Whole-genome sequences revealed genomic diversity and selection signatures of Dermacentor silvarum in Shaanxi, China

Abstract

Dermacentor silvarum (D. silvarum) is an arthropod that feeds on blood. It is a primary tick species found in northern China that poses a significant security risk to the health and life of the host, as it has the potential to transmit a variety of pathogens to humans and animals. Through ongoing research on tick genome sequences, researchers have successfully assembled and reported reference genomes for numerous tick species. These significant advances have greatly accelerated the study of tick biology and population genomics. D. silvarum samples were obtained from the body surface of free-range goats in Yulin, Shaanxi Province, China. The whole genomes of the samples were resequenced and merged with preexisting data from the National Genomics Data Center database (project ID: PRJCA002242) to analyze the genetic structure, genetic diversity, mitochondrial genetic structure, and selection signatures of D. silvarum in the Shaanxi Province. Based on the available data, the D.silvarum species in China could be classified into two main branches. These populations exhibited low nucleotide diversity. A slight discrepancy was noted between the mitochondrial phylogenetic tree and the autosomal whole-genome phylogenetic tree of D. silvarum, consistent with a previous study. In the selected analysis of D. silvarum in the Shaanxi Province, China, genes linked to immunity, iron storage, fatty acid biosynthesis, pesticide defense, and blood digestion were identified. Leutriene A4 hydrolase (LOC119466376) was also identified, although its function remains unknown. This information is crucial for understanding the biology of D. silvarum and developing management measures.