Abstract
Background
The use of microsporidia as a disease-transmission-blocking tool has garnered significant attention. Microsporidia sp. MB, known for its ability to block malaria development in mosquitoes, is an optimal candidate for supplementing existing malaria vector control methods due to its sustainability over generations, via both vertical and horizontal transmission, coupled with minimal adverse effects on the mosquito host. The sequencing and assembly of the Microsporidia sp. MB genome from infected An. arabiensis has been recently reported, with a relatively compact genome of 5.9 Mbp.
Results
Here, we further describe the genome of Microsporidia sp. MB, highlighting its primary genome features, gene content, and protein function. The genome consists of 2247 genes, primarily encoding enzymes. We also show that the symbiont has retained most of the genes associated with the glycolytic pathway, unlike its counterparts in the Enterocytozoonida group. Genes involved in the RNA interference pathway were identified, suggesting a probable mechanism for suppressing host immune responses against the symbiont.
Conclusion
This study breaks down the structure of the newly sequenced Microsporidia sp. MB genome and highlights key components of the genome involved in the survival, metabolism and replication of the symbiont using a wide set of computational tools. Establishing a reference genome for this symbiont is the first step in understanding its biology and sets up future host-symbiont-parasite interaction studies.