Effective population size in relation to genetic modification of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto

Effective population size (Ne) is a single number which allows us to relate a large part of population-genetics theory built around ideal populations to real populations. In the case of Anopheles gambiae, Ne is important to interpreting the temporal and spatial distribution of genes. These patterns are in turn used to explore the structure of (typically non-ideal) natural populations. We discuss the complex structure of An. gambiae s.s. in and around Banambani, Mali, as it is currently understood, based on estimates of Ne. This reveals a population that is structured temporally between and within years, spatially between villages and non-dimensionally into chromosomal forms. We suggest that the subpopulations of this species might usefully be viewed as a metapopulation. Successful and efficient genetic modification of An. gambiae will require as complete an understanding of their population structure as possible, which we believe can be attained through the convergence of multiple population-genetic techniques and the application of new methods.