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CC BY-NC V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Harnessing 50 years of tick population genetics: Choosing the right molecular tool for contemporary research
The Journal of animal ecology, Vol.94(11), pp.2159-2177
2025
PMID: 40899772
Appears in Open Access via Read & Publish Agreements
Abstract
Ticks are ectoparasites of major medical, veterinary and ecological importance, transmitting a wide range of pathogens to humans, companion animals and livestock. Understanding the population structure of ticks is essential for uncovering patterns of pathogen transmission, and population genetics provides a powerful method for this purpose. Tick population studies are uniquely challenging as their biology is shaped by complex interactions between hosts, microbiome and environmental factors. The choice of population genetic tools is crucial, as different methods offer varying levels of cost, throughput, resolution and accessibility, which can significantly influence the quality and scope of results. This review traces the evolution of molecular tools in tick population genetics, from early allozyme electrophoresis in the 1970s to advanced whole genome sequencing (WGS) technologies. It critically evaluates key methodologies, including allozyme electrophoresis, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), microsatellites (STRs), amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP), sequence typing, restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) and WGS, highlighting their strengths, limitations and applications. By offering a practical guide to these tools, this review helps researchers select the most appropriate methods for their studies and allows interpretation of results from older tools in the context of modern research. Sequence typing and RADseq currently provide the best balance of cost and practicality, while WGS has great potential once sequencing costs decline. This resource empowers researchers to make informed decisions, maximise the impact of their work and gain deeper insights into disease vector population structure.
Details
- Title
- Harnessing 50 years of tick population genetics: Choosing the right molecular tool for contemporary research
- Authors/Creators
- Xavier Barton - Murdoch UniversityJoseph B Fontaine - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityShanan S Tobe - Murdoch University, Centre for Biosecurity and One HealthCharlotte L Oskam - Murdoch University, Centre for Biosecurity and One Health
- Publication Details
- The Journal of animal ecology, Vol.94(11), pp.2159-2177
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Ecological Society.
- Number of pages
- 19
- Grant note
- 12CIFS-RD2021 / Cattle Industry Funding Scheme Biosecurity R&D Grant 19384 / 2021-2022 Murdoch University Research Seed Funding Scheme Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship awarded by Murdoch University
- Identifiers
- 991005810350207891
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s).
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health; Harry Butler Institute; Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability; School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences; School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences; College of Environmental and Life Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.258 Zoonotic Diseases
- 1.258.227 Tick-borne Pathogens
- Web Of Science research areas
- Ecology
- Zoology
- ESI research areas
- Plant & Animal Science