Dipylidium caninum draft genome-a new resource for comparative genomic and genetic explorations of flatworms

Here, we present a draft genome of the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum (family Dipylidiidae) and compare it with other cestode genomes. This draft genome of D. caninum is 110 Mb in size, has a repeat content of -13.4% and is predicted to encode -10,000 protein-coding genes. We inferred excretory/secretory molecules (representing the secretome), other key groups of proteins (including peptidases, kinases, phosphatases, GTPases, receptors, transporters and ion-channels) and predicted potential intervention targets for future evaluation. Using 144 shared single-copy orthologous sequences, we investigated the genetic relationships of cestodes for which nuclear genomes are available. This study provides first insights into the molecular biology of D. caninum and a new resource for comparative genomic and genetic explorations of this and other flatworms.

Automated summary

This study presents a draft genome of the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum and compares it with other cestode genomes. The genome of D. caninum is predicted to encode around 10,000 protein-coding genes, with various key protein groups identified and potential intervention targets predicted for further evaluation. The study also investigates the genetic relationships of cestodes using shared single-copy orthologous sequences, providing new insights into the molecular biology of D. caninum and serving as a resource for comparative genomic and genetic explorations.