Anopheles gambiae Genome Conservation as a Resource for Rational Gene Drive Target Site Selection

The increase in molecular tools for the genetic engineering of insect pests and disease vectors, such as Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria, has led to an unprecedented investigation genomic landscape these organisms. understanding genome variability wild mosquito populations is primary importance vector control strategies. This particularly case gene drive systems, which look introduce traits into a population by targeting specific regions. Gene targets with functional or structural constraints are highly desirable they less likely tolerate mutations prevent consequent failure technology. In this study we describe bioinformatic pipeline allows analysis whole data identification conserved regions can point at potential constraints. was conducted across genomes 22 species separated more than hundred million years evolution includes observed variation within field caught samples gambiae coluzzii, two most dominant malaria vectors. offers insight level conservation genome-wide scale well per base-pair resolution. results gathered storage system flexible extraction manipulation. Furthermore, it represents valuable resource could provide structure dynamics complex benefit development implementation strategies tackle malaria.