Anopheles Genomes Cluster
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Genome Analysis of Vectorial Capacity In Major Anopheles Vectors of Malaria Parasites |
| Anopheles Genomes Cluster | |
|---|---|
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| Name | Genome Analysis of Vectorial Capacity In Major Anopheles Vectors of Malaria Parasites |
| Type: | Sequencing |
| URL | Anopheles Genomes Cluster |
| Contact: | Nora Besansky |
| Status: | Started |
In September of 2008, the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the U.S. National Institutes of Health approved funding for the sequencing of the genomes and transcriptomes of thirteen Anopheles species, as described in the white paper: www.vectorbase.org/Help/Anopheles_species_cluster_white_paper
Although vector status was of prime importance in the selection of sequencing targets, choice was constrained by availability of colonies housed by the Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Resource Center (MR4), which will be a project and community resource for DNA, RNA and live mosquitoes from colonies. Since the initial whitepaper was approved, two additional species have been added to the project following the acquisition of available sequencing template: An. melas and An. christyi.
In addition to the approved goals of
- high quality reference genome assemblies of each species.
- transcriptome sequencing in support of gene annotation.
- limited amount of SNP discovery based on wild specimens.
Illumina-based genome sequencing and assembly, RNAseq and SNP discovery will be managed by the Broad Institute (under the direction of Daniel Neafsey). Genome annotation will be based on contributions by the Broad Institute, VectorBase, and members of the scientific community, whose input is encouraged. Once available, assemblies and gene models will be made accessible to the public. Production sequencing is beginning in spring 2011 and initial genome assemblies and annotations are expected to be available by late summer or early fall of 2012.
