Abstract
Complexes of closely related species provide key insights into the rapid and independent evolution of adaptive traits. Here, we described and studied Anopheles fontenillei sp.n., a new species in the Anopheles gambiae complex that we recently discovered in the forested areas of Gabon, Central Africa. Our analysis placed the new taxon in the phylogenetic tree of the An. gambiae complex, revealing important introgression events with other members of the complex. Particularly, we detected recent introgression, with Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii, of genes directly involved in vectorial capacity. Moreover, genome analysis of the new species allowed us to clarify the evolutionary history of the 3La inversion. Overall, An. fontenillei sp.n. analysis improved our understanding of the relationship between species within the An. gambiae complex, and provided insight into the evolution of vectorial capacity traits that are relevant for the successful control of malaria in Africa.
Highlights
Most of the major malaria vectors worldwide belong to species complexes that include other non-vector species[8], providing a compelling opportunity to understand the rapid and independent evolution of their vectorial capacity[9,10]
In Africa, three of the six major malaria vectors belong to the Anopheles gambiae complex: Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles coluzzii, and Anopheles arabiensis[12]
Genome-wide phylogenetic analysis placed this new taxon in the An. gambiae complex as a sister species of Anopheles bwambae, and in the same clade as An. quadriannulatus, An. arabiensis, and An. melas
Summary
Most of the major malaria vectors worldwide belong to species complexes that include other non-vector species[8], providing a compelling opportunity to understand the rapid and independent evolution of their vectorial capacity[9,10]. Comparison of genome-wide data of one fresh water (An. gambiae) and one salt water (Anopheles melas) species allowed identifying genomic regions involved in salinity tolerance[24] These data can be used to develop alternative malaria control strategies by targeting genes involved in reducing vectorial capacity traits, such as human bite rates or local adaptation[10,23,24]. Comparative genomic analysis indicated the existence of recent introgression events between the potential new species and An. gambiae/An. coluzzii These events concerned genes involved in detoxification, desiccation, and olfactory perception functions that are directly linked to local adaptation and host preference. These analyses elucidated the evolutionary history of the 3La inversion within the complex. The discovery of this new taxon demonstrates the importance of new species for understanding the evolutionary relationships among the An. gambiae complex species, with potential implications for elucidating vectorial capacity traits and malaria control
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