Now published: Discovery of Knock-Down Resistance in the Major African Malaria Vector Anopheles funestus 🦟 https://lnkd.in/e4YDBRb3 Using whole genome data available through the Malaria Vector Genome Observatory, researchers found knock-down resistance mutations in Anopheles funestus mosquitoes for the first time. This has been linked to resistance to a banned insecticide, DDT, in Tanzania, with evidence pointing to a legacy of DDT pollution in the area. 🔎 Read our blog about the discovery: https://lnkd.in/dph_2mPV ⏯ Watch our Journal Club where first author Joel Odero explores findings from this paper: https://lnkd.in/eBvEvVvv Polo Brian, Joachim Nwezeobi, PhD, Sanjay Curtis Nagi, PhD, Anastasia Hernandez Koutoucheva, Ismail Nambunga, Emmanuel Kaindoa_CARTA, Heather Ferguson, Eric Ochomo, Chris Clarkson, Alistair Miles, Mara Lawniczak, David Weetman, Francesco Baldini
MalariaGEN
Research
MalariaGEN investigates genetic variation of malaria parasites and vectors and develops tools to control the disease.
About us
MalariaGEN is a scientific network that connects researchers and clinicians in malaria-endemic countries with cutting-edge DNA sequencing technologies and genomic research. Through a number of multi-centre projects, we provide a framework for generating, integrating and sharing genetic and genomic data, and for investigating key questions about malaria biology and epidemiology.
- Website
-
https://www.malariagen.net/
External link for MalariaGEN
- Industry
- Research
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Type
- Educational
- Founded
- 2005
Updates
-
How do you use MalariaGEN data resources? The data resources made possible by the MalariaGEN community are a widely used tool for the genomic epidemiology of malaria. They are often referenced in conference oral and poster presentations as well as in publications. We are collating information on how the resources are being used to build an evidence base for their importance. This will help secure further funding for their maintenance and growth. Please fill out our quick survey 📝 https://lnkd.in/eApQ__5e
MalariaGEN data resources evidence base
docs.google.com
-
New research on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is shedding new light on the complex evolutionary history of #malaria mosquitoes 🦟 https://lnkd.in/eXn59HP5 The study looks at the genetic diversity in the mitogenomes of 1,219 Anopheles gambiae and coluzzii mosquitoes, the two main mosquito species that spread malaria in Africa. What are mitogenomes? 🧬 Mitochondrial genomes, or mitogenomes, exist separately from the nuclear genomes and are inherited through the female germ cells. Because they're easier to access and analyse than nuclear genomes, they have been used widely as an essential genetic marker to study genetic diversity, structure, and evolutionary geography. mtDNA is inherited maternally and doesn't undergo recombination (a process where genetic material is exchanged between paired chromosomes in the nucleus). What did they find? 🔎 Researchers found a high level of genetic diversity and clear differences between species and populations in different populations and regions. A particularly unique mtDNA lineage was found mostly in Anopheles coluzzii and a new hybrid taxon from far-West Africa. This lineage was linked to nuclear genes involved in resistance to pathogens and insecticides, suggesting that nuclear and mitochondrial DNA may be evolving together to help mosquitoes survive these challenges. The study shows that mtDNA evolution in Anopheles mosquitoes involves many evolutionary forces and the findings are important for improving malaria control strategies. More research is needed to understand further the relationship between mitochondrial and nuclear genes, and their role in mosquito survival. Read more in Genome Biology and Evolution journal ⬇ Jorge Eduardo Amaya Romero, PhD, Clothilde CHENAL, Yacine Ben Chehida, Alistair Miles, Chris Clarkson, Vincent Pedergnana, Bregje Wertheim, Michael Fontaine
Mitochondrial Variation in Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii: Phylogeographic Legacy and Mitonuclear Associations With Metabolic Resistance to Pathogens and Insecticides
academic.oup.com
-
It’s almost two weeks since the end of the 9th Genomic Epidemiology of Malaria (GEM) Conference. Our latest blog looks back at #GEM2024, highlighting key themes like new malaria vector data, a spotlight on early-career researchers, utilising genomics for public health impact, and exciting progress from regions working towards malaria elimination. Read more on our website 💭 https://lnkd.in/gk7BHt3Q
