Functional and Evolutionary Insights from the Genomes of Three Parasitoid Nasonia Species

Nasonia Genome Working Grp

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707 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We report here genome sequences and comparative analyses of three closely related parasitoid wasps: Nasonia vitripennis, N. giraulti, and N. longicornis. Parasitoids are important regulators of arthropod populations, including major agricultural pests and disease vectors, and Nasonia is an emerging genetic model, particularly for evolutionary and developmental genetics. Key findings include the identification of a functional DNA methylation tool kit; hymenopteran-specific genes including diverse venoms; lateral gene transfers among Pox viruses, Wolbachia, and Nasonia; and the rapid evolution of genes involved in nuclear-mitochondrial interactions that are implicated in speciation. Newly developed genome resources advance Nasonia for genetic research, accelerate mapping and cloning of quantitative trait loci, and will ultimately provide tools and knowledge for further increasing the utility of parasitoids as pest insect-control agents.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)343-348
Number of pages6
JournalScience
Volume327
Issue number5963
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jan 2010

Keywords

  • WASP NASONIA
  • DNA METHYLATION
  • SOCIAL INSECTS
  • APIS-MELLIFERA
  • HYMENOPTERA
  • VITRIPENNIS
  • GENES
  • PTEROMALIDAE
  • DROSOPHILA
  • HONEYBEE

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