散播疟疾 z-bo 2020-09-17 418

　　Two studies comparing the genomes of mosquitoes began to provide answers to a century-old mystery: why only certain blood-sucking Anopheles species can transmit human malaria. There are more than 400 species of Anopheles, but only about 60 species of parasites that cause malaria in humans. Because scientists discovered this selective ability more than a century ago, its biological basis has been actively explored.

　　In order to investigate the genomics behind it, a team led by Daniel Neafsey sequenced 16 Anopheles genomes. By conducting comparative genomics analysis between these species and Drosophila (which is one of the most closely related biological genera for Anopheles and its existence has equivalent genomic resources), they revealed that some Anopheles species are particularly good at Significant genetic differences that cause life-threatening infections.

　　In a study by Michael Fontaine et al., more differences were found, and these differences also used 16 reference sequences. Researchers have found that gene flow in Anopheles is more extensive than in Drosophila. This is mainly due to a process called gene infiltration, during which a gene from a species enters In the gene pool of another species. This process can produce gene transfer much faster than just waiting for new mutations to occur. The high flow of genes in Anopheles discovered by the researchers provides a rich source of genetic variation, and natural selection can act on it - thereby providing features that make mosquitoes a highly effective malaria carrier (such as resistance to insecticides or resistance to insecticides). Can tolerate more malaria parasites) has been corrected in certain species of Anopheles paving the way.

　　The 16 new reference genomes prepared by the researchers provide important insights into different aspects of mosquito biology, which can not only help researchers understand the basics of genetics and evolutionary biology, but also help them explore how to better Control the spread of malaria.