University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Chromosome-scale nuclear genome and proteome of Anoplocephala perfoliata elucidate lineage-specific features of a ‘neglected’ equine tapeworm Background Anoplocephala perfoliata is the most prevalent and pathogenic tapeworm (cestode) of horses worldwide, yet it remains molecularly understudied. Here, we present the mitochondrial and chromosome-scale nuclear genomes and matched somatic proteome for this parasite, establishing the first high-resolution molecular resource for the family Anoplocephalidae. Results This parasite was first characterised morphologically and then by its mitochondrial genome (size: 13,776 bp). Its complete nuclear genome (size: 372.3 Mb) was assembled and characterised; it encodes 9,711 protein-coding genes, 78.2% of which were functionally annotated and ~ 80% supported by transcriptomic evidence. Proteomic analysis confirmed 758 proteins in previously-analysed excretory/secretory (ES) products from adult worms, including highly expressed components of the ubiquitin–proteasome system, stress response families – e.g., translationally controlled tumour proteins (TCTPs) and universal stress proteins (USPs) – and cytoskeletal scaffolds. Approximately 6.5% of the genome contains retroelements, predominantly LINEs. Comparative genomic analyses revealed a relatively conserved synteny with members of the family Taeniidae (Echinococcus granulosus, E. multilocularis and Taenia multiceps) and a pronounced structural divergence from Hymenolepis microstoma (Hymenolepididae), reflecting mosaic genome evolution within the order Cyclophyllidea. Classification of proteins inferred from the genome identified GTPases, kinases, peptidases and secretome-associated proteins among the most abundant groups. A subset of proteins exhibited signal peptides or extracellular localisation, suggesting their role as parasite-derived proteins (PDPs) involved in host–parasite communication and immune evasion. Conclusion This integrated genomic and proteomic framework reveals lineage-specific molecular adaptations in A. perfoliata and provides a foundation for future functional and translational investigations of this and closely related cestodes. en TEXT journal article Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Articolo scientifico Documento PDF Articolo scientifico Text journal article Text Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Anoplocephala Perfoliata Anoplocephalidae Equine Tapeworm Cestode Molecular Biology Chromosome-scale Genome Proteome Comparative Genomics Host–parasite Interactions 2026 2026 Neil D. Young Tao Wang Ching-Seng Ang Dilara Lale (Clinical Centre for Equine Health and Research, Clinical Department for Small Animals and Horses, Departments, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna) Hans-Peter Fuehrer (Centre of Pathobiology, Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Departments, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna) Sunita B. Sumanam Pasi K. Korhonen Bill C. H. Chang Robin B. Gasser Springer