Analysis of codon usage patterns in Hirudinaria manillensis reveals a preference for GC-ending codons caused by dominant selection constraints
Research article published in BMC genomics (2018)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hirudinaria manillensis is an ephemeral, blood-sucking ectoparasite, possessing anticoagulant capacities with potential medical applications. Analysis of codon usage patterns would contribute to our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms and genetic architecture of H. manillensis, which in turn would provide insight into the characteristics of other leeches. We analysed codon usage and related indices using 18,000 coding sequences (CDSs) retrieved from H. manillensis RNA-Seq data. RESULTS: We identified four highly preferred codons in H. manillensis that have G/C-endings. Points generated in an effective number of codons (ENC) plot distributed below the standard curve and the slope of a neutrality plot was less than 1. Highly expressed CDSs had lower ENC content and higher GC content than weakly expressed CDSs. Principal component analysis conducted on relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values divided CDSs according to GC content and divided codons according to ending bases. Moreover, by determining codon usage, we found that the majority of blood-diet related genes have undergone less adaptive evolution in H. manillensis, except for those with homologous sequences in the host species. CONCLUSIONS: Codon usage in H. manillensis had an overall preference toward C-endings and indicated that codon usage patterns are mediated by differential expression, GC content, and biological function. Although mutation pressure effects were also notable, the majority of genetic evolution in H. manillensis was driven by natural selection.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Hirudinaria manillensis is an ephemeral, blood-sucking ectoparasite, possessing anticoagulant capacities with potential medical applications.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio analizó los patrones de uso de codones en Hirudinaria manillensis, una sanguijuela hematófaga reconocida por sus capacidades anticoagulantes con potenciales aplicaciones médicas, utilizando aproximadamente 18.000 secuencias codificantes a partir de datos de RNA-Seq. Encontró una preferencia por codones terminados en GC, con un uso de codones moldeado principalmente por selección natural más que por presión mutacional aislada, y que la mayoría de los genes relacionados con la dieta hemática experimentaron menos evolución adaptativa, salvo aquellos con secuencias homólogas al hospedador. Para la ASH, la relevancia es indirecta y fundamental: comprender la arquitectura genética y las restricciones evolutivas de una especie de sanguijuela médicamente relevante podría apoyar en última instancia el estudio biotecnológico o farmacológico de sus compuestos anticoagulantes. Sin embargo, el estudio no reporta identificación, aislamiento ni ensayo funcional de anticoagulantes específicos, no presenta datos clínicos ni hallazgos directos de hirudoterapia; se trata de un análisis de evolución molecular y uso de codones.
Citación
Analysis of codon usage patterns in Hirudinaria manillensis reveals a preference for GC-ending codons caused by dominant selection constraints
Guan DL et al. · BMC genomics, 2018
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026