The molecular evolution of four anti-malarial immune genes in the Anopheles gambiae species complex.

ABSTRACT:

Background

If the insect innate immune system is to be used as a potential blocking step in transmission of malaria, then it will require targeting one or a few genes with highest relevance and ease of manipulation. The problem is to identify and manipulate those of most importance to malaria infection without the risk of decreasing the mosquito's ability to stave off infections by microbes in general. Molecular evolution methodologies and concepts can help identify such genes. Within the setting of a comparative molecular population genetic and phylogenetic framework, involving six species of the Anopheles gambiae complex, we investigated whether a set of four pre-selected immunity genes (gambicin, NOS, Rel2 and FBN9) might have evolved under selection pressure imposed by the mala

SUBMITTER: Parmakelis A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2288592 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature