Equus roundworms (Parascaris univalens) are undergoing rapid divergence while genes involved in metabolic as well as anthelminic resistance are under positive selection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The evolution of parasites is often directly affected by the host's environment. Studies on the evolution of the same parasites in different hosts are of great interest and are highly relevant to our understanding of divergence.

Methods

Here we performed whole-genome sequencing of Parascaris univalens from different Equus hosts (horses, zebras and donkeys). Phylogenetic and selection analyses were performed to study the divergence and adaptability of P. univalens.

Results

At the genetic level, multiple lines of evidence indicate that P. univalens is mainly separated into two clades (horse-derived and zebra & donkey-derived). This divergence began 300-1000 years ago, and we found that most of the key enzymes related to glycolysis were under strong positive s

SUBMITTER: Han L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9252044 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature