Natural genetic variation in Drosophila melanogaster reveals genes associated with Coxiella burnetii infection.

ABSTRACT: The gram-negative bacterium Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Query (Q) fever in humans and coxiellosis in livestock. Host genetics are associated with C. burnetii pathogenesis both in humans and animals; however, it remains unknown if specific genes are associated with severity of infection. We employed the Drosophila Genetics Reference Panel to perform a genome-wide association study to identify host genetic variants that affect host survival to C. burnetii infection. The genome-wide association study identified 64 unique variants (P < 10-5) associated with 25 candidate genes. We examined the role each candidate gene contributes to host survival during C. burnetii infection using flies carrying a null mutation or RNAi knockdown of each candidate. We validated 15 of the 25 candi

SUBMITTER: Guzman RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8045698 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature