Genetic polymorphism at an odorant receptor gene (Or39) among mosquitoes of the Anopheles gambiae complex in Senegal (West Africa).

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Olfaction plays a significant role in insect behavior during critical steps of their life-cycle, such as host-seeking during foraging or the search for a mate. Here, we explored genetic polymorphism within and divergence between sibling species of the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae sensu lato in the gene sequence and encoded peptides of an odorant receptor, Or39. This study included sympatric specimens of An. gambiae sensu stricto, An. coluzzii and An. arabiensis sampled together in the village of Dielmo, Senegal. RESULTS: A 1,601 bp genomic sequence composed of 6 exons and 5 introns was obtained for Or39 from 6-8 mosquitoes in each of the 3 species. DNA sequence analysis revealed a high level of molecular polymorphism (??=?0.0154; Haplotype diversity?=?0.867) and high overall genetic differentiation between taxa (Fst?>?0.92, P?

SUBMITTER: Arnal A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4048261 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature