Advancing Strongyloides omics data: bridging the gap with Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Among nematodes, the free-living model organismCaenorhabditis elegansboasts the most advanced portfolio of high-quality omics data. The resources available for parasitic nematodes, includingStrongyloidesspp., however, are lagging behind. WhileC. elegansremains the most tractable nematode and has significantly advanced our understanding of many facets of nematode biology,C. elegansis not suitable as a surrogate system for the study of parasitism and it is important that we improve the omics resources available for parasitic nematode species. Here, we review the omics data available forStrongyloidesspp.and compare the available resources to those forC. elegansand other parasitic nematodes. The advancements inC. elegansomics offer a blueprint for improving omics-led research inStrongyloides. We suggest areas of priority for future research that will pave the way for expansions in omics resources and technologies.This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Strongyloides: omics to worm-free populations’.