Data from: Whole genome sequencing reveals clade-specific genetic variation in blacklegged ticks

Ticks and tick-borne pathogens represent the greatest vector-borne disease
threat in the US. Blacklegged ticks are responsible for most human cases,
yet the disease burden is unevenly distributed across the northern and
southern US. Understanding the genetic characteristics influencing
phenotypic differences in tick vectors is critical to elucidating
disparities in tick-borne pathogen transmission dynamics. Applying
evolutionary analyses to molecular variation in natural tick populations
across ecological gradients will help identify signatures of local
adaptation, which will improve control and mitigation strategies. In this
study, we performed whole genome nanopore sequencing of individual (n=1)
blacklegged ticks across their geographical range (Minnesota,
Pennsylvania, and Texas) to evaluate genetic divergence among populations.
Our integrated analyses identified genetic variants associated with
numerous biological processes and molecular functions that segregated
across populations. Notably, northern populations displayed genetic
variants in genes linked to xenobiotic detoxification, transmembrane
transport, and sulfation that may underpin key phenotypes influencing tick
dispersal, host associations, and vectorial capacity. Nanopore sequencing
further allowed the recovery of complete mitochondrial and commensal
endosymbiont genomes. Our study provides further evidence of genetic
divergence in epidemiologically relevant gene families among blacklegged
tick clades. This report emphasizes the need to elucidate the genetic
basis driving divergence among conspecific blacklegged tick clades in the
US.