Multilocus nuclear DNA markers and genetic parameters in an Indian Anopheles minimus population

Abstract Estimation of population genetic parameters is highly dependent on the choice of genetic markers. Furthermore, inferences based on single genes could lead to erroneous conclusions and population genetic outcomes, thus usage of multiple loci is suggested. Considering malaria is a highly fatal vector-borne infectious disease, inference on population genetic structure and demography could be of help in the long run for malaria vector management and control. Using the published genome sequence information of Anopheles gambiae we designed EPIC primers to amplify DNA fragments in An. minimus nuclear genome. Eight such DNA fragments could be successfully amplified and sequenced and homology to corresponding genes of An. gambiae was established. All the eight DNA fragments were found to be polymorphic for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a population sample of An. minimus from India. Several tests of neutrality confirmed that all the eight fragments evolve under a standard neutral model of molecular evolution. Furthermore, multilocus linkage disequilibrium studies revealed that the DNA fragments were not genetically linked to each other and thus are independently evolving. Tests of past population demographic events clearly revealed that this Indian population of An. minimus follows demographic equilibrium model, without any significant recent population bottleneck or expansion. The eight multilocus nuclear DNA fragments thus could be considered as ‘putatively neutral’ and be used to infer population structure and demographic history of An. minimus , a major malaria vector in the Southeast Asia and India. Moreover, the estimations of population demography using these putatively neutral markers can provide a baseline against which, test for the role of natural selection in functionally relevant genes of An. minimus would be possible.