Last Updated: 04/04/2019
Anopheles funestus gene flow studies and rearing methods
Objectives
This project will investigate the key biological features, including genetic diversity, reproductive barriers and genetic flow patterns among members of the An. funestus group, focusing primarily on An. funestus s.s. The research team will also develop processes for successful colonization and mass-rearing of An funestus. In line with ongoing efforts to develop effective gene-drive strategies for malaria elimination, this project will support the development and potential deployment of future transgenes for An. funestus population suppression or modification.
Working in a team of experts from different institutions, they will consolidate the complementary expertise in ecology, molecular genetics, mathematical modelling and medical entomology to fill the current gaps, thereby dramatically improving our understanding of An Funestus.
The findings are primarily aimed at supporting high impact interventions, including future use of ‘gene-drives’ for suppression or modification of malaria vectors in Africa.
Existing malaria vector methods, notably, long-lasting insecticide treated nets and indoor residual spraying have effectively controlled. An.gambiae sensu stricto, which was, historically, the most dominant malaria vector in Africa. In many areas, particularly in East and Southern Africa, An funestus is now established as a dominant vector mediating significant proportions of persisting malaria transmission. Evidence from Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique suggest high levels of insecticide resistance in An. funestus, indicating an even more complex challenge for current malaria control methods, which are mostly insecticide based. While most efforts have traditionally focused on An.gambiae and An arabiensis, the An funestus group remains largely neglected despite its traditionally high competence, and its rising role in residual transmission. Part of the neglect of An funestus is because that vector is notoriously difficult to colonize in laboratories, and often has obscure aquatic habitats. In addition, unlike the An. gambie complex, the population structure of An funestus is not yet resolved, as there are still multiple uncertainties regarding levels of genetic diversity and gene flow between populations.
Compared to other interventions, the use of genetic manipulation offers new opportunities for high impact, well organized and large scale malaria control against dominant malaria vectors. Current gene drive efforts for mosquito control are primarily targeting An. gambiae, with the assumption that resultant genetic constructs can be easily introgressed in related sibling species of the An gambiae complex such as An.arabiensis and An. coluzzii. However, effective malaria elimination will require also aggressive efforts against An. Funestus, which is increasingly the dominant malaria vector in East and Southern Africa, including the elimination Eight (E8) countries,
Assuming successful development of gene-drive constructs for An. funestus, current limitation in our ability to colonize and mass produce this species, as well as poor understanding of its genetic structure and ecology, will hinder applications of gene drive related control approaches.
Sep 2017 — Sep 2019
$2M
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