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Yarcusko RS, Song MH, Neuger GC, Romero MF, Piermarini PM, Gillen CM. Function and regulation of the insect NaCCC2 sodium transport proteins. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2024; 296:111685. [PMID: 38914258 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.111685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
NaCCC2 transport proteins, including those from Drosophila melanogaster (Ncc83) and Aedes aegypti (aeCCC2), are an insect-specific clade with sequence similarity to Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporters. Whereas the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporters and other cation-chloride cotransporters are electroneutral, recent work indicates that Ncc83 and aeCCC2 carry charge across membranes. Here, we further characterize the regulation and transport properties of Ncc83 and aeCCC2 expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In cation uptake experiments, Li+ was used as a tracer for Na+ and Rb+ was used as a tracer for K+. Li+ uptake of oocytes expressing either aeCCC2 or Ncc83 was greater than uptake in water-injected controls, activated by hypotonic swelling, and not inhibited by ouabain or ethyl cinnamate. Rb+ uptake of oocytes expressing either aeCCC2 or Ncc83 was not different than water injected controls. In oocytes expressing either aeCCC2 or Ncc83, Li+ uptake plateaued with increasing Li+ concentrations, with apparent Km values in the range of 10 to 20 mM. Following exposure to ouabain, intracellular [Na+] was greater in oocytes expressing aeCCC2 than in controls. Elevating intracellular cAMP (via 8-bromo-cAMP) in Ncc83 oocytes significantly stimulated both Li+ uptake and membrane conductances. Elevating intracellular cAMP in aeCCC2 oocytes did not affect Li+ uptake, but stimulated membrane conductances. Overall, these results confirm that the NaCCC2s resemble other cation-chloride cotransporters in their regulation and some transport properties. However, unlike other cation-chloride cotransporters, they carry charge across membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Yarcusko
- Department of Biology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH 43050, USA
| | | | - Grace C Neuger
- Department of Biology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH 43050, USA
| | - Michael F Romero
- Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Peter M Piermarini
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
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2
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Kelley M, Holmes CJ, Herbert C, Rayhan A, Joves J, Uhran M, Klaus L, Frigard R, Singh K, Limbach PA, Addepalli B, Benoit JB. Tyrosine transfer RNA levels and modifications during blood-feeding and vitellogenesis in the mosquito, Aedes aegypti. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39105593 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti must consume a blood meal for the nutrients necessary for egg production. Several transcriptome and proteome changes occur post-blood meal that likely corresponds with codon usage alterations. Transfer RNA (tRNA) is the adapter molecule that reads messenger RNA codons to add the appropriate amino acid during protein synthesis. Chemical modifications to tRNA enhance codon decoding, improving the accuracy and efficiency of protein synthesis. Here, we examined tRNA modifications and transcripts associated with the blood meal and subsequent periods of vitellogenesis in A. aegypti. More specifically, we assessed tRNA transcript abundance and modification levels in the fat body at critical times post blood-feeding. Based on a combination of alternative codon usage and identification of particular modifications, we discovered that increased transcription of tyrosine tRNAs is likely critical during the synthesis of egg yolk proteins in the fat body following a blood meal. Altogether, changes in both the abundance and modification of tRNA are essential factors in the process of vitellogenin production after blood-feeding in mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Kelley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Christopher J Holmes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Cassandra Herbert
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Asif Rayhan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Judd Joves
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Melissa Uhran
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Lucas Klaus
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ronja Frigard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Khwahish Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Patrick A Limbach
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Joshua B Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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3
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Liang J, Kang L, Michalak P, Sharakhov IV. Hybridization between Aedes aegypti and Aedes mascarensis mosquitoes leads to disruption of male sex determination. Commun Biol 2024; 7:886. [PMID: 39039226 PMCID: PMC11263339 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06560-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the sex determination pathway and its disruptions in mosquitoes is critical for the effective control of disease vectors through genetic manipulations based on sex separation. When male hybrids of Aedes aegypti females and Ae. mascarensis males are backcrossed to Ae. aegypti females, a portion of the backcross progeny manifests as males with abnormal sexual differentiation. We discovered a significant correlation between pupal abnormalities and the feminization of subsequent adults exemplified by the relative abundance of ovarian and testicular tissues. All intersex individuals were genetic males as they expressed a male determining factor, Nix. Further, our analysis of the sex-specific splicing of doublesex and fruitless transcripts demonstrated the presence of both male and female splice variants indicating that sex determination is disrupted. A comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed similar expression levels of most female-associated genes in reproductive organs and carcasses between intersexual males and normal females. Moreover, intersexes had largely normal gene expression in testes but significant gene downregulation in male accessory glands when compared with normal males. We conclude that evolving hybrid incompatibilities between Ae. aegypti and Ae. mascarensis involve disruption of sex determination and are accompanied by changes in gene expression associated with sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangtao Liang
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Lin Kang
- Department of Biomedical Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Monroe, LA, USA
- College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA
- Center for One Health Research, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Pawel Michalak
- Department of Biomedical Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Monroe, LA, USA
- Center for One Health Research, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Igor V Sharakhov
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
- Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia.
