Abstract: is the most prevalent and pathogenic tapeworm (cestode) of horses worldwide, yet it remains molecularly understudied. Here, we present the mitochondrial and chromosome-scale nuclear genomes and matched somatic proteome for this parasite, establishing the first high-resolution molecular resource for the family Anoplocephalidae. This parasite was first characterised morphologically and then by its mitochondrial genome (size: 13,776 bp). Its complete nuclear genome (size: 372.3 Mb) was assembled and characterised; it encodes 9,711 protein-coding genes, 78.2% of which were functionally annotated and ~ 80% supported by transcriptomic evidence. Proteomic analysis confirmed 758 proteins in previously-analysed excretory/secretory (ES) products from adult worms, including highly expressed components of the ubiquitin–proteasome system, stress response families – e.g., translationally controlled tumour proteins (TCTPs) and universal stress proteins (USPs) – and cytoskeletal scaffolds. Approximately 6.5% of the genome contains retroelements, predominantly LINEs. Comparative genomic analyses revealed a relatively conserved synteny with members of the family Taeniidae (, and ) and a pronounced structural divergence from (Hymenolepididae), reflecting mosaic genome evolution within the order Cyclophyllidea. Classification of proteins inferred from the genome identified GTPases, kinases, peptidases and secretome-associated proteins among the most abundant groups. A subset of proteins exhibited signal peptides or extracellular localisation, suggesting their role as parasite-derived proteins (PDPs) involved in host–parasite communication and immune evasion. This integrated genomic and proteomic framework reveals lineage-specific molecular adaptations in and provides a foundation for future functional and translational investigations of this and closely related cestodes. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-026-12554-9.
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Overview
This research provides the first detailed mitochondrial, nuclear genome, and proteome data for Anoplocephala perfoliata, a common and harmful horse tapeworm.
The study reveals unique molecular features and evolutionary relationships of this species, laying groundwork for further functional research and potential medical applications.
Introduction and Background
Anoplocephala perfoliata is the most common and pathogenic tapeworm affecting horses globally.
Despite its significance, it had been poorly studied at a molecular level prior to this work.
The tapeworm belongs to the family Anoplocephalidae, a group lacking comprehensive molecular resources.
Genome Sequencing and Assembly
The researchers sequenced both the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes of A. perfoliata.
The mitochondrial genome is relatively small, about 13,776 base pairs in length.
The nuclear genome is large, at 372.3 megabases, assembled to a chromosome-scale resolution.
Within the nuclear genome, 9,711 protein-coding genes were predicted; approximately 78.2% received functional annotations based on similarity to known proteins.
Transcriptomic data supported about 80% of these gene predictions, demonstrating high confidence in genome annotation.
Proteome Analysis
Proteomic analysis validated the expression of 758 proteins, particularly focusing on proteins secreted or excreted by adult worms.
Highly expressed proteins include:
Components of the ubiquitin–proteasome system, critical for protein degradation and regulation.
Stress response proteins such as Translationally Controlled Tumor Proteins (TCTPs) and Universal Stress Proteins (USPs), which help the parasite survive host immune responses or environmental stresses.
Cytoskeletal scaffold proteins, important for cell structure and parasite motility.
Genomic Features and Evolutionary Insights
Approximately 6.5% of the genome consists of retroelements, especially Long Interspersed Nuclear Elements (LINEs), which may influence genome structure and evolution.
Comparative genomic analysis showed:
Conserved gene order (synteny) between A. perfoliata and tapeworms from the related family Taeniidae (which includes species like Echinococcus and Taenia).
Significant structural differences compared to Hymenolepididae (e.g., Hymenolepis), reflecting complex evolutionary patterns within the Cyclophyllidea order.
Protein Function and Host-Parasite Interaction
Analysis of predicted proteins identified groups such as GTPases, kinases, and peptidases, which are involved in cell signaling and protein processing.
Proteins linked with secretory pathways and those having signal peptides or extracellular localization were identified, suggesting they may play roles as parasite-derived proteins (PDPs).
PDPs are important in communication between the parasite and its host and in mechanisms that allow the parasite to evade the host’s immune system.
Significance and Applications
This study provides the first high-resolution molecular dataset for the Anoplocephalidae family.
The integrated genomic and proteomic data sets highlight lineage-specific adaptations unique to A. perfoliata.
The resource enables and encourages future research into:
Functional characterization of parasite genes and proteins.
Development of novel diagnostic, therapeutic, or vaccine approaches targeting this important equine parasite.
Comparative evolutionary studies within cestodes.
Supplementary materials are available online, providing additional genomic and proteomic data for researchers.
Cite This Article
APA
Young ND, Wang T, Ang CS, Lale D, Fuehrer HP, Sumanam SB, Korhonen PK, Chang BCH, Gasser RB.
(2026).
Chromosome-scale nuclear genome and proteome of Anoplocephala perfoliata elucidate lineage-specific features of a ‘neglected’ equine tapeworm.
BMC Genomics, 27(1), 201.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-026-12554-9
Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia. nyoung@unimelb.edu.au.
Wang, Tao
Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
Ang, Ching-Seng
Bio21 Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
Lale, Dilara
University Equine Hospital, Clinical Unit of Equine Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Institute of Virology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Fuehrer, Hans-Peter
Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, 1210, Austria.
Sumanam, Sunita B
Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
Korhonen, Pasi K
Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
Chang, Bill C H
Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
Gasser, Robin B
Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia. robinbg@unimelb.edu.au.
Grant Funding
FT230100559 / Australian Research Council
LP180101085 / Australian Research Council
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
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