TABLE CONTENTS

Gene Finding, Expression Profiling, and SNP Detection in Ancylostoma
caninum using High Throughput Sequencing Technology and its
Implications
Yin, Y. (1), Z. Wang (1), J. Martin (1), S. Abubucker (1), J. Hawdon (2) & M. Mitreva (1)
(1) Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108; (2) Department
of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center,
Washington, DC, 20037.
The impact of next-generation sequencing technology on genomics is multifold, and the
transcriptomic data have multipurpose use. Hence, the transcriptomic data generated using
massively parallel sequencing technology is a cost-effective way to comprehensively study
different aspects of an organism’s biology.
In this study we sampled 4 transcriptomes of the canine hookworm Ancylostoma caninum
(infective L3, serum-stimulated L3, adult male and adult female) using both, conventional
sanger (ABI) and massively parallel Roche (454) sequencing technology. The analysis of the
1.5 million 454 ESTs and comparisons to the ~90,000 ABI ESTs, indicate that the noncloning
based 454 sequence data: i) has greatly improved gene finding, mainly through
representation of transcript expressed at a lower level; and ii) provide high coverage that
enables both comprehensive identification of developmentally restricted transcripts, and
identification of intra-specific genetic variations. We will report on the extended studies of
the digital expression profiles that enabled us to deeper understand A. caninum at the
molecular level.
This approach highlights the impact that next generation sequencing technology may have on
genetics in general, and subsequently how genomics-based approaches can accelerate
progress towards development of more efficient and sustainable control programs.
Using Molecular Techniques to Identify New Targets for Control across
Species of Abomasal Parasitic Nematodes
Geldhof, P. (1), A.J. Nisbet (2) & R. Gasser (3)
(1) Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820
Merelbeke, Belgium; (2) Parasitology Division, Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush
Loan, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ, Scotland, UK; (3) Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne,
250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia.
Infections with the abomasal parasites Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta
and Ostertagia ostertagi are a major cause of economic loss in the sheep and cattle industry.
Billions of dollars are spent annually to treat animals with anthelmintics. However, the
appearance of worm populations resistant against the three classes of anthelmintics currently
used severely threatens the sustainable control of these parasites. Therefore, alternative
control strategies, based on novel nematocidal compounds or vaccines, will be required in the
future. The identification of such new drug and vaccine targets relies on a good
understanding of the parasite biology and host-parasite interactions on a molecular level. The
application and combination of genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics has in recent years
given us better insights into processes such as hypobiosis, feeding and sexual differentiation.
Quantitative information on gene expression during parasite development has been gathered
and protein components released by the different life stages during the course of an infection
have been identified. The results of these studies will be discussed in the light of target
identification for these abomasal parasites.
5 th International Congress of Nematology, 2008 43