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4
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Chen TY, Raduwan H, Marín-López A, Cui Y, Fikrig E. Zika virus exists in enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells of the Aedes aegypti midgut. iScience 2024; 27:110353. [PMID: 39055935 PMCID: PMC11269924 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Aedes aegypti midgut is crucial for blood digestion, nutrition, reproduction, and pathogen interaction. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we explored virus infection and transcriptomic changes at the cellular level. We identified 12 distinct cell clusters in the Ae. aegypti midgut post-Zika virus infection, including intestinal stem cells, enteroblasts, enteroendocrine cells (EE), and enterocytes (ECs). The virus was found mainly in specific subsets of ECs and EE. Infection altered transcriptional profiles related to metabolism, signaling, and immune responses. Functional studies highlighted three significantly differentially expressed genes in infected cells. Notably, silencing apolipophorin III reduced virus RNA copy number in the midgut, emphasizing the role of specific genes in viral infection. These findings enhance our understanding of mosquito midgut cell processes during Zika virus infection and suggest potential targets for vector control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tse-Yu Chen
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Hamidah Raduwan
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Alejandro Marín-López
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yingjun Cui
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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5
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Dou X, Chen K, Brown MR, Strand MR. Reciprocal interactions between neuropeptide F and RYamide regulate host attraction in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2408072121. [PMID: 38950363 PMCID: PMC11252962 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2408072121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Female mosquitoes produce eggs in gonadotrophic cycles that are divided between a previtellogenic and vitellogenic phase. Previtellogenic females consume water and sugar sources like nectar while also being attracted to hosts for blood feeding. Consumption of a blood meal activates the vitellogenic phase, which produces mature eggs and suppresses host attraction. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that neuropeptide Y-like hormones differentially modulate host attraction behavior in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. A series of experiments collectively indicated that enteroendocrine cells (EECs) in the posterior midgut produce and release neuropeptide F (NPF) into the hemolymph during the previtellogenic phase which stimulates attraction to humans and biting behavior. Consumption of a blood meal, which primarily consists of protein by dry weight, down-regulated NPF in EECs until mature eggs developed, which was associated with a decline in hemolymph titer. NPF depletion depended on protein digestion but was not associated with EEC loss. Other experiments showed that neurons in the terminal ganglion extend axons to the posterior midgut and produce RYamide, which showed evidence of increased secretion into circulation after a blood meal. Injection of RYamide-1 and -2 into previtellogenic females suppressed host attraction, while coinjection of RYamides with or without short NPF-2 also inhibited the host attraction activity of NPF. Overall, our results identify NPF and RYamide as gut-associated hormones in A. aegypti that link host attraction behavior to shifts in diet during sequential gonadotrophic cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Dou
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30602
| | - Kangkang Chen
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30602
| | - Mark R. Brown
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30602
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6
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Barbosa RC, Godoy RSM, Ferreira PG, Mendes TAO, Ramalho-Ortigão M, Ribeiro JMC, Martins GF. Exploring the midgut physiology of the non-haematophagous mosquito Toxorhynchites theobaldi. Open Biol 2024; 14:230437. [PMID: 38955221 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxorhynchites mosquitoes have an exclusively phytophagous feeding habit as adults, which leads to significant differences in their morphophysiology compared with haematophagous mosquitoes. However, the molecular mechanisms of digestion in this mosquito are not well understood. In this study, RNA sequencing of the posterior midgut (PMG) of the mosquito Toxorhynchites theobaldi was undertaken, highlighting its significance in mosquito digestion. Subsequently, a comparison was made between the differential gene expression of the PMG and that of the anterior midgut. It was found that the most abundant proteases in the PMG were trypsin and chymotrypsin, and the level of gene expression for enzymes essential for digestion (such as serine protease, α-amylase and pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase) and innate immune response (including catalase, cecropin-A2 and superoxide dismutase) was like that of haematophagous mosquitoes. Peritrophin-1 was detected in the entire midgut, with an elevated expression level in the PMG. Based on our findings, it is hypothesized that a non-haematophagic habit might have been exhibited by the ancestor of Tx. theobaldi, and this trait may have been retained. This study represents a pioneering investigation at the molecular level of midgut contents in a non-haematophagous mosquito. The findings offer valuable insights into the evolutionary aspects of feeding habits in culicids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata C Barbosa
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Raquel S M Godoy
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Priscila G Ferreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 50670-900, Brazil
| | - Tiago A O Mendes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 50670-900, Brazil
| | | | - José M C Ribeiro
- Section of Vector Biology, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Gustavo F Martins
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
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7
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Taracena-Agarwal ML, Walter-Nuno AB, Bottino-Rojas V, Mejia APG, Xu K, Segal S, Dotson EM, Oliveira PL, Paiva-Silva GO. Juvenile Hormone as a contributing factor in establishing midgut microbiota for fecundity and fitness enhancement in adult female Aedes aegypti. Commun Biol 2024; 7:687. [PMID: 38839829 PMCID: PMC11153597 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06334-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the factors influencing mosquitoes' fecundity and longevity is important for designing better and more sustainable vector control strategies, as these parameters can impact their vectorial capacity. Here, we address how mating affects midgut growth in Aedes aegypti, what role Juvenile Hormone (JH) plays in this process, and how it impacts the mosquito's immune response and microbiota. Our findings reveal that mating and JH induce midgut growth. Additionally, the establishment of a native bacterial population in the midgut due to JH-dependent suppression of the immune response has important reproductive outcomes. Specific downregulation of AMPs with an increase in bacteria abundance in the gut results in increased egg counts and longer lifespans. Overall, these findings provide evidence of a cross-talk between JH response, gut epithelial tissue, cell cycle regulation, and the mechanisms governing the trade-offs between nutrition, immunity, and reproduction at the cellular level in the mosquito gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel L Taracena-Agarwal
- Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Entomology Department, Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Ana Beatriz Walter-Nuno
- Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Vanessa Bottino-Rojas
- Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | - Kelsey Xu
- Entomology Department, Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Steven Segal
- Entomology Department, Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ellen M Dotson
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pedro L Oliveira
- Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Gabriela O Paiva-Silva
- Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
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8
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Wang S, Huang Y, Wang F, Han Q, Ren N, Wang X, Cui Y, Yuan Z, Xia H. A cell atlas of the adult female Aedes aegypti midgut revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Sci Data 2024; 11:587. [PMID: 38839790 PMCID: PMC11153528 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03432-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is a primary vector for transmitting various arboviruses, including Yellow fever, dengue and Zika virus. The mosquito midgut is the principal organ for blood meal digestion, nutrient absorption and the initial site of arbovirus infection. Although a previous study delineated midgut's transcriptome of Ae. aegypti at the single-nucleus resolution, there still lacks an established protocol for isolating and RNA sequencing of single cells of Ae. aegypti midgut, which is required for investigating arbovirus-midgut interaction at the single-cell level. Here, we established an atlas of the midgut cells for Ae. aegypti by single-cell RNA sequencing. We annotated the cell clusters including intestinal stem cells/enteroblasts (ISC/EB), cardia cells (Cardia), enterocytes (EC, EC-like), enteroendocrine cells (EE), visceral muscle (VM), fat body cells (FBC) and hemocyte cells (HC). This study will provide a foundation for further studies of arbovirus infection in mosquito midgut at the single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunlong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430200, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430200, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430200, China
| | - Qian Han
- Hainan One Health Key Laboratory, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Nanjie Ren
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430200, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430200, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yingjun Cui
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, 06520, USA.
| | - Zhiming Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430200, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Han Xia
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430200, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, 430207, China.
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9
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Cai JA, Christophides GK. Immune interactions between mosquitoes and microbes during midgut colonization. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 63:101195. [PMID: 38552792 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes encounter diverse microbes during their lifetime, including symbiotic bacteria, shaping their midgut ecosystem. The organization of the midgut supports microbiota persistence while defending against potential pathogens. The influx of nutrients during blood feeding triggers bacterial proliferation, challenging host homeostasis. Immune responses, aimed at controlling bacterial overgrowth, impact blood-borne pathogens such as malaria parasites. However, parasites deploy evasion strategies against mosquito immunity. Leveraging these mechanisms could help engineer malaria-resistant mosquitoes, offering a transformative tool for malaria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Cai
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom
| | - George K Christophides
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom.
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10
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Hixson B, Chen R, Buchon N. Innate immunity in Aedes mosquitoes: from pathogen resistance to shaping the microbiota. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230063. [PMID: 38497256 PMCID: PMC10945403 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Discussions of host-microbe interactions in mosquito vectors are frequently dominated by a focus on the human pathogens they transmit (e.g. Plasmodium parasites and arboviruses). Underlying the interactions between a vector and its transmissible pathogens, however, is the physiology of an insect living and interacting with a world of bacteria and fungi including commensals, mutualists and primary and opportunistic pathogens. Here we review what is known about the bacteria and fungi associated with mosquitoes, with an emphasis on the members of the Aedes genus. We explore the reciprocal effects of microbe on mosquito, and mosquito on microbe. We analyse the roles of bacterial and fungal symbionts in mosquito development, their effects on vector competence, and their potential uses as biocontrol agents and vectors for paratransgenesis. We explore the compartments of the mosquito gut, uncovering the regionalization of immune effectors and modulators, which create the zones of resistance and immune tolerance with which the mosquito host controls and corrals its microbial symbionts. We examine the anatomical patterning of basally expressed antimicrobial peptides. Finally, we review the relationships between inducible antimicrobial peptides and canonical immune signalling pathways, comparing and contrasting current knowledge on each pathway in mosquitoes to the model insect Drosophila melanogaster. This article is part of the theme issue 'Sculpting the microbiome: how host factors determine and respond to microbial colonization'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bretta Hixson
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, 14853, NY, USA
| | - Robin Chen
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, 14853, NY, USA
| | - Nicolas Buchon
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, 14853, NY, USA
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11
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Picinic B, Paluzzi JPV, Donini A. Protein localization of aquaporins in the adult female disease vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 4:1365651. [PMID: 38699443 PMCID: PMC11064791 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2024.1365651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The female Aedes aegypti mosquito is a vector for several arboviral diseases, due to their blood feeding behavior and their association with urban communities. While ion transport in Ae. aegypti has been studied, much less is known about mechanisms of water transport. Rapid water and ion excretion occurs in the adult female mosquito post blood meal and involves a set of organs including the midgut, Malpighian tubules (MTs), and hindgut. The MTs are responsible for the formation of primary urine and are considered the most important site for active transport of ions. Within the cells of the MTs, along with various ion transporters, there are aquaporin water channels that aid in the transport of water across the tubule cell membrane. Six aquaporin genes have been molecularly identified in Ae. aegypti (AQP1-6) and found to be responsible for the transport of water and in some cases, small solutes such as glycerol. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry to localize AaAQP1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 in the adult female Ae. aegypti, in non-blood fed and post blood feeding (0.5 and 24hr) conditions. We further examined the main water transporting aquaporin, AaAQP1, using western blotting to determine protein abundance changes in isolated MTs pre- and post-blood feeding. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, aqp1 mRNA was found exclusively in the principal cells of female MTs. Finally, we used immunogold staining with transmission electron microscopy to determine subcellular localization of AaAQP1 in the Malpighian tubules under non-blood fed conditions. Interestingly, AaAQP1 was found to be predominantly in the principal cells of the MTs, dispersed throughout the brush border; however, there was also evidence of some AaAQP1 localization in the stellate cells of the MTs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrew Donini
