Research Accomplishment Reports 2009

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Genome Sequence for the Apicomplexan Sarcocystis neurona

D. Howe, C. L. Schardl, J.C. Kissinger
Department of Veterinary Sciences

 

Non-Technical Summary

Sarcocystis neurona is a protozoan parasite that is the leading cause of neurologic disease in horses and an emerging pathogen of marine mammals. In addition, S. neurona is closely related to several important human parasites (e.g., Toxoplasma, Plasmodium). The primary goal of this project is to sequence the genome of Sarcocystis neurona, to characterize the genome sequence by comparing it to sequences from other organisms, and to make the information available to the research community. The S. neurona genome sequence will serve as a valuable resource for identifying important parasite genes, and it will allow researchers to better utilize state-of-the-art technologies and experimental approaches to investigate this pathogen. As well, the S. neurona genome sequence will be compared to the genomes from related human parasites, which may reveal valuable information about this important group of pathogens.