Variation in an intron sequence of the voltage-gated sodium channel gene correlates with genetic differentiation between Anopheles gambiae s.s. molecular forms.

Journal article

We present the results of a geographical survey of genetic variation in Anopheles gambiae M and S molecular forms from ten African countries at Intron I of the voltage-gated sodium channel gene. We found two major haplotypes separated by a single mutational step, which cosegregate almost completely with the rDNA sites that identify M and S, consistent with previous estimates of strong reductions of gene flow between the two forms. We also report ten additional haplotypes stemming from the two major haplotypes, mostly present in single localities. The low levels of genetic variation found in this intronic region are discussed in light of a possible selective sweep. These findings offer additional elements to the ongoing debate on the amount of genetic differentiation and isolation between the two molecular forms and on their taxonomic status.

Authors: Gentile, G; Santolamazza, F; Fanello, C; Petrarca, V; Caccone, A

• Journal: Insect molecular biology
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 371-377
• Publication date: 2004-08-01
• DOI: 10.1111/j.0962-1075.2004.00494.x
• EISSN: 1365-2583
• ISSN: 0962-1075
• Language: English
• Keywords: Africa; DNA Primers; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; Haplotypes; Molecular Sequence Data; Sodium Channels; Genotype; Genetic Variation; Animals; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Species Specificity; Anopheles; Karyotyping; Introns; Base Sequence; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Geography