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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12
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Zandawala M, Gera J. Leptin- and cytokine-like unpaired signaling in Drosophila. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 584:112165. [PMID: 38266772 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Animals have evolved a multitude of signaling pathways that enable them to orchestrate diverse physiological processes to tightly regulate systemic homeostasis. This signaling is mediated by various families of peptide hormones and cytokines that are conserved across the animal kingdom. In this review, we primarily focus on the unpaired (Upd) family of proteins in Drosophila which are evolutionarily related to mammalian leptin and the cytokine interleukin 6. We summarize expression patterns of Upd in Drosophila and discuss the parallels in structure, signaling pathway, and functions between Upd and their mammalian counterparts. In particular, we focus on the roles of Upd in governing metabolic homeostasis, growth and development, and immune responses. We aim to stimulate future studies on leptin-like signaling in other phyla which can help bridge the evolutionary gap between insect Upd and vertebrate leptin and cytokines like interleukin 6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meet Zandawala
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA.
| | - Jayati Gera
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
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13
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Hixson B, Huot L, Morejon B, Yang X, Nagy P, Michel K, Buchon N. The transcriptional response in mosquitoes distinguishes between fungi and bacteria but not Gram types. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:353. [PMID: 38594632 PMCID: PMC11003161 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10153-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are prolific vectors of human pathogens, therefore a clear and accurate understanding of the organization of their antimicrobial defenses is crucial for informing the development of transmission control strategies. The canonical infection response in insects, as described in the insect model Drosophila melanogaster, is pathogen type-dependent, with distinct stereotypical responses to Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria/fungi mediated by the activation of the Imd and Toll pathways, respectively. To determine whether this pathogen-specific discrimination is shared by mosquitoes, we used RNAseq to capture the genome-wide transcriptional response of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) to systemic infection with Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi, as well as challenge with heat-killed Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and fungal pathogens. From the resulting data, we found that Ae. aegypti and An. gambiae both mount a core response to all categories of infection, and this response is highly conserved between the two species with respect to both function and orthology. When we compared the transcriptomes of mosquitoes infected with different types of bacteria, we observed that the intensity of the transcriptional response was correlated with both the virulence and growth rate of the infecting pathogen. Exhaustive comparisons of the transcriptomes of Gram-negative-challenged versus Gram-positive-challenged mosquitoes yielded no difference in either species. In Ae. aegypti, however, we identified transcriptional signatures specific to bacterial infection and to fungal infection. The bacterial infection response was dominated by the expression of defensins and cecropins, while the fungal infection response included the disproportionate upregulation of an uncharacterized family of glycine-rich proteins. These signatures were also observed in Ae. aegypti challenged with heat-killed bacteria and fungi, indicating that this species can discriminate between molecular patterns that are specific to bacteria and to fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bretta Hixson
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Louise Huot
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Bianca Morejon
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Current address: State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute for Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Peter Nagy
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Kristin Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Nicolas Buchon
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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14
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Hegde S, Brettell LE, Quek S, Etebari K, Saldaña MA, Asgari S, Coon KL, Heinz E, Hughes GL. Aedes aegypti gut transcriptomes respond differently to microbiome transplants from field-caught or laboratory-reared mosquitoes. Environ Microbiol 2024; 26:e16576. [PMID: 38192175 PMCID: PMC11022138 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The mosquito microbiome is critical for host development and plays a major role in many aspects of mosquito biology. While the microbiome is commonly dominated by a small number of genera, there is considerable variation in composition among mosquito species, life stages, and geography. How the host controls and is affected by this variation is unclear. Using microbiome transplant experiments, we asked whether there were differences in transcriptional responses when mosquitoes of different species were used as microbiome donors. We used microbiomes from four different donor species spanning the phylogenetic breadth of the Culicidae, collected either from the laboratory or the field. We found that when recipients received a microbiome from a donor reared in the laboratory, the response was remarkably similar regardless of donor species. However, when the donor had been collected from the field, many more genes were differentially expressed. We also found that while the transplant procedure did have some effect on the host transcriptome, this is likely to have had a limited effect on mosquito fitness. Overall, our results highlight the possibility that variation in mosquito microbiome communities is associated with variability in host-microbiome interactions and further demonstrate the utility of the microbiome transplantation technique for investigating host-microbe interactions in mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivanand Hegde
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Laura E. Brettell
