A chromosomal-scale reference genome of the New World Screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax

Author(s)

Tandonnet, Sophie ; Krsticevic, Flavia ; Basika, Tatiana ; Papathanos, Philippos A. ; Torres, Tatiana T. ; Scott, Maxwell J.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: DNA Research; v. 30, n. 1, p. 9-pg., 2023-02-01.

Abstract

The New World Screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Calliphoridae), is the most important myiasis-causing species in America. Screwworm myiasis is a zoonosis that can cause severe lesions in livestock, domesticated and wild animals, and occasionally in people. Beyond the sanitary problems associated with this species, these infestations negatively impact economic sectors, such as the cattle industry. Here, we present a chromosome-scale assembly of C. hominivorax's genome, organized in 6 chromosome-length and 515 unplaced scaffolds spanning 534 Mb. There was a clear correspondence between the D. melanogaster linkage groups A-E and the chromosomal-scale scaffolds. Chromosome quotient (CQ) analysis identified a single scaffold from the X chromosome that contains most of the orthologs of genes that are on the D. melanogaster fourth chromosome (linkage group F or dot chromosome). CQ analysis also identified potential X and Y unplaced scaffolds and genes. Y-linkage for selected regions was confirmed by PCR with male and female DNA. Some of the long chromosome-scale scaffolds include Y-linked sequences, suggesting misassembly of these regions. These resources will provide a basis for future studies aiming at understanding the biology and evolution of this devastating obligate parasite. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/10966-6 - Evolution of parasitism in three dimensions: phylogenetic, phenotypic and genomic
• Grantee: Tatiana Teixeira Torres
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/05636-4 - Dimensions US-BIOTA-São Paulo: more to the blow fly than meets the eye: understanding evolutionary and genetic origins of diverse trophic specializations
• Grantee: Tatiana Teixeira Torres
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/07285-7 - Evolution of complex traits: the example of feeding habits in Calliphoridae
• Grantee: Sophie Hokulani Véronique Jessica Tandonnet
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral