Hein Sprong

The paper optimizes genome assembly and variant discovery for Dermacentor reticulatus ticks using Oxford Nanopore sequencing, identifying workflow parameters that yield high-quality assemblies and genetic insights.

The paper evaluates 54 tick genome assemblies, identifies 34 high-quality ones, and recommends long-read sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding to improve tick genomic resources.

This paper models the distribution of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus by integrating climatic, tick, and vertebrate data, showing that ecological interactions, not climate alone, determine its range.

This study sequenced Rickettsiella genomes from ticks and used comparative genomics to identify variable metabolic pathways and potential mechanisms for symbiotic interactions with arthropods.

The paper documents the emergence and dynamics of Usutu and West Nile viruses in the Netherlands from 2016 to 2022, showing USUV's enzootic maintenance and WNV's early establishment with no bird mortality.

This study uses deep sequencing on 16 Ixodes ricinus ticks to analyze symbionts, revealing genome sequences, transmission modes, and genetic variability in Rickettsia helvetica.

This study uses comparative genomics of Arsenophonus to show that endosymbionts initially expand their genomes through horizontal gene transfer and loss of defense systems, followed by genome reduction.

The paper generates high-quality genome assemblies for Ixodes ricinus and identifies transposable elements as major drivers of genome evolution in ticks.