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M4 4WT, UK
| | - Shannon Quek
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Kayvan Etebari
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Miguel A. Saldaña
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Sassan Asgari
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kerri L. Coon
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Eva Heinz
- Departments of Vector Biology and Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Grant L. Hughes
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
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15
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Taracena-Agarwal ML, Hixson B, Nandakumar S, Girard-Mejia AP, Chen RY, Huot L, Padilla N, Buchon N. The midgut epithelium of mosquitoes adjusts cell proliferation and endoreplication to respond to physiological challenges. BMC Biol 2024; 22:22. [PMID: 38281940 PMCID: PMC10823748 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01769-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hematophagous mosquitoes transmit many pathogens that cause human diseases. Pathogen acquisition and transmission occur when female mosquitoes blood feed to acquire nutrients for reproduction. The midgut epithelium of mosquitoes serves as the point of entry for transmissible viruses and parasites. RESULTS We studied midgut epithelial dynamics in five major mosquito vector species by quantifying PH3-positive cells (indicative of mitotic proliferation), the incorporation of nucleotide analogs (indicative of DNA synthesis accompanying proliferation and/or endoreplication), and the ploidy (by flow cytometry) of cell populations in the posterior midgut epithelium of adult females. Our results show that the epithelial dynamics of post-emergence maturation and of mature sugar-fed guts were similar in members of the Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles genera. In the first three days post-emergence, ~ 20% of cells in the posterior midgut region of interest incorporated nucleotide analogs, concurrent with both proliferative activity and a broad shift toward higher ploidy. In mature mosquitoes maintained on sugar, an average of 3.5% of cells in the posterior midgut region of interest incorporated nucleotide analogs from five to eight days post-emergence, with a consistent presence of mitotic cells indicating constant cell turnover. Oral bacterial infection triggered a sharp increase in mitosis and nucleotide analog incorporation, suggesting that the mosquito midgut undergoes accelerated cellular turnover in response to damage. Finally, blood feeding resulted in an increase in cell proliferation, but the nature and intensity of the response varied by mosquito species and by blood source (human, bovine, avian or artificial). In An. gambiae, enterocytes appeared to reenter the cell cycle to increase ploidy after consuming blood from all sources except avian. CONCLUSIONS We saw that epithelial proliferation, differentiation, and endoreplication reshape the blood-fed gut to increase ploidy, possibly to facilitate increased metabolic activity. Our results highlight the plasticity of the midgut epithelium in mosquitoes' physiological responses to distinct challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Taracena-Agarwal
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14852, USA
| | - B Hixson
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14852, USA
| | - S Nandakumar
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14852, USA
| | - A P Girard-Mejia
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Vectores, Centro de Estudios en Salud, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, 01015, Guatemala
| | - R Y Chen
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14852, USA
| | - L Huot
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14852, USA
| | - N Padilla
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Vectores, Centro de Estudios en Salud, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, 01015, Guatemala
| | - N Buchon
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14852, USA.
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16
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Menezes A, Peixoto M, Silva M, Costa-Bartuli E, Oliveira CL, Walter-Nuno AB, Kistenmacker NDC, Pereira J, Ramos I, Paiva-Silva GO, Atella GC, Zancan P, Sola-Penna M, Gomes FM. Western diet consumption by host vertebrate promotes altered gene expression on Aedes aegypti reducing its lifespan and increasing fertility following blood feeding. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:12. [PMID: 38184590 PMCID: PMC10770904 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06095-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in low- and middle-income countries is linked to an increase in Western diet consumption, characterized by a high intake of processed foods, which impacts the levels of blood sugar and lipids, hormones, and cytokines. Hematophagous insect vectors, such as the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti, rely on blood meals for reproduction and development and are therefore exposed to the components of blood plasma. However, the impact of the alteration of blood composition due to malnutrition and metabolic conditions on mosquito biology remains understudied. METHODS In this study, we investigated the impact of whole-blood alterations resulting from a Western-type diet on the biology of Ae. aegypti. We kept C57Bl6/J mice on a high-fat, high-sucrose (HFHS) diet for 20 weeks and followed biological parameters, including plasma insulin and lipid levels, insulin tolerance, and weight gain, to validate the development of metabolic syndrome. We further allowed Ae. aegypti mosquitoes to feed on mice and tracked how altered host blood composition modulated parameters of vector capacity. RESULTS Our findings identified that HFHS-fed mice resulted in reduced mosquito longevity and increased fecundity upon mosquito feeding, which correlated with alteration in the gene expression profile of nutrient sensing and physiological and metabolic markers as studied up to several days after blood ingestion. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides new insights into the overall effect of alterations of blood components on mosquito biology and its implications for the transmission of infectious diseases in conditions where the frequency of Western diet-induced metabolic syndromes is becoming more frequent. These findings highlight the importance of addressing metabolic health to further understand the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Menezes
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marilia Peixoto
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Melissa Silva
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emylle Costa-Bartuli
- The Metabolizsm' Group, Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cinara Lima Oliveira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Lipídeos e Lipoproteínas, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo De Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz Walter-Nuno
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nathan da Cruz Kistenmacker
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jessica Pereira
- Laboratorio de Ovogênese Molecular de Insetos Vetores, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabela Ramos
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Ovogênese Molecular de Insetos Vetores, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriela O Paiva-Silva
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Ovogênese Molecular de Insetos Vetores, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Geórgia C Atella
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Lipídeos e Lipoproteínas, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo De Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Ovogênese Molecular de Insetos Vetores, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia Zancan
- The Metabolizsm' Group, Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mauro Sola-Penna
- The Metabolizsm' Group, Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabio M Gomes
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Laboratorio de Ovogênese Molecular de Insetos Vetores, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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17
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LaReau JC, Hyde J, Brackney DE, Steven B. Introducing an environmental microbiome to axenic Aedes aegypti mosquitoes documents bacterial responses to a blood meal. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0095923. [PMID: 38014951 PMCID: PMC10734439 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00959-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The blood meal of the female mosquito serves as a nutrition source to support egg development, so is an important aspect of its biology. Yet, the roles the microbiome may play in blood digestion are poorly characterized. We employed axenic mosquitoes to investigate how the microbiome differs between mosquitoes reared in the insectary versus mosquitoes that acquire their microbiome from the environment. Environmental microbiomes were more diverse and showed larger temporal shifts over the course of blood digestion. Importantly, only bacteria from the environmental microbiome performed hemolysis in culture, pointing to functional differences between bacterial populations. These data highlight that taxonomic differences between the microbiomes of insectary-reared and wild mosquitoes are potentially also related to their functional ecology. Thus, axenic mosquitoes colonized with environmental bacteria offer a way to investigate the role of bacteria from the wild in mosquito processes such as blood digestion, under controlled laboratory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn C. LaReau
- Department of Environmental Science and Forestry, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Josephine Hyde
- Department of Environmental Science and Forestry, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Doug E. Brackney
- Department of Entomology, Center for Vector Biology and Zoonotic Diseases, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Blaire Steven
- Department of Environmental Science and Forestry, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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18
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Maraschin M, Talyuli OAC, Luíza Rulff da Costa C, Granella LW, Moi DA, Figueiredo BRS, Mansur DS, Oliveira PL, Oliveira JHM. Exploring dose-response relationships in Aedes aegypti survival upon bacteria and arbovirus infection. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 151:104573. [PMID: 37838284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2023.104573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
A detailed understanding of how host fitness changes in response to variations in microbe density (an ecological measure of disease tolerance) is an important aim of infection biology. Here, we applied dose-response curves to study Aedes aegypti survival upon exposure to different microbes. We challenged female mosquitoes with Listeria monocytogenes, a model bacterial pathogen, Dengue 4 virus and Zika virus, two medically relevant arboviruses, to understand the distribution of mosquito survival following microbe exposure. By correlating microbe loads and host health, we found that a blood meal promotes disease tolerance in our systemic bacterial infection model and that mosquitoes orally infected with bacteria had an enhanced defensive capacity than insects infected through injection. We also showed that Aedes aegypti displays a higher survival profile following arbovirus infection when compared to bacterial infections. Here, we applied a framework for investigating microbe-induced mosquito mortality and details how the lifespan of Aedes aegypti varies with different inoculum sizes of bacteria and arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Maraschin
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Octávio A C Talyuli
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Clara Luíza Rulff da Costa
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucilene W Granella
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Dieison A Moi
- Laboratory of Multitrophic Interactions and Biodiversity, Department of Animal Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Bruno R S Figueiredo
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Department of Ecology and Zoology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Edifício Fritz Müller, Bloco B, Córrego Grande, CEP 88040-970, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Daniel S Mansur
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Pedro L Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular. Brazil
| | - José Henrique M Oliveira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Florianópolis, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular. Brazil.
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19
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Tafesh-Edwards G, Eleftherianos I. The Drosophila melanogaster prophenoloxidase system participates in immunity against Zika virus infection. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2350632. [PMID: 37793051 PMCID: PMC10841153 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster relies on an evolutionarily conserved innate immune system to protect itself from a wide range of pathogens, making it a convenient genetic model to study various human pathogenic viruses and host antiviral immunity. Here we explore for the first time the contribution of the Drosophila phenoloxidase (PO) system to host survival and defenses against Zika virus (ZIKV) infection by analyzing the role of mutations in the three prophenoloxidase (PPO) genes in female and male flies. We show that only PPO1 and PPO2 genes contribute to host survival and appear to be upregulated following ZIKV infection in Drosophila. Also, we present data suggesting that a complex regulatory system exists between Drosophila PPOs, potentially allowing for a sex-dependent compensation of PPOs by one another or other immune responses such as the Toll, Imd, and JAK/STAT pathways. Furthermore, we show that PPO1 and PPO2 are essential for melanization in the hemolymph and the wound site in flies upon ZIKV infection. Our results reveal an important role played by the melanization pathway in response to ZIKV infection, hence highlighting the importance of this pathway in insect host defense against viral pathogens and potential vector control strategies to alleviate ZIKV outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada Tafesh-Edwards
- Infection and Innate Immunity Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Ioannis Eleftherianos
- Infection and Innate Immunity Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
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20
