Identification of gene candidates for the development of ’gene drive systems’ in the mosquito vectors Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti

Mosquitoes are deadly insects that can transmit a plethora of pathogens, including arboviruses and other parasites. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and malaria pose significant public health challenges, with over 250 million infections, resulting in more than 600,000 deaths reported in 2022. Anopheles gambiae is the primary vector of Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, one of the most severe infectious diseases. Similarly, Aedes aegypti is a highly efficient vector for arboviruses, responsible for the transmission of dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Current vector control strategies, including the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and larval source management, are fundamental but face significant limitations. These include the development of insecticide resistance, the logistical and financial challenges of sustained implementation, and the environmental impact of widespread chemical use, which can harm non-target species and ecosystems. Gene drive technology has emerged as a promising complementary strategy to control mosquito populations, hence reducing disease transmission. By promoting the spread of specific genetic traits within a population, gene drives have the potential to either suppress vector populations or reduce their capacity to transmit pathogens. The aim of this study is to use in silico approaches to investigate the biology of An. gambiae and Ae. aegypti, with the goal of identifying potential genetic targets for the development of effective gene drive systems. Understanding the genetic makeup and functional biology of these two major vectors is critical for the design of targeted interventions that could significantly enhance mosquito-borne disease control efforts.