生物谷Bioon.net 測(cè)序人類體虱以及在其內(nèi)體共生的細(xì)菌的遺傳編碼有可能讓科學(xué)家開(kāi)發(fā)出針對(duì)這種昆蟲(chóng)寄生蟲(chóng)的改良的殺蟲(chóng)劑和驅(qū)蟲(chóng)劑,。這組作者提取了來(lái)自100多個(gè)人類體虱的DNA并對(duì)體虱和Riesia菌的基因組進(jìn)行了測(cè)序,。后者是這種虱的消化道中的一種關(guān)鍵細(xì)菌,，它分泌營(yíng)養(yǎng)物質(zhì)作為體虱的食物——人血的補(bǔ)充物質(zhì)。
這組科學(xué)家報(bào)告說(shuō),，體虱基因組——它是已知最小的昆蟲(chóng)基因組——比其他昆蟲(chóng)基因組包含的與環(huán)境感知和響應(yīng)有關(guān)的基因（包括那些為嗅覺(jué)和味覺(jué)感受器以及解毒酶編碼的基因）更少,。這項(xiàng)分析還表明Riesia細(xì)菌缺乏抵抗抗生素的基因。此前的研究提示,，人類體虱（Pediculus humanus humanus）是從頭虱進(jìn)化而來(lái)的,，而且已知能夠攜帶和傳播人類疾病，包括斑疹傷寒和戰(zhàn)壕熱,。這組作者提出,，該研究可能幫助科學(xué)家利用這種虱的獨(dú)特基因?qū)傩?mdash;—諸如其有限的嗅覺(jué)能力——從而開(kāi)發(fā)出消滅這種害蟲(chóng)的方法。(生物谷Bioon.net)
生物谷推薦原文出處：
PNAS doi: 10.1073/pnas.1003379107
Genome sequences of the human body louse and its primary endosymbiont provide insights into the permanent parasitic lifestyle
Ewen F. Kirknessa,1, Brian J. Haasa,2, Weilin Sunb, Henk R. Braigc, M. Alejandra Perottid, John M. Clarke, Si Hyeock Leef, Hugh M. Robertsonb, Ryan C. Kennedyg,h, Eran Elhaiki, Daniel Gerlachj,k, Evgenia V. Kriventsevaj,k, Christine G. Elsikl,3, Dan Grauri, Catherine A. Hillm, Jan A. Veenstran, Brian Walenza, José Manuel C. Tubíoo, José M. C. Ribeirop, Julio Rozasq, J. Spencer Johnstonr, Justin T. Reesel, Aleksandar Popadics, Marta Tojot, Didier Raoultu, David L. Reedv, Yoshinori Tomoyasuw,4, Emily Krausew, Omprakash Mittapallix, Venu M. Margamm, Hong-Mei Lib, Jason M. Meyerm, Reed M. Johnsonb, Jeanne Romero-Seversong,y, Janice Pagel VanZeem, David Alvarez-Ponceq, Filipe G. Vieiraq, Montserrat Aguadéq, Sara Guirao-Ricoq, Juan M. Anzolal, Kyong S. Yoone, Joseph P. Strycharze, Maria F. Ungerg,y, Scott Christleyg,h, Neil F. Lobog,y, Manfredo J. Seufferheldz, NaiKuan Wangaa, Gregory A. Daschbb, Claudio J. Struchinercc, Greg Madeyg,h, Linda I. Hannicka, Shelby Bidwella, Vinita Joardara, Elisabet Calera, Renfu Shaodd, Stephen C. Barkerdd, Stephen Cameronee, Robert V. Bruggnerg,h, Allison Regierg,h, Justin Johnsona, Lakshmi Viswanathana, Terry R. Utterbacka, Granger G. Suttona, Daniel Lawsonff, Robert M. Waterhousej,k, J. Craig Ventera, Robert L. Strausberga, May R. Berenbaumb, Frank H. Collinsg,y, Evgeny M. Zdobnovj,k,gg,1, and Barry R. Pittendrighb,1,5
As an obligatory parasite of humans, the body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus) is an important vector for human diseases, including epidemic typhus, relapsing fever, and trench fever. Here, we present genome sequences of the body louse and its primary bacterial endosymbiont Candidatus Riesia pediculicola. The body louse has the smallest known insect genome, spanning 108 Mb. Despite its status as an obligate parasite, it retains a remarkably complete basal insect repertoire of 10,773 protein-coding genes and 57 microRNAs. Representing hemimetabolous insects, the genome of the body louse thus provides a reference for studies of holometabolous insects. Compared with other insect genomes, the body louse genome contains significantly fewer genes associated with environmental sensing and response, including odorant and gustatory receptors and detoxifying enzymes. The unique architecture of the 18 minicircular mitochondrial chromosomes of the body louse may be linked to the loss of the gene encoding the mitochondrial single-stranded DNA binding protein. The genome of the obligatory louse endosymbiont Candidatus Riesia pediculicola encodes less than 600 genes on a short, linear chromosome and a circular plasmid. The plasmid harbors a unique arrangement of genes required for the synthesis of pantothenate, an essential vitamin deficient in the louse diet. The human body louse, its primary endosymbiont, and the bacterial pathogens that it vectors all possess genomes reduced in size compared with their free-living close relatives. Thus, the body louse genome project offers unique information and tools to use in advancing understanding of coevolution among vectors, symbionts, and pathogens.
