Genome of the model tapeworm species Hymenolepis diminuta - the missing link in modern experimental parasitology

Hymenolepis diminuta is the most important model species used in the study of many aspects of tapeworm infestation and parasite-host interactions. Analyzing the complex parasite-host relationships, adaptation and evolution of tapeworms requires a thorough understanding of the molecular underpinnings of these processes. Understanding the diminut genome will therefore contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms that ensure tapeworms' evolutionary success and survival. These results will be compared with the recently available genomes of pathogenic species of the Tampidac family (Echinococcus granulosus, E. multilocutlaris, Taenia sol and um). This will allow understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the varied pathogenicity of tapeworms. An additional goal of the project will be to compare the U. diminuta inbred strain (inbreeding for over 100 generations) with the wild strain isolated from rat and human and to trace the changes in the genome that occurred during this time in the isolated tapeworm population in comparison with wild strains (human and animal) . This may be crucial in understanding the speciation process in isolated populations, which makes this research unique worldwide.