Functional Genomics of Salivary Gland Genes in Anopheles coluzzii and Their Role in Malaria Parasite Development: An Original Investigation in the Niger Delta Region

Anopheles coluzzii salivary gland proteins facilitate blood feeding and are essential for Plasmodium sporozoite invasion of the salivary gland epithelium, a critical step in malaria transmission. Functional genomic dissection of salivary proteins that enable or restrict parasite invasion could identify novel molecular targets for transmission-blocking interventions. This study conducts a functional genomic investigation of salivary gland gene expression and its role in malaria parasite development in Niger Delta An. coluzzii populations. Field-collected An. coluzzii from Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states will be maintained as isofemale lines and used in controlled Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite infections via membrane feeding. RNA-Seq will compare salivary gland transcriptomes between parasite-infected and uninfected mosquitoes across sporozoite invasion and development time points. Candidate genes showing infection-associated expression changes will be functionally knocked down using dsRNA microinjection. Salivary gland sporozoite loads following gene knockdown will assess functional contributions to parasite development. Protein-protein interaction assays will test direct binding between candidate salivary proteins and sporozoite surface antigens. This study makes a fundamental original contribution to molecular malaria vector biology in a region-specific context and identifies potential salivary gland-based transmission-blocking targets. Keywords: Anopheles coluzzii, salivary gland genomics, malaria transmission, functional genomics, Niger Delta