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

Yin, Yong and Martin, John and McCarter, James P. and Clifton, Sandra W. and Wilson, Richard K. and Mitreva, Makedonka (2006) Identification and analysis of genes expressed in the adult filarial parasitic nematode Dirofilaria immitis. International Journal for Parasitology, 36 (7). pp. 829-839.

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Abstract

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.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Dirofilaria immitis; Heartworm; Parasite; Expressed sequence tags (EST’s); Comparative genomics; Filarial nematode; Caenorhabditis elegans; Energy generation
Subjects: Medical and Health Sciences > Basic medicine
Divisions: Faculty of Medical Science
Depositing User: Mirjana Kocaleva Vitanova
Date Deposited: 30 Nov 2012 14:29
Last Modified: 30 Nov 2012 14:29
URI: https://eprints.ugd.edu.mk/id/eprint/2620

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