis. This work describes the comparative analysis of six
Glossina
genomes representing three sub-genera:
Morsitans
(
G. morsitans morsitans
,
G. pallidipes
,
G. austeni
),
Palpalis
(
G. palpalis
,
G. fuscipes
), and
Fusca
(
G. brevipalpis
) which represent different habitats, host preferences, and vectorial capacity.
Results
Genomic analyses validate established evolutionary relationships and sub-genera. Syntenic analysis of
Glossina
relative to
Drosophila melanogaster
shows reduced structural conservation across the sex-linked X chromosome. Sex-linked scaffolds show increased rates of female-specific gene expression and lower evolutionary rates relative to autosome associated genes. Tsetse-specific genes are enriched in protease, odorant-binding, and helicase activities. Lactation-associated genes are conserved across all
Glossina
species while male seminal proteins are rapidly evolving. Olfactory and gustatory genes are reduced across the genus relative to other insects. Vision-associated Rhodopsin genes show conservation of motion detection/tracking functions and variance in the Rhodopsin detecting colors in the blue wavelength ranges.
Conclusions
Expanded genomic discoveries reveal the genetics underlying
Glossina
biology and provide a rich body of knowledge for basic science and disease control. They also provide insight into the evolutionary biology underlying novel adaptations and are relevant to applied aspects of vector control such as trap design and discovery of novel pest and disease control strategies.
Electronic supplementary material
The online version of this article (10.1186/s13059-019-1768-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Background: Halyomorpha halys (Stål), the brown marmorated stink bug, is a highly invasive insect species due in part to its exceptionally high levels of polyphagy. This species is also a nuisance due to overwintering in humanmade structures. It has caused significant agricultural losses in recent years along the Atlantic seaboard of North America and in continental Europe. Genomic resources will assist with determining the molecular basis for this species' feeding and habitat traits, defining potential targets for pest management strategies.
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