Chromosome-scale nuclear genome and proteome of Anoplocephala perfoliata elucidate lineage-specific features of a ‘neglected’ equine tapeworm

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. 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. 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.