Evolutionary genome dynamics in malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii under laboratory adaptation
Anopheles coluzzii
Model and non-model insect species are reared in laboratory conditions for studying their biology and investigate their responses to controlled environment variations. For some of them, the conditions in containment facilities are dramatically different from the natural environment and the transition to laboratory is expected to affect the genetic constitution, as well as to influence the fitness and aspects of behaviour. In the present study, we investigated the genomic modifications occurring in a field-collected Anopheles coluzzii mosquito malaria vector through progressive generations in captivity. From a whole genome sequencing conducted as the basis for tracking potential changes in the population structure and genomic variation, we proved how short-term adaptation to lab conditions strongly promotes the stable dominance of three standard rearrangements of inversions, 2L+a, 2R+b and 2R+c, noted to be associated with humid environments. A frequency decrease of regions known for conferring insensitivity to pyrethroid insecticides and higher susceptibility to infection with Plasmodium falciparum was rapidly observed. Our findings highlight the importance of considering genetic implications in response to the maintenance of laboratory mosquitoes, particularly those intended for release into open fields. Several regions controlling life history traits as thermal tolerance, insecticide resistance and vectorial capacity clearly change in early phase of laboratory colonization, potentially compromising the success of “rear‐and‐release” strategies for vector control to reduce malaria transmission.
ENA first public
2026-01-11
External Id
SAMEA115098058
INSDC center name
Polo d'Innovazione di Genomica, Genetica e Biologia
INSDC last update
2024-01-11T15:06:47Z
INSDC status
public
Submitter Id
F3B
collection date
2019
common name
mosquitos
geographic location (country and/or sea)
Mali
sample name
F3B
scientific_name
Anopheles coluzzii
study accession
PRJEB71807