Multi-omics data elucidate parasite-host-microbiota interactions and resistance to Haemonchus contortus in sheep

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Niciura, Simone Cristina Meo ; Cardoso, Taina Figueiredo ; Ibelli, Adriana Mercia Guaratini ; Okino, Cintia Hiromi ; Andrade, Bruno Gabriel ; Benavides, Magda Vieira ; Chagas, Ana Carolina de Souza ; Esteves, Sergio Novita ; Minho, Alessandro Pelegrine ; Regitano, Luciana Correia de Almeida ; Gondro, Cedric

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PARASITES & VECTORS; v. 17, n. 1, p. 19-pg., 2024-03-01.

Abstract

Background The integration of molecular data from hosts, parasites, and microbiota can enhance our understanding of the complex biological interactions underlying the resistance of hosts to parasites. Haemonchus contortus, the predominant sheep gastrointestinal parasite species in the tropics, causes significant production and economic losses, which are further compounded by the diminishing efficiency of chemical control owing to anthelmintic resistance. Knowledge of how the host responds to infection and how the parasite, in combination with microbiota, modulates host immunity can guide selection decisions to breed animals with improved parasite resistance. This understanding will help refine management practices and advance the development of new therapeutics for long-term helminth control. Methods Eggs per gram (EPG) of feces were obtained from Morada Nova sheep subjected to two artificial infections with H. contortus and used as a proxy to select animals with high resistance or susceptibility for transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) of the abomasum and 50 K single-nucleotide genotyping. Additionally, RNA-seq data for H. contortus were generated, and amplicon sequence variants (ASV) were obtained using polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of bacterial and archaeal 16S ribosomal RNA genes from sheep feces and rumen content. Results The heritability estimate for EPG was 0.12. GAST, GNLY, IL13, MGRN1, FGF14, and RORC genes and transcripts were differentially expressed between resistant and susceptible animals. A genome-wide association study identified regions on chromosomes 2 and 11 that harbor candidate genes for resistance, immune response, body weight, and adaptation. Trans-expression quantitative trait loci were found between significant variants and differentially expressed transcripts. Functional co-expression modules based on sheep genes and ASVs correlated with resistance to H. contortus, showing enrichment in pathways of response to bacteria, immune and inflammatory responses, and hub features of the Christensenellaceae, Bacteroides, and Methanobrevibacter genera; Prevotellaceae family; and Verrucomicrobiota phylum. In H. contortus, some mitochondrial, collagen-, and cuticle-related genes were expressed only in parasites isolated from susceptible sheep. Conclusions The present study identified chromosome regions, genes, transcripts, and pathways involved in the elaborate interactions between the sheep host, its gastrointestinal microbiota, and the H. contortus parasite. These findings will assist in the development of animal selection strategies for parasite resistance and interdisciplinary approaches to control H. contortus infection in sheep. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/02535-5 - Parasite-host-environment approach to control anthelmintic resistance in sheep flocks
• Grantee: Ana Carolina de Souza Chagas
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/02929-3 - Target selective treatment based on liveweight gain as nematode control strategy in Morada Nova lamb
• Grantee: Ana Carolina de Souza Chagas
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/11842-9 - Genome-wide association study (GWAS) and functional genomics of parasite resistance in Morada Nova sheep
• Grantee: Simone Cristina Méo Niciura
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• FAPESP's process: 22/06281-0 - Microbial-Host Interaction: prospection and validation of agricultural interest biomarkers and therapeutic targets discovery in Cattle
• Grantee: Tainã Figueiredo Cardoso
• Support Opportunities: Generation Project Research Grant
• FAPESP's process: 17/01626-1 - Genetic and immune responses characterization associated with the phenotype of parasite resistance in a sheep flock of Morada Nova
• Grantee: Ana Carolina de Souza Chagas
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants