Whole genome sequencing and RNAseq identifies molecular markers of insecticide resistance within the Anopheles gambiae species complex. Anopheles

The Anopheles gambiae species complex represents the most important major malaria vector species across the African continent. Insecticide-based vector control is the single most important tool in combating malaria; however, widespread insecticide resistance threatens efficacy. Despite previous studies, the number of markers to track insecticide resistance in endemic settings are minimal and rely heavily on changes to the target site of the insecticide(s). Genetic analysis using seven insecticide resistant populations from West Africa, a foci of intense insecticide resistance, reveals evidence of potential introgression between species of the An. gambiae species complex at loci involved in resistance. The availability of RNAseq data for these populations also allowed elucidation of potential eQTL markers. These two approaches combined reveal several potential diagnostic markers of resistance that can be transferred to endemic settings. The results presented here offer molecular and genetic evidence of the spread of insecticide resistance and provides new resources to facilitate tracking of this phenotype.