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Kelley M, Holmes CJ, Herbert C, Rayhan A, Joves J, Uhran M, Frigard R, Singh K, Limbach PA, Addepalli B, Benoit JB. Tyrosine transfer RNA levels and modifications during blood-feeding and vitellogenesis in the mosquito, Aedes aegypti. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.29.569187. [PMID: 38076852 PMCID: PMC10705485 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.29.569187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti must consume a blood meal for the nutrients necessary for egg production. Several transcriptome and proteome changes occur post blood meal that likely corresponds with codon usage alterations. Transfer RNA (tRNA) is the adapter molecule that reads messenger RNA (mRNA) codons to add the appropriate amino acid during protein synthesis. Chemical modifications to tRNA enhance codons' decoding, improving the accuracy and efficiency of protein synthesis. Here, we examined tRNA modifications and transcripts associated with the blood meal and subsequent periods of vitellogenesis in A. aegypti. More specifically, we assessed tRNA transcript abundance and modification levels in the fat body at critical times post blood-feeding. Based on a combination of alternative codon usage and identification of particular modifications, we identified that increased transcription of tyrosine tRNAs is likely critical during the synthesis of egg yolk proteins in the fat body following a blood meal. Altogether, changes in both the abundance and modification of tRNA are essential factors in the process of vitellogenin production after blood-feeding in mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Kelley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45211
| | | | - Cassandra Herbert
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45211
| | - Asif Rayhan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45211
| | - Judd Joves
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45211
| | - Melissa Uhran
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45211
| | - Ronja Frigard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45211
| | - Khwahish Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45211
| | | | | | - Joshua B. Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45211
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21
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Tsujimoto H, Adelman ZN. An 11-point time course midgut transcriptome across 72 h after bloodfeeding provides detailed temporal resolution of transcript expression in the arbovirus vector, Aedes aegypti. Genome Res 2023; 33:1638-1648. [PMID: 37802532 PMCID: PMC10620042 DOI: 10.1101/gr.277808.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
As the major vector for dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya viruses, the mosquito Aedes aegypti is one of the most important insects in public health. These viruses are transmitted by bloodfeeding, which is also necessary for the reproduction of the mosquito. Thus, the midgut plays an essential role in mosquito physiology as the center for bloodmeal digestion and as an organ that serves as the first line of defense against viruses. Despite its importance, transcriptomic dynamics with fine temporal resolution across the entire digestion cycle have not yet been reported. To fill this gap, we conducted a transcriptomic analysis of A. aegypti female midguts across a 72-h bloodmeal digestion cycle for 11 time points, with a particular focus on the first 24 h. PCA analysis confirmed that 72 h is indeed a complete digestion cycle. Cluster and GO enrichment analysis showed the orchestrated modulation of thousands of genes to accomplish the midgut's role as the center for digestion, as well as nutrient transport with a clear progression with sequential emphasis on transcription, translation, energy production, nutrient metabolism, transport, and finally, autophagy by 24-36 h. We further determined that many serine proteases are robustly expressed as if to prepare for unexpected physiological challenges. This study provides a powerful resource for the analysis of genomic features that coordinate the rapid and complex transcriptional program induced by mosquito bloodfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Tsujimoto
- Department of Entomology and Texas A&M Agrilife Research, College Station, Texas 77853, USA
| | - Zach N Adelman
- Department of Entomology and Texas A&M Agrilife Research, College Station, Texas 77853, USA
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22
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Van Lommel J, Holtof M, Tilleman L, Cools D, Vansteenkiste S, Polgun D, Verdonck R, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Vanden Broeck J. Post-feeding transcriptomics reveals essential genes expressed in the midgut of the desert locust. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1232545. [PMID: 37692997 PMCID: PMC10484617 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1232545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The digestive tract constitutes an important interface between an animal's internal and external environment. In insects, available gut transcriptome studies are mostly exploratory or look at changes upon infection or upon exposure to xenobiotics, mainly performed in species belonging to holometabolan orders, such as Diptera, Lepidoptera or Coleoptera. By contrast, studies focusing on gene expression changes after food uptake and during digestion are underrepresented. We have therefore compared the gene expression profiles in the midgut of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, between three different time points after feeding, i.e., 24 h (no active digestion), 10 min (the initial stage of feeding), and 2 h (active food digestion). The observed gene expression profiles were consistent with the polyphagous herbivorous lifestyle of this hemimetabolan (orthopteran) species. Our study reveals the upregulation of 576 genes 2 h post-feeding. These are mostly predicted to be associated with digestive physiology, such as genes encoding putative digestive enzymes or nutrient transporters, as well as genes putatively involved in immunity or in xenobiotic metabolism. The 10 min time point represented an intermediate condition, suggesting that the S. gregaria midgut can react rapidly at the transcriptional level to the presence of food. Additionally, our study demonstrated the critical importance of two transcripts that exhibited a significant upregulation 2 h post-feeding: the vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase and the sterol transporter Niemann-Pick 1b protein, which upon RNAi-induced knockdown resulted in a marked increase in mortality. Their vital role and accessibility via the midgut lumen may make the encoded proteins promising insecticidal target candidates, considering that the desert locust is infamous for its huge migrating swarms that can devastate the agricultural production in large areas of Northern Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. In conclusion, the transcriptome datasets presented here will provide a useful and promising resource for studying the midgut physiology of S. gregaria, a socio-economically important pest species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Van Lommel
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab, Department of Biology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michiel Holtof
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab, Department of Biology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Dorien Cools
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab, Department of Biology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Seppe Vansteenkiste
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab, Department of Biology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daria Polgun
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab, Department of Biology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Verdonck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab, Department of Biology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Environmental Biology, Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab, Department of Biology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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23
