Genome sequence of the tsetse fly (glossina morsitans): vector of African trypanosomiasis

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Date

2014

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

American Association for the Advancement of Science

Abstract

Tsetse flies are the sole vectors of human African trypanosomiasis throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Both sexes of adult tsetse feed exclusively on blood and contribute to disease transmission. Notable differences between tsetse and other disease vectors include obligate microbial symbioses, viviparous reproduction, and lactation. Here, we describe the sequence and annotation of the 366-megabase Glossina morsitans morsitans genome. Analysis of the genome and the 12,308 predicted protein-encoding genes led to multiple discoveries, including chromosomal integrations of bacterial (Wolbachia) genome sequences, a family of lactation-specific proteins, reduced complement of host pathogen recognition proteins, and reduced olfaction/chemosensory associated genes. These genome data provide a foundation for research into trypanosomiasis prevention and yield important insights with broad implications for multiple aspects of tsetse biology.

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Keywords

Genome, Genome sequencing, Tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans, Human African trypanosomiasis

Citation

Christoffels, A. et al. (2014). Genome sequence of the tsetse fly (glossina morsitans): vector of African trypanosomiasis. Science 344(6182): 380-386