Open AccessExploring the origin and degree of genetic isolation of Anopheles gambiae from the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, potential sites for testing transgenic‐based vector control
Author(s) -
Marshall Jonathon C.,
Pinto João,
Charlwood Jacques Derek,
Gentile Gabriele,
Santolamazza Federica,
Simard Frèdèric,
Della Torre Alessandra,
Donnelly Martin J.,
Caccone Adalgisa
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
evolutionary applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.776
H-Index - 68
ISSN - 1752-4571
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-4571.2008.00048.x
Subject(s) - biology , anopheles gambiae , context (archaeology) , mainland , isolation by distance , clade , vector (molecular biology) , ecology , panmixia , gene flow , haplotype , evolutionary biology , zoology , malaria , phylogenetics , genetics , genetic variation , gene , genotype , paleontology , recombinant dna , immunology
The evolutionary processes at play between island and mainland populations of the malaria mosquito vector Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto are of great interest as islands may be suitable sites for preliminary application of transgenic‐based vector control strategies. São Tomé and Príncipe, located off the West African coast, have received such attention in recent years. This study investigates the degree of isolation of An. gambiae s.s. populations between these islands and the mainland based on mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA molecular data. We identify possible continental localities from which these island populations derived. For these purposes, we used F ST values, haplotype networks, and nested clade analysis to estimate migration rates and patterns. Haplotypes from both markers are geographically widespread across the African continent. Results indicate that the populations from São Tomé and Príncipe are relatively isolated from continental African populations, suggesting they are promising sites for test releases of transgenic individuals. These island populations are possibly derived from two separate continental migrations. This result is discussed in the context of the history of the African slave trade with respect to São Tomé and Príncipe.