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Title: Tick Genomics: The Ixodes genome project and beyond

Author
item VAN ZEE, J. PAGEL - PURDUE UNIVERSITY,INDIANA
item GERACI, N. - PURDUE UNIVERSITY,INDIAN
item Guerrero, Felicito
item WIKEL, S. - UN OF CONN HEALTH CENTER
item STUART, J. - PURDUE UNIVERSITY,INDIANA
item NENE, V. - IGR, ROCKVILLE MD
item HILL, C. - PURDUE UNIVERSITY,INDIANA

Submitted to: International Journal for Parasitology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/21/2007
Publication Date: 10/1/2007
Citation: Van Zee, J., Geraci, N.S., Guerrero, F., Wikel, S.K., Stuart, J.J., Nene, V.M., Hill, C.A. 2007. Tick genomics: The Ixodes genome project and beyond. International Journal for Parasitology. 37:1297-1305.

Interpretive Summary: Ticks are important pests of animals worldwide. The Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick) genome sequencing project marks the beginning of the genomics era for the field of acarology, as this project is the first to sequence the genome of a blood feeding tick vector of human disease. Genome projects for other species of ticks and mites are forthcoming and genome sequence will play important roles in guiding the future directions of tick research. Parasitologists interested in advancing the field of tick genomics research will be faced with specific challenges due to the nature of tick genomes. In the development of genetic research tools and resources, and the large sizes and repetitive nature of tick genomes are important considerations. Innovative approaches may be required to sequence, assemble, annotate and analyze tick genomes. Overcoming these challenges will enable scientists to investigate the genes and genome organization of this important group of arthropods and may ultimately lead to new solutions for control of ticks and tick-borne diseases.

Technical Abstract: Ticks and mites (subphylum Chelicerata; subclass Acari) are important pests of animals and plants worldwide. The Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick) genome sequencing project marks the beginning of the genomics era for the field of acarology. This project is the first to sequence the genome of a blood feeding tick vector of human disease and a member of the subphylum Chelicerata. Genome projects for other species of Acari are forthcoming and genome sequence will likely dominate the future of tick research. Parasitologists interested in advancing the field of tick genomics research will be faced with specific challenges. The development of genetic tools and resources, and the size and repetitive nature of tick genomes are important considerations. Innovative approaches may be required to sequence, assemble, annotate and analyze tick genomes. Overcoming these challenges will enable scientists to investigate the genes and genome organization of this important group of arthropods and may ultimately lead to new solutions for control of ticks and tick-borne diseases.