Chromosome-contiguous nuclear genome of <i>Dirofilaria asiatica</i> reveals unique molecular signatures and host interactions.

ABSTRACT: Dirofilaria asiatica is a recently described filarioid nematode of zoonotic importance whose biology, host interactions and epidemiology are largely unknown. Here, we present the first chromosome-scale nuclear genome for this species, assembled from long-read PacBio and short-read Hi-C (high-throughput chromosome conformation capture) sequence data derived from adult specimens. The resulting 91.9 Mb genome comprises four autosomes and one sex-linked scaffold and encodes 9658 protein-coding genes with a high level of completeness. Comparative genomic analyses with Dirofilaria immitis, Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus revealed both conserved chromosomal synteny and lineage-specific rearrangements. We identified 881 predicted excretory/secretory (ES) proteins, with a marked enrichment in immune-relevant pathways, including proteolysis, lysosomal activity and antigen presentation. Notably, 229 (∼26 %) of these ES proteins were unique to D. asiatica, many of which are implicated in host-parasite interactions, immune evasion and metabolic adaptation in the mammalian host. Proteins such as cystatins, serpins, venom allergen-like (VAL) proteins and cytokine-mimics suggest specialised immunomodulatory capacities distinct from those of other filarioids. The genome of D. asiatica fills a significant gap in filarial genomics and provides a foundational resource for future studies into host adaptation, molecular epidemiology, and the development of improved diagnostics and interventions, with direct relevance to a One Health approach for monitoring and controlling filarioid infections at the human-animal-vector interface.

SUBMITTER: Young ND 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12546972 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature