Integrating mosquito genomics into simulation modeling: Opportunities for better-informed biocontrol

Curr Opin Insect Sci. 2025 Oct 27:101456. doi: 10.1016/j.cois.2025.101456. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Mosquito-borne diseases remain a major global health burden, and novel biocontrol tools are quickly advancing from the laboratory to the field. Mathematical models play a central role in evaluating these interventions, yet their predictive accuracy depends on robust parameterization. Population genomics presents a powerful opportunity to address this challenge. Here, we review progress at the interface between mosquito genomics and biocontrol modeling, highlighting how genomic data have informed our understanding of mosquito population structure, standing genetic variation at gene drive target sites, and sources of resurgence for suppressed populations. We also discuss frontiers, including new approaches to quantifying gene flow, mating behaviors, and inbreeding depression, all of which shape intervention outcomes. By tapping this potential to better quantify our understanding of mosquito ecology, modelers can develop context-specific models with better predictive accuracy, supporting efficacy and risk assessment, design of field trials and interventions, and promotion of regulation and public trust.

PMID:41161569 | DOI:10.1016/j.cois.2025.101456