Study of antigenic variant gene repertoire of B. bigemina and B. bovis strains from distinct geographic locations. Study of antigenic variant gene repertoire of B. bigemina and B. bovis strains from distinct geographic locations

We wish to study the genetic diversity among B. bigemina and Babesia bovis isolates with particular emphasis on comparative analysis of the genome content and organisation of variant gene families (e.g. VESA and related families). For this study we have chosen to sequence the following isolates of B. bigemina and B. bovis. B. bigemina PR isolate - this represents a field strain isolated from Puerto Rico. This is a geographically distinct isolate from all others sequenced, from a geographically isolated region. No previous molecular genetics are available on this isolate. In comparison with other isolates these data will aid in identification of non-essential genes, and in the definition and evolution of multigene families. B. bigemina, JG-29 clone - JG-29 represents a clonal line derived by limiting dilution cloning from the Mexico isolate. Parental isolate causes serious acute disease with significant anemia, but lethality not common. JG-29 is the source of most validated molecular genetics on B. bigemina currently available in the literature. Parental Mexico isolate has been used in a number of immunization trials. In comparison with other isolates, these data will aid in identification of non-essential genes, and in the definition and evolution of multigene families. B. bigemina, BbiS3P strain - the BbiS3P strain was isolated from a chronically infected bovine from the endemic region of Argentina and then adapted to in vitro culture. B. bovis, C9.1 clone - clonal line derived by limiting dilution cloning from the B. bovis MO7 clonal line (from Mexico) after having been persistently maintained in immune steers for 2.5 years. MO7 clonal line derived by limiting dilution cloning from the B. bovis Mexico isolate. It is moderate in virulence. Is thought to no longer be tick-transmissible following many years of in vitro culture. A deletion event involving approximately 100 kbp has occurred in chromosome 4 relative to the MO7 parental line. Region of deletion not mapped. Is the source of all molecular genetics available on antigenic variation in B. bovis. Parental Mexico isolate is the source of most validated molecular genetics currently available in the literature. In comparison with the highly virulent, tick-transmissible B. bovis T2Bo (Texas) isolate (the published B. bovis reference genome) and Theileria spp. genome sequences, these data will provide candidate genes for tick transmission, and will aid in identification of genes that are non-essential for in vitro growth. . This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/