Location: Livestock Arthropod Pest Research Unit
Title: Genomic analyses of a livestock pest, the New World screwworm, find potential targets for genetic control programsAuthor
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SCOTT, MAXWELL - North Carolina State University |
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BENOIT, JOSHUA - University Of Cincinnati |
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DAVIS, REBECCA - North Carolina State University |
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BAILEY, SAMUEL - University Of Cincinnati |
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VARGA, VIRAG - University Of Cincinnati |
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MARTINSON, ELLEN - University Of New Mexico |
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HICKNER, PAUL - University Of Kentucky |
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SYED, ZAINULABEUDDIN - University Of Kentucky |
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CARDOSA, GISELE - University Of São Paulo |
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TORRES, TATIANA - University Of São Paulo |
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WEIRAUCH, MATTHEW - Children'S Hospital - Cincinnati, Ohio |
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SCHOLL, ELIZABETH - North Carolina State University |
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PHILLIPPY, ADAM - National Human Genome Research Institute |
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SAGEL, AGUSTIN - US Department Of State |
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VASQUEZ, MARIO - US Department Of State |
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QUINTERO, GLADYS - US Department Of State |
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SKODA, STEVEN - Retired ARS Employee |
Submitted to: Communications Biology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 7/14/2020 Publication Date: 8/4/2020 Citation: Scott, M.J., Benoit, J.B., Davis, R.J., Bailey, S.T., Varga, V., Martinson, E.O., Hickner, P.V., Syed, Z., Cardosa, G.A., Torres, T.T., Weirauch, M.T., Scholl, E.H., Phillippy, A.M., Sagel, A., Vasquez, M., Quintero, G.R., Skoda, S.R. 2021. Genomic analyses of a livestock pest, the New World screwworm, find potential targets for genetic control programs. Communications Biology. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-020-01152-4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-020-01152-4 Interpretive Summary: The New World Screwworm fly is a major pest of livestock in South America and Caribbean, where female flies lay their eggs on livestock near wounds and exposed mucous membranes. The eggs hatch and the larvae (screwworms) invade the living tissue to obtain the necessary nutrition for development. Control of screwworm fly is achieved using the sterile insect technique (SIT) whereby millions of flies are produced, sterilized and released each week near the border separating Panama and Columbia. Here, we sequenced and annotated the genome of the New World screwworm fly to identify potential targets for genetic control, including chemosensory genes and genes associated with sex determination. This study provides a framework for future experiments aimed at understanding the parasitic lifestyle of the screwworm fly and the development of strains for gene drive systems. Technical Abstract: The New World Screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a major pest of livestock in South America and Caribbean. However, few genomic resources have been available for this species. A genome of 534 Mb was assembled from long read PacBio DNA sequencing of DNA from a highly inbred strain. Analysis of molecular evolution identified 40 genes that are likely under positive selection. Developmental RNA-seq analysis identified specific genes associated with each stage. We identify and analyze the expression of genes that are likely important for host-seeking behavior (chemosensory), development of larvae in open wounds in warm-blooded animals (heat shock protein, immune response) and for building transgenic strains for genetic control programs including gene drive (sex determination, germline). This study will underpin future experiments aimed at understanding the parasitic lifestyle of the screwworm fly and greatly facilitate future development of strains for efficient systems for genetic control of screwworm. |