Researchers Map Northern Root-Knot Nematode Genome

North Carolina State University scientists and colleagues have deciphered the complete genome sequence and genetic map of the Northern root-knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla. The parasitic worm, along with other species of root-knot nematode, causes an estimated $50 billion in crop and plant damage annually. The research could help lead to a new generation of eco-friendly tools to manage the ubiquitous worm.

With only 54 million base pairs (Mbp), M. hapla represents not only the smallest nematode genome yet completed, but also the smallest metazoan. The genome might be smaller, the researchers say, because the inside of the host plant’s root provides an isolated environment compared to the soil. The scientists also found out that the root-knot nematode encodes approximately 5,500 fewer protein-coding genes than does the free living, model worm Caenorhabditis elegans. The difference between M. hapla’s and C. elegans’ genome, according to scientists, substantiated the earlier hypothesis that horizontal gene transfer played a role in evolution of parasitism.

The team has deposited the resulting sequence data in public databases. Read the full article at http://news.ncsu.edu/news/2008/09/136mkoppermanbirdpnas.htm The paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences is available at http://www.pnas.org/content/105/39/14802.abstract