Genome Sequence of the Tsetse Fly (Glossina morsitans): Vector of African Trypanosomiasis
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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.
Keywords
QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science