The Eye Of Media

By Shiela McKenzie-

Scientists have uncovered new genetic clues that could lead to a major breakthrough in the fight against malaria. For the first time, a team of British and African scientists has managed to sequence the genomes of one of Africa’s most prolific malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, Anopheles funestus. This new understanding of mosquito genetics shows how the species has evolved over time to survive, even with widespread use of insecticides and mosquito nets. The results of the study, published in the journal Science, offer new hope for developing targeted interventions to finally eliminate the disease.

The work is also informing how mosquitoes could be eliminated and controlled (Alamy/PA)

The research team, which included experts from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and mosquito biologists across Africa, collected and sequenced the whole genomes of 656 modern An. funestus specimens. They also analyzed 45 historic specimens collected between 1927 and 1967 from museum collections. The scientists found high levels of genetic variation across the species. They discovered that samples from equatorial countries shared many genetic similarities, suggesting they belong to a large, interconnected population. However, some samples from this region were found to be genetically distinct and isolated. This indicates that some mosquito populations mix widely, while others remain separate, which can complicate local control efforts.

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The Role of Mosquito Genetics in Insecticide Resistance

The study also highlighted the fast-evolving nature of An. funestus, which is known for its adaptability. For instance, the species has evolved from biting indoors at night to biting outdoors during the day to avoid mosquito nets. By looking at the DNA of historic samples, the team discovered that a key mutation linked to insecticide resistance was already present in mosquitoes from the 1960s. Other mutations that make mosquitoes resistant to insecticides, however, were absent from the historic mosquitoes. This suggests these became beneficial only later, as different insecticides were used in subsequent decades.

This new work is also informing how mosquitoes could be controlled more effectively. Scientists have already developed a method called gene drive to genetically modify mosquitoes, reducing their ability to spread the disease. For example, different species could be genetically modified to produce fewer females, as females are the ones that transmit malaria. The Sanger team discovered that a key target for a gene drive in Anopheles gambiae—another major malaria-transmitting mosquito—is very similar in An. funestus. This is encouraging, as it suggests the system developed for An. gambiae can be adapted to work in An. funestus as well.

Professor Charles Wondji, a co-author from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, said, “For too long An. funestus has been neglected despite its key role in malaria transmission across Africa.” He expressed pride that his team contributed to this “major milestone that will facilitate the implementation of future control interventions against this major vector.” Dr. Mara Lawniczak, a senior author at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said the new knowledge would “underpin smarter surveillance and targeted vector control.” The findings offer a crucial step forward for public health efforts.