The mosquito genome--a turning point?
Of the insects that serve as vectors for parasitic diseases, the genus Anopheles is the most important. Of the approximately 400 species, about twelve serve as vectors for human pathogens. Months have passed since the sequenced genomes of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, and its vector, Anopheles gambiae, were published. Sequences were compared, gene and protein predictions were made, new research areas evolved and many ongoing projects gained new momentum. A general belief is that we are at a turning point: we are now in a position to tackle both the parasite and the vector from new angles and with new force, for example, by identifying new drug targets and obtaining a deeper insight into molecular mechanisms of the insect, the parasite and the interactions between them.
Kanzok
Stefan M
SM
Yale School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. stefan.kanzok@yale.edu
Zheng
Liangbiao
L
D000818:Animals; D000852:Anopheles / Q000235:genetics* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000502:physiology; D004330:Drosophila / Q000235:genetics; D016678:Genome; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000502:physiology; D008288:Malaria / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D010961:Plasmodium / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development