Highlights from the GEM Conference 2024
malariagen.net
-
MalariaGEN reposted this
PAMCA Pan-African Mosquito Control Association- MalariaGEN 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙞 𝙎𝙮𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙪𝙢 On the 25th of September 2024, PAMCA Pan-African Mosquito Control Association together with our partners MalariaGEN, hosted a virtual mini-symposium featuring 11 insightful presentations from trainees of the PAMCA-MalariaGEN Anopheles Genomic Surveillance Data Analysis Training Course. The mini symposium was an opportunity for presenters who had undertaken a data analysis project, using data from the MalariaGEN Vector Observatory or other relevant surveillance data, to present their data analysis project findings to symposium attendees. The event fostered an engaging atmosphere with participants sharing 15-minute presentations followed by 5 minutes of Q & A session. This virtual event was a fantastic opportunity for attendees to learn, connect and collaborate. Paballo Chauke Elijah Juma, PhD Ibra Lujumba Edward Lukyamuzi #Malaria #GenomicSurveillance #Anopheles #DataScience #Africa More: https://lnkd.in/dCBmt8_D
-
The 2nd Women In Malaria conference will take place from 19-20 March 2025 👩🔬 Under the theme "Innovate to end malaria", this virtual conference will showcase the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary scientists in the field of malaria. Abstract and symposia submissions are now open until 31st October. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/daAybPkG #WomenInMalaria #WomenInSTEM #Conference
WiM Conference - Women in Malaria
https://womeninmalaria.es
-
A new publication reveals how genetic differences in mosquitoes contribute to insecticide resistance 🦟 Mosquitoes often become resistant by producing more of certain enzymes that can break down insecticides and make them less effective. This is a type of metabolic resistance, and it's known to be linked with specific genetic changes in regions of the genome that regulate the expression of these genes. In the study by Naomi Dyer and colleagues, researchers aimed to understand some of these genetic changes linked with allele-specific expression (ASE), and how they contribute to insecticide resistance using Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes collected in southern Uganda. Their results show how genetic regulation in mosquitoes is more complex than previously thought, offering new pathways to study and counteract resistance for malaria control. Read the full paper in Proceedings Of The Royal Society B: https://lnkd.in/e5WePhVg Sanjay Curtis Nagi, PhD, Daniel P. McDermott, Brenas Jon, Alistair Miles, Chris Clarkson, Henry Mawejje, Craig Wilding, Hasiba Asma Ph.D, Eva Heinz
Mechanisms of transcriptional regulation in Anopheles gambiae revealed by allele-specific expression | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
royalsocietypublishing.org
-
Our monthly round-up from the MalariaGEN community is here 🗞️ In the September edition of our newsletter, read about: - a successful #GEM2024 conference - updates to the malaria vector genome observatory - vector genomic data analysis mini-symposium PAMCA Pan-African Mosquito Control Association - the 2nd Women in Malaria conference, and more! https://lnkd.in/eTFw4tRH Never miss an update - get our newsletter delivered to your inbox every month: https://lnkd.in/efwP5mb5
-
It’s exciting to see malaria genomics capacity continue to grow in Africa 📈 Today, participants from the 3rd cohort of the PAMCA Pan-African Mosquito Control Association-MalariaGEN training course in data analysis for the genomic surveillance of African malaria vectors presented their research at a virtual mini-symposium. View the training material for the course on the Malaria Vector Genome Observatory: https://lnkd.in/edcf_DCM Tuhaise Violet Araya Eukubay Achaz-Achim Agolinou Lara Ferrero Gómez Peter Okeke Ehouzou Olivier OUSSOU Marie Joelle Fanou Nzooma Munkwangu Shimaponda-Mataa Paballo Chauke Ísla O'Connor Alistair Miles Brenas Jon Chris Clarkson
-
"What is your idealistic vision for the field of malaria genomics in ten years?" 💭 We spoke to Dr Éniyóu Cheryll Oriero (PhD) and Dr MOSES IKEGBUNAM, winners of the Dominic Kwiatkowski GEM Award at the 9th Genomic Epidemiology of Malaria #GEM2024 conference last week. Hear about their inspiring work and bold vision for the field of malaria genomic epidemiology. https://lnkd.in/eFPPiJg9
Malaria genomics researchers awarded at GEM 2024
malariagen.net