Last Updated: 13/02/2024

The MalariaGen Vector Observatory

Objectives

The main goal of this project is to build an open-access resource of Anopheles genome sequence data, including Southeast Asian malaria vector species.

Specific objectives:

Sequence approx 30,000 mosquitoes over 5 years
Study other Anopheles gambiae complex members (esp. An arabiensis)
Study An funestus
Study Southeast Asian malaria vectors
Increase geographical coverage in Africa
Regular sampling through time
Sequence before, during and after vector control interventions
Develop ultra-low cost molecular diagnostics that could be run in local or regional labs

Principal Institution

MalariaGEN Resource Centre, Sanger Institute, United Kingdom

Principal Investigators / Focal Persons

Dominic Kwiatkowski †

Rationale and Abstract

The Vector Observatory is a global collaboration creating an open access resource of genomic data from surveillance of Anopheles mosquitoes. We focus on those species that act as human malaria vectors.

The MalariaGEN Vector Observatory is made up of several projects, each focused on different areas of vector mosquito genomics. All of the projects generate accessible, high-throughput data, as well as tools and training that support malaria researchers and public health data analysts.

ANOSPP (ANOpheles SPecies Plasmodium) – Targeted sequencing to identify Anopheles species and Plasmodium carriers
Anopheles gambiae genomic surveillance – Whole-genome sequencing for surveillance of mosquitoes in the An. gambiae species complex
Anopheles funestus genomic surveillance – Whole-genome sequencing for surveillance of An. funestus mosquitoes
Vector Observatory – Asia – Whole-genome sequencing to investigate the population structure and diversity of malaria vectors in Asia