Pathogens and Vectors

Program Rationale

Genomic sequencing contributes to our understanding of the molecular basis of human pathogenesis. It offers tremendous potential to direct the discovery of diagnostic targets, drugs and vaccines against parasites, as well as the identification of novel vector control targets. To date, sequencing efforts have only begun to scratch the surface of the vast diversity of organisms that exist; understanding this diversity is crucial to our ability to control infectious diseases. In response to the need for continued efforts in this area and to promote collaborations among scientists and interested funding agencies, the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have started to coordinate their efforts in the sequencing of human pathogens and vectors of infectious diseases.

Process for Selecting New Pathogen and Vector Sequencing Targets

In November 2006, NHGRI and NIAID jointly sponsored a workshop (See: NHGRI-NIAID Workshop on Eukaryotic Pathogens and Disease Vectors Sequencing) to i) help identify the most significant human eukaryotic pathogens and invertebrate vectors of infectious diseases for potential sequencing; ii) evaluate the usefulness and limitations of pathogen and vector genomic data for studying infectious diseases; and iii) discover potential targets for vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and vector control. In response to recommendations developed at the workshop, the two institutes established a Human Pathogens and Disease Vectors Sequencing Target Selection Working Group (See Group Rosters). The group was charged to work in consultation with the scientific community to generate community-based sequencing projects and to recommend high priority human eukaryotic pathogens and invertebrate vectors as potential sequencing targets. All sequencing targets and rationales proposed by the Working Group will be assessed by the Coordinating Committee for Sequencing Target Selection (See Group Rosters), the National Advisory Council on Human Genome Research, and the NIAID Microbial Sequencing Program.

Approved Sequencing Projects

• Comparative Analysis of Plasmodium vivax
  8X coverage of six species/strains; 40k ESTs.
  (Submitted Sept. 2007)
   
• Pathogenomics of Trypanosomatid parasites
  10X coverage of 25 species/strains, finishing of 6, cDNAs for 8.
  (Submitted Sept. 2007)
   
• Comprehensive Sequencing Proposal for Plasmodium
  Draft sequence and ESTs of multiple isolates of falciparum and related species for comparative and model system studies.
  (Submitted May 2008)
   
• Genome Analysis of Vectorial Capacity in Major Anopheles Vectors of Malaria Parasites
  High quality assembly for 13 species; 200,000 EST of each species
  (Submitted August 2008).
   
• Glossina (Tsetse Fly) Genome Projects
  Draft genome assembly and transcriptome sequencing of five Glossina genomes and two comparative genomes; low coverage genome sequencing of ~12 field populations.
  (Submitted May 2010)
   
• A Proposal for Sequencing the Etiological Agents of Food-Borne Trematodiases (FBTs)
  Draft genome assembly (high coverage) and transcriptome sequencing of 14 FBT genomes that infect various body sites.
  (Submitted December 2010)

• Genome Analysis of Major Tick and Mite Vectors of Human Pathogens
  Draft genome assembly (high coverage) of two Acaries and transcriptome sequencing of eight Acaries.
  (Submitted December 2010)

• Comparative Genomics of Cryptosporidium Species
  Draft genome assembly of six different Cryptosporidium species, survey sequences of 28 clinical isolates, and RNA-Seq for six Cryptosporidium species.
  (Submitted September 2011)

• Simulium (Black Fly Disease Vectors) Genomics Project
  Draft genome assembly of 11 Simulium species, transcriptome analysis of four Simulium species, and re-sequencing of 50 individuals from two Simulium species.
  (Submitted September 2011)

Program Contacts

Lu Wang, Ph.D.
Program Director
Large Scale Sequencing
NHGRI
E-mail: wanglu@mail.nih.gov

Maria Y. Giovanni, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Genomics/Sequencing
NIAID
E-mail: mgiovanni@niaid.nih.gov

Deirdre A. Joy, Ph.D.
Program Officer
Parasite and Vectors Genomics
NIAID
E-mail: djoy@mail.nih.gov