Genome B.ovis Israeli strain
The aim of the project is the de novo assembly and gene annotation of the genome of Babesia ovis, Israeli strain to empower gene editing technologies to unravel pathogen - host cell interactions, ultimately revitalizing research to develop effective control measures against babesiosis. B. ovis is a relevant haemoparasitic pathogen of small ruminants, capable of severe infections with low parasitaemia, mainly transmitted by Rhipicephalus bursa ticks. Recently the the genome of another B. ovis strain from Turkey (Selcuk strain) was sequenced, however the present project provides a wealth of information that is invaluable for advancing our understanding of this parasitic disease. Particularly, detailed knowledge of the parasite's genome will allow the identification of specific genes or genetic elements, essential to precisely manipulate genetic targets, and investigate the function of individual genes, validate their role in parasite biology, and elucidate underlying molecular mechanisms.