The River Blindness Genome Project

Williams, Steven A.; Laney, Sandra J.; Lizotte-Waniewski, Michelle; Bierwert, Lou Ann; Unnasch, Thomas R.

doi:10.1016/s1471-4922(01)02197-3

Cited by 14 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…The first run of MAKER was performed using the est2genome and protein2genome option with taxonomy-specific ESTs and cDNAs available from INSDC (ref. 84), including data from a large-scale EST project for O. volvulus 85,86 and nematode protein sequences, respectively. Gene models obtained from the first run were used to train SNAP and models from the second run were used to train Augustus.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The genome of Onchocerca volvulus, agent of river blindness

et al. 2016

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Human onchocerciasis is a serious neglected tropical disease caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus that can lead to blindness and chronic disability. Control of the disease relies largely on mass administration of a single drug, and the development of new drugs and vaccines depends on a better knowledge of parasite biology. Here, we describe the chromosomes of O. volvulus and its Wolbachia endosymbiont. We provide the highest-quality sequence assembly for any parasitic nematode to date, giving a glimpse into the evolution of filarial parasite chromosomes and proteomes. This resource was used to investigate gene families with key functions that could be potentially exploited as targets for future drugs. Using metabolic reconstruction of the nematode and its endosymbiont, we identified enzymes that are likely to be essential for O. volvulus viability. In addition, we have generated a list of proteins that could be targeted by Federal-Drug-Agency-approved but repurposed drugs, providing starting points for anti-onchocerciasis drug development.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The genome of Onchocerca volvulus, agent of river blindness

et al. 2016

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“…Another filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus is the causative agent of river blindness (onchocerciasis) infecting 18 million individuals worldwide (Molyneux et al, 2003). A large-scale survey and analysis of the D. immitis transcriptome will complement the data being generated from the human parasites in various EST and genome sequencing projects (Blaxter et al, 1999(Blaxter et al, , 2002Williams et al, 2000Williams et al, , 2002Ghedin et al, 2004), setting a stage for comparative genomic studies among veterinary and human filarial parasites.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identification and analysis of genes expressed in the adult filarial parasitic nematode Dirofilaria immitis

Yin

Martin

McCarter

et al. 2006

International Journal for Parasitology

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The heartworm Dirofilaria immitis is a filarial parasitic nematode infecting dogs and other mammals worldwide causing fatal complications. Here, we present the first large-scale survey of the adult heartworm transcriptome by generation and analysis of 4005 expressed sequence tags, identifying about 1800 genes and expanding the available sequence information for the parasite significantly. Brugia malayi genomic data offered the most valuable information to interpret heartworm genes, with about 70% of D. immitis genes showing significant similarities to the assembly. Comparative genomic analyses revealed both genes common to metazoans or nematodes and genes specific to filarial parasites that may relate to parasitism. Characterization of abundant transcripts suggested important roles for genes involved in energy generation and antioxidant defense in adults. In particular, we proposed that adult heartworm likely adopted an anaerobic electron transfer-based energy generation system distinct from the aerobic pathway utilized by its mammalian host, making it a promising target in developing next generation macrofilaricides and other treatments. Our survey provided novel insights into the D. immitis transcriptome and laid a foundation for further comparative studies on biology, parasitism and evolution within the phylum Nematoda. q

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