Climate Adaptation and Genetic Differentiation in the Mosquito Species Culex tarsalis.

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of vector-borne diseases around the world highlights the pressing need for an in-depth exploration of the genetic and environmental factors that shape the adaptability and widespread distribution of mosquito populations. This research focuses on Culex tarsalis, a principal vector for various viral diseases including West Nile Virus (WNV). Through the development of a new reference genome and the examination of Restriction-Site Associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) data from over 300 individuals and 28 locations, we demonstrate that variables such as temperature, evaporation rates, and the density of vegetation significantly impact the genetic makeup of Cx. tarsalis populations. Among the alleles most strongly associated with environmental factors is a nonsynonymous mutation in a key gene related to circadian rhythms. These results offer new insights into the mechanisms of spread and adaptation in a key North American vector species, which is poised to become a growing health threat to both humans and animals in the face of ongoing climate change.