The Malaria Vector Observatory: Anopheles sequencing project

APMEN Annual General Meeting, 4 December 2017, Myanmar

MalariaGen Vector Observatory

Building an open-access resource of Anopheles genome sequence data, including Southeast Asian malaria vector species

Core questions for Southeast Asia include:

• Which species and populations are transmitting malaria?• How are vector species and populations structured?• How are populations changing and interacting over time?• Is there evidence for insecticide resistance? • If so, which markers are involved and is resistance spreading

Products• Standardized PCR for identification of Anopheles sibling species• A regional reference laboratory & capacity building• Collaboration with working groups to address specific problems of

vector biology, e.g. insecticide resistance• Publications

Partner Contributions• Perform DNA extraction• Or contribute physical specimens and DNA extraction will be

performed by the MalariaGEN Resource Centre, UK

We are currently at an early stage building the technical foundations for analyzing SEA vector species through 4 pilot projects:

• Project 1: Vector taxonomic diversity • Project 2: Pilot study of An. barbirostris• Project 3: Pilot study of An. minimus• Project 4: Pilot study of An. maculatus

We hope to be able to demonstrate feasibility and report back to APMEN on our progress in December 2018, and then scale up projects in 2019

For information regarding the Southeast Asian Vector Observatory, or if interested in contributing samples, please contact Dr. Brandy St. Laurent bs13@sanger.ac.uk

Project 1: Vector Taxonomic DiversityWe have now whole genome sequenced ~130 individuals representing 27 different Anophelesspecies in Cambodia

APMEN partners could contribute to this vector diversity study by adding species and geographic sampling points of interest

Our goals include:• A revised species phylogeny of SEA vectors

based on multiple analyses of whole genome sequences

• Development of improved molecular diagnostic tools for these diverse species

Projects 2-4: Population genomics

Pilot population genomic studies of 3 species:• An. minimus• An. maculatus• An. barbirostris

~500 individuals each, distributed over years and sites

• How much gene flow (migration) occurs between different geographical regions?

• Are there seasonal changes in population size and/or composition?• Is insecticide resistance spreading within and between populations?

Ratanakiri

Preah Vihear

Pursat

Cambodia

The Anopheles gambiae 1000 Genomes Project (Ag1000G) • Ag1000G is a consortial project

involving partners from 20 research institutions

• Demonstrates the potential of using genome sequencing to study malaria vector populations

• Has released open access data on 1,142 mosquito genomes from 13 African countries

• Reveals high genetic diversity of vector populations

• Shows the rapid evolution and spread of insecticide resistance

• Provides a data resource for accelerating vector research, and for developing new tools and strategies for vector control

• Ag1000G project will become part of the MalariaGEN Vector Observatory