This is a database of peer-reviewed literature that focuses on Genetic Biocontrol research. The latest are shown here.
Temporal stability of sex ratio distorter prevalence in natural populations of the isopod Armadillidium vulgare
Temporal stability was also generally reflected in mitochondrial and nuclear variation. Nevertheless, in a population, a Wolbachia strain replacement coincided with changes in mitochondrial composition but no change in nuclear composition, thus constituting a typical example of mitochondrial sweep caused by endosymbiont rise in frequency. Rare incongruence between Wolbachia strains and mitochondrial haplotypes suggested the occurrence of intraspecific horizontal transmission, making it a biologically relevant parameter for Wolbachia evolutionary dynamics in A. vulgare.
Durand, S., Pigeault, R., Giraud, I., Loisier, A., Bech, N., Grandjean, F., Rigaud, T., Peccoud, J., & Cordaux, R. (2024). Temporal stability of sex ratio distorter prevalence in natural populations of the isopod Armadillidium vulgare. Heredity, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41437-024-00713-1
Patterns and predictors of malaria among head porters: a mobile population in Ghana
Head porters popularly known as ‘Kayayeis in Ghana, face challenges in accessing essential health care services due to the mobile nature of their trade, low formal education, poor settlements, low-income among others. Kayayeis are predominantly females and form part of the mobile population who are at increased risk of malaria infection. Despite their increased risk of malaria, mobile populations are difficult to target for malaria interventions, hence serving as potential drivers of transmission even if malaria in the general population is controlled. The study, therefore, assessed the patterns and predictors of malaria among the Kayayei population in Ghana to inform policy decisions.
Mintah-Agyeman, E., Adomako, BY., Adu, G.A. et al. Patterns and predictors of malaria among head porters: a mobile population in Ghana. Malar J 23, 222 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-024-05000-2
Stability analysis of a nonlinear malaria transmission epidemic model using an effective numerical scheme
Malaria is a fever condition that results from Plasmodium parasites, which are transferred to humans by the attacks of infected female Anopheles mosquitos. The deterministic compartmental model was examined using stability theory of differential equations. The reproduction number was obtained to be asymptotically stable conditions for the disease-free, and the endemic equilibria were determined. More so, the qualitatively evaluated model incorporates time-dependent variable controls which was aimed at reducing the proliferation of malaria disease.
He, J. J., Aljohani, A., Mustafa, S., Shokri, A., Khalsaraei, M. M., & Mukalazi, H. (2024). Stability analysis of a nonlinear malaria transmission epidemic model using an effective numerical scheme. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 1-13.
Unveiling the impact of community knowledge in malaria programmes: A scoping review protocol
This scoping review promises an in-depth understanding of current research regarding the impact of community knowledge in malaria programmes. The identification of knowledge gaps and intervention needs serves as a valuable resource for malaria-affected countries. The profound implications of community knowledge underscore its pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of prevention, control, and elimination efforts. Insights from this review will assist policymakers, empowering implementers and community leaders in designing effective interventions. This concerted effort aims to adeptly leverage community knowledge, thereby propelling progress toward the achievement of malaria elimination goals.
Plasmodium gametocyte carriage in humans and sporozoite rate in anopheline mosquitoes in Gondar zuria district, Northwest Ethiopia
Although the overall burden of malaria is decreasing in Ethiopia, a recent report of an unpredictable increased incidence may be related to the presence of community-wide gametocyte-carrier individuals and a high proportion of infected vectors. This study aimed to reveal the current prevalence of gametocyte-carriage and the sporozoite infectivity rate of Anopheles vectors for Plasmodium parasites.
Minwuyelet, A., Abiye, M., Zeleke, A. J., & Getie, S. (2024). Plasmodium gametocyte carriage in humans and sporozoite rate in anopheline mosquitoes in Gondar zuria district, Northwest Ethiopia. PLOS ONE, 19(7). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0306289
Coordinated molecular and ecological adaptations underlie a highly successful parasitoid
The success of an organism depends on the molecular and ecological adaptations that promote its beneficial fitness. Parasitoids are valuable biocontrol agents for successfully managing agricultural pests, and they have evolved diversified strategies to adapt to both the physiological condition of hosts and the competition of other parasitoids.
