from Lindsay A. Parish, Lindsey S. Garver, David R. Colquhoun, Ceereena Ubaida Mohien, Elizabeth Weissbrod and Rhoel R. Dinglasan writing in Malaria Parasites: Comparative Genomics, Evolution and Molecular Biology:
Our understanding of the malaria parasite-mosquito vector host interactions has grown significantly in the post-genomic era. The sequencing of the Anopheles gambiae genome and functional genomics has revolutionized our approaches at examining the role of the mosquito vector host in malaria transmission. Thirteen other anopheline species (including the major vectors for Plasmodium vivax) are hoped to be completely sequenced within the next decade. Now, more than ever, there is a heightened research focus on Vector Biology and the transmission stages of the malaria parasite through the mosquito, from gametocytes to sporozoites, with the underlying aim of developing novel transmission-blocking vaccines/interventions. This chapter provides an overview of what is currently known at the genomic, proteomic and glycomic levels, about the role of different molecules, tissue compartments and molecular pathways in the mosquito vector and the ensuing strategies that have evolved, which can potentially impact malaria parasite transmission.
Further reading: Malaria Parasites: Comparative Genomics, Evolution and Molecular Biology