Alex Makunin

High quality chromosomal genome assemblies of three human Plasmodium species directly from natural infections

The paper generates high-quality chromosome-level genomes for three Plasmodium species from natural infections, improving understanding of their biology and evolution.

De novo assembly of complete Plasmodium falciparum isolate genomes using PacBio HiFi sequencing technology

This study uses PacBio HiFi sequencing to assemble complete Plasmodium falciparum genomes from natural infections, revealing full repertoires of immune-related genes.

Convergent evolutionary loss of chemosensory and blood-feeding pathways in non-blood-feeding mosquitoes

The paper identifies convergent gene losses and expression changes associated with blood-feeding loss in non-blood-feeding mosquitoes.

Exploring the diversity and spatial distribution of Anopheles mosquitoes and their associated Plasmodium species in Tanzania using the ANOSPP amplicon panel

The paper uses the ANOSPP amplicon panel to analyze Anopheles mosquitoes and Plasmodium species in Tanzania, revealing 15 Anopheles taxa and five Plasmodium species, including new records of P. caprae and An. funestus-like mosquitoes.

Assessing the population genetic structure and demographic history of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis at island and mainland sites in Uganda: Implications for testing novel malaria vector control approaches.

This study examines genetic structure and demographic history of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis in Uganda, showing genetic differentiation between species and subtle structure between island and mainland populations, with implications for malaria vector control.

Breaking the cold chain: solutions for room temperature preservation of mosquitoes leading to high quality reference genomes

This study evaluates room temperature preservation methods for mosquitoes to generate high-quality reference genomes, finding that squished samples in ethanol or Allprotect work best for Hi-C data.

CiFi: Accurate long-read chromosome conformation capture with low-input requirements

CiFi improves Hi-C analysis by combining 3C with PacBio HiFi sequencing, enabling better coverage in repetitive regions and low-input samples.

Forty New Genomes Shed Light on Sexual Reproduction and the Origin of Tetraploidy in Microsporidia

The paper presents 40 new microsporidian genomes, revealing evidence of sexual reproduction and autopolyploidy, with tetraploid genomes organized into diploid compartments.

Genomic diversity of the African malaria vector Anopheles funestus

The paper analyzes genomic diversity in Anopheles funestus across Africa, identifying genetic variation, adaptation signals, and conservation of a gene drive target.

Genetic variation at the Cyp6m2 putative insecticide resistance locus in Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii

The paper examines genetic variation in the Cyp6m2 gene across Anopheles mosquito populations and finds no evidence of directional selection on missense variants linked to insecticide resistance.

A high-resolution, chromosome-assigned Komodo dragon genome reveals adaptations in the cardiovascular, muscular, and chemosensory systems of monitor lizards

The paper presents a high-resolution chromosome-assigned genome of the Komodo dragon, identifying adaptations in cardiovascular, muscular, and chemosensory systems through comparative genomics.