Pang, L., Fang, G., Liu, Z., Dong, Z., Chen, J., Feng, T., Zhang, Q., Sheng, Y., Lu, Y., Wang, Y., Zhang, Y., Li, G., Chen, X., Zhan, S., & Huang, J. (2024). Coordinated molecular and ecological adaptations underlie a highly successful parasitoid. ELife, 13. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.94748
Driving evolution in wild plants
Two groups of scientists independently engineer gene drives in Arabidopsis thaliana, demonstrating the possibility for spreading fitness-reducing genetic modifications through wild populations of plants for population suppression.
Imagine a future where yield-robbing agricultural weeds or biodiversity threatening invasive plants could be kept on a genetic leash, or where the evolutionary rescue of extinction-threatened plant species could be super-charged. Synthetic gene drives can subvert the normal rules of evolution by spreading harmful (or beneficial) mutations and/or genes through wild plant populations to achieve these goals. In a recent issue of Nature Plants, Oberhofer et al. and Liu et al. make exciting advances that bring the theory closer to reality.
Neve, P., Barrett, L. Driving evolution in wild plants. Nat. Plants (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-024-01723-x
Comparative analysis of Wolbachia maternal transmission and localization in host ovaries
Many insects and other animals carry microbial endosymbionts that influence their reproduction and fitness. These relationships only persist if endosymbionts are reliably transmitted from one host generation to the next. Wolbachia are maternally transmitted endosymbionts found in most insect species, but transmission rates can vary across environments. Maternal transmission of wMel Wolbachia depends on temperature in natural Drosophila melanogaster hosts and in transinfected Aedes aegypti, where wMel is used to block pathogens that cause human disease. In D. melanogaster, wMel transmission declines in the cold as Wolbachia become less abundant in host ovaries and at the posterior pole plasm (the site of germline formation) in mature oocytes.
Hague, M.T.J., Wheeler, T.B. & Cooper, B.S. Comparative analysis of Wolbachia maternal transmission and localization in host ovaries. Commun Biol 7, 727 (2024).
The impact of Plasmodium-driven immunoregulatory networks on immunity to malaria
Malaria, caused by infection with Plasmodium parasites, drives multiple regulatory responses across the immune landscape. These regulatory responses help to protect against inflammatory disease but may in some situations hamper the acquisition of adaptive immune responses that clear parasites. In addition, the regulatory responses that occur during Plasmodium infection may negatively affect malaria vaccine efficacy in the most at-risk populations. Here, we discuss the specific cellular mechanisms of immunoregulatory networks that develop during malaria, with a focus on knowledge gained from human studies and studies that involve the main malaria parasite to affect humans, Plasmodium falciparum. Leveraging this knowledge may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches to increase protective immunity to malaria during infection or after vaccination.
Boyle, M.J., Engwerda, C.R. & Jagannathan, P. The impact of Plasmodium-driven immunoregulatory networks on immunity to malaria. Nat Rev Immunol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-024-01041-5
Genetics of flight in spongy moths (Lymantria dispar ssp.): functionally integrated profiling of a complex invasive trait
Flight can drastically enhance dispersal capacity and is a key trait defining the potential of exotic insect species to spread and invade new habitats. The phytophagous European spongy moths (ESM, Lymantria dispar dispar) and Asian spongy moths (ASM; a multi–species group represented here by L. d. asiatica and L. d. japonica), are globally invasive species that vary in adult female flight capability—female ASM are typically flight capable, whereas female ESM are typically flightless. Genetic markers of flight capability would supply a powerful tool for flight profiling of these species at any intercepted life stage.
Blackburn GS, Keeling CI, Prunier J, Keena MA, Béliveau C, Hamelin R, Havill NP, Hebert FO, Levesque RC, Cusson M, Porth I. Genetics of flight in spongy moths (Lymantria dispar ssp.): functionally integrated profiling of a complex invasive trait. BMC Genomics. 2024 May 31;25(1):541. doi: 10.1186/s12864-023-09936-8. PMID: 38822259; PMCID: PMC11140922.