Genomic insights into monensin resistance development in Eimeria tenella

IntroductionMonensin resistance in Eimeria tenella poses a significant challenge in poultry farming, compromising the effectiveness of this widely used anticoccidial drug. The present study aimed to identify candidate mutated genes in Eimeria tenella associated with monensin resistance through exper...

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Main Authors: Xiaolong Gu, Sufang Fang, Hongbin Liu, Yubo Shi, Yuanyuan Zhang, Peng Wang, Ping Cui, Xinming Tang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-04-01
Series:Frontiers in Veterinary Science
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1459791/full
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author Xiaolong Gu
Xiaolong Gu
Sufang Fang
Hongbin Liu
Yubo Shi
Yubo Shi
Yuanyuan Zhang
Peng Wang
Ping Cui
Xinming Tang
author_facet Xiaolong Gu
Xiaolong Gu
Sufang Fang
Hongbin Liu
Yubo Shi
Yubo Shi
Yuanyuan Zhang
Peng Wang
Ping Cui
Xinming Tang
author_sort Xiaolong Gu
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionMonensin resistance in Eimeria tenella poses a significant challenge in poultry farming, compromising the effectiveness of this widely used anticoccidial drug. The present study aimed to identify candidate mutated genes in Eimeria tenella associated with monensin resistance through experimental evolution and pooled genome sequencing.MethodsThe monensin-resistant (MR) strains were rapidly generated by 6 generations of serial passage under gradient monensin treatments using Houghton strain as the parental strain. Genomic sequencing was applied to uncover genetic changes during passages under drug selective pressure. Comparative analysis between resistant and control populations was performed by using the ΔSNP-index and FST values to identify loci with significant selective sweeps. Stringent thresholds were applied to pinpoint candidate genes, followed by annotation and analysis of their potential functions.Results and discussionThe genetic diversity of MR parasites remained stable across generations, despite varying drug concentrations. Seven candidate genes with 11 missense mutations were identified in MR strains. Key genes include ETH2_0729200 (dynein motor protein), ETH2_0729400 (esterase/lipase), and ETH2_0730000 (pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductase) annotated in both the selective sweeps by using ΔSNP-index and FST methods. Further experimental validation of these candidate genes is essential to elucidate their roles in monensin resistance. This research contributes valuable insights into the molecular basis of resistance pressure in Eimeria parasites, potentially informing future strategies for the control of coccidiosis.
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spelling doaj-art-b26f7b426b5240d1b7ee73da646d4f2b2025-08-20T01:54:57ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Veterinary Science2297-17692025-04-011210.3389/fvets.2025.14597911459791Genomic insights into monensin resistance development in Eimeria tenellaXiaolong Gu0Xiaolong Gu1Sufang Fang2Hongbin Liu3Yubo Shi4Yubo Shi5Yuanyuan Zhang6Peng Wang7Ping Cui8Xinming Tang9College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, ChinaCollege of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, ChinaCollege of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, ChinaSchool of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, ChinaCollege of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, ChinaKey Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North) and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Products and Chemical Drugs of MARA, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, ChinaCollege of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, ChinaCollege of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, ChinaCollege of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, ChinaKey Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North) and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Products and Chemical Drugs of MARA, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, ChinaIntroductionMonensin resistance in Eimeria tenella poses a significant challenge in poultry farming, compromising the effectiveness of this widely used anticoccidial drug. The present study aimed to identify candidate mutated genes in Eimeria tenella associated with monensin resistance through experimental evolution and pooled genome sequencing.MethodsThe monensin-resistant (MR) strains were rapidly generated by 6 generations of serial passage under gradient monensin treatments using Houghton strain as the parental strain. Genomic sequencing was applied to uncover genetic changes during passages under drug selective pressure. Comparative analysis between resistant and control populations was performed by using the ΔSNP-index and FST values to identify loci with significant selective sweeps. Stringent thresholds were applied to pinpoint candidate genes, followed by annotation and analysis of their potential functions.Results and discussionThe genetic diversity of MR parasites remained stable across generations, despite varying drug concentrations. Seven candidate genes with 11 missense mutations were identified in MR strains. Key genes include ETH2_0729200 (dynein motor protein), ETH2_0729400 (esterase/lipase), and ETH2_0730000 (pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductase) annotated in both the selective sweeps by using ΔSNP-index and FST methods. Further experimental validation of these candidate genes is essential to elucidate their roles in monensin resistance. This research contributes valuable insights into the molecular basis of resistance pressure in Eimeria parasites, potentially informing future strategies for the control of coccidiosis.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1459791/fullEimeria tenellamonensinresistance pressureexperimental evolutiongenome resequencing
spellingShingle Xiaolong Gu
Xiaolong Gu
Sufang Fang
Hongbin Liu
Yubo Shi
Yubo Shi
Yuanyuan Zhang
Peng Wang
Ping Cui
Xinming Tang
Genomic insights into monensin resistance development in Eimeria tenella
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Eimeria tenella
monensin
resistance pressure
experimental evolution
genome resequencing
title Genomic insights into monensin resistance development in Eimeria tenella
title_full Genomic insights into monensin resistance development in Eimeria tenella
title_fullStr Genomic insights into monensin resistance development in Eimeria tenella
title_full_unstemmed Genomic insights into monensin resistance development in Eimeria tenella
title_short Genomic insights into monensin resistance development in Eimeria tenella
title_sort genomic insights into monensin resistance development in eimeria tenella
topic Eimeria tenella
monensin
resistance pressure
experimental evolution
genome resequencing
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1459791/full
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