Last Updated: 05/02/2026
Unraveling the genetic and phenotypic divergence within sibling malaria vectors (An. gambiae and An. coluzzii) and implications for novel vector control strategies
Objectives
This is a PhD project supervised by Dr. Colince Kamdem. The main objective of this research is to investigate genetic and phenotypic divergence between sibling malaria vector species sharing the same ecological biome and exhibiting low genome-wide divergence. The study focuses on identifying olfactory genes involved in oviposition site selection as potential targets for novel vector control strategies and assessing vector fitness and oviposition behaviour under sublethal insecticide exposure.
Insecticide resistance poses a major challenge to malaria vector control, highlighting the need for alternative approaches that remain effective regardless of resistance profiles. Sibling species of Anopheles mosquitoes may exhibit distinct oviposition behaviors despite minimal genetic divergence. This study aims to identify genetic and phenotypic signals underlying oviposition site selection by targeting olfactory genes that influence habitat choice. By integrating genomic and phenotypic analyses, the research seeks to inform the development of innovative vector control tools that disrupt vector reproduction and population dynamics.
This study employs a comparative experimental design combining whole-genome and phenotypic observations to identify differentially expressed genes associated with oviposition behavior in Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii. Laboratory bioassays will evaluate survival, emergence, and oviposition preferences under sublethal insecticide exposure to assess adaptive responses and potential cross-resistance mechanisms.
Article: Testing Anopheles larvae and adults using standard bioassays reveals susceptibility to chlorfenapyr (pyrrole) while highlighting variability between speciesArticle: Behavioral divergence between a generalist and a specialist mosquito despite minimal differentiation across chemosensory receptor gene familiesArticle: Anopheles gambiae larvae’s ability to grow and emerge in water containing lethal concentrations of clothianidin, acetamiprid, or imidacloprid is consistent with cross-resistance to neonicotinoids
May 2020 — Apr 2025
Related Resources