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Zheng R, Wang Q, Wu R, Paradkar PN, Hoffmann AA, Wang GH. Holobiont perspectives on tripartite interactions among microbiota, mosquitoes, and pathogens. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:1143-1152. [PMID: 37231184 PMCID: PMC10356850 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01436-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria cause a significant global health burden. Unfortunately, current insecticides and environmental control strategies aimed at the vectors of these diseases are only moderately effective in decreasing disease burden. Understanding and manipulating the interaction between the mosquito holobiont (i.e., mosquitoes and their resident microbiota) and the pathogens transmitted by these mosquitoes to humans and animals could help in developing new disease control strategies. Different microorganisms found in the mosquito's microbiota affect traits related to mosquito survival, development, and reproduction. Here, we review the physiological effects of essential microbes on their mosquito hosts; the interactions between the mosquito holobiont and mosquito-borne pathogen (MBP) infections, including microbiota-induced host immune activation and Wolbachia-mediated pathogen blocking (PB); and the effects of environmental factors and host regulation on the composition of the microbiota. Finally, we briefly overview future directions in holobiont studies, and how these may lead to new effective control strategies against mosquitoes and their transmitted diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronger Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Runbiao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Prasad N Paradkar
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Ary A Hoffmann
- Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group, Bio21 Institute and the School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Guan-Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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24
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Magistrado D, El-Dougdoug NK, Short SM. Sugar restriction and blood ingestion shape divergent immune defense trajectories in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12368. [PMID: 37524824 PMCID: PMC10390476 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune defense is comprised of (1) resistance: the ability to reduce pathogen load, and (2) tolerance: the ability to limit the disease severity induced by a given pathogen load. The study of tolerance in the field of animal immunity is fairly nascent in comparison to resistance. Consequently, studies which examine immune defense comprehensively (i.e. considering both resistance and tolerance in conjunction) are uncommon, despite their exigency in achieving a thorough understanding of immune defense. Furthermore, understanding tolerance in arthropod disease vectors is uniquely relevant, as tolerance is essential to the cyclical transmission of pathogens by arthropods. Here, we tested the effect(s) of dietary sucrose concentration and blood ingestion on resistance and tolerance to Escherichia coli infection in the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. Resistance and tolerance were measured concurrently and at multiple timepoints. We found that mosquitoes from the restricted sugar treatment displayed enhanced resistance at all timepoints post-infection compared to those from the laboratory standard sugar treatment. Blood also improved resistance, but only early post-infection. While sucrose restriction had no effect on tolerance, we show that consuming blood prior to bacterial infection ameliorates a temporal decline in tolerance that mosquitoes experience when provided with only sugar meals. Taken together, our findings indicate that different dietary components can have unique and sometimes temporally dynamic impacts on resistance and tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dom Magistrado
- Department of Entomology, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Noha K El-Dougdoug
- Department of Entomology, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Sarah M Short
- Department of Entomology, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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25
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Hixson B, Huot L, Morejon B, Yang X, Nagy P, Michel K, Buchon N. The transcriptional response in mosquitoes distinguishes between fungi and bacteria but not Gram types. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.26.550663. [PMID: 37546902 PMCID: PMC10402080 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.26.550663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are prolific vectors of human pathogens; a clear and accurate understanding of the organization of their antimicrobial defenses is crucial for informing the development of transmission control strategies. The canonical infection response in insects, as described in the insect model Drosophila melanogaster , is pathogen type-dependent, with distinct stereotypical responses to Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria/fungi mediated by the activation of the Imd and Toll pathways, respectively. To determine whether this pathogen-specific discrimination is shared by mosquitoes, we used RNAseq to capture the genome-wide transcriptional response of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae ( s.l. ) to systemic infection with Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi, as well as challenge with heat-killed Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and fungal pathogens. From the resulting data, we found that Ae. aegypti and An. gambiae both mount a core response to all categories of infection, and this response is highly conserved between the two species with respect to both function and orthology. When we compared the transcriptomes of mosquitoes infected with different types of bacteria, we observed that the intensity of the transcriptional response was correlated with both the virulence and growth rate of the infecting pathogen. Exhaustive comparisons of the transcriptomes of Gram-negative-challenged versus Gram-positive-challenged mosquitoes yielded no difference in either species. In Ae. aegypti , however, we identified transcriptional signatures specific to bacterial infection and to fungal infection. The bacterial infection response was dominated by the expression of defensins and cecropins, while the fungal infection response included the disproportionate upregulation of an uncharacterized family of glycine-rich proteins. These signatures were also observed in Ae. aegypti challenged with heat-killed bacteria and fungi, indicating that this species can discriminate between molecular patterns that are specific to bacteria and to fungi.
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26
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Airs PM, Kudrna KE, Lubinski B, Phanse Y, Bartholomay LC. A Comparative Analysis of RNAi Trigger Uptake and Distribution in Mosquito Vectors of Disease. INSECTS 2023; 14:556. [PMID: 37367372 DOI: 10.3390/insects14060556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
In mosquitoes, the utilization of RNAi for functional genetics is widespread, usually mediated through introduced double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) with sequence identity to a gene of interest. However, RNAi in mosquitoes is often hampered by inconsistencies in target gene knockdown between experimental setups. While the core RNAi pathway is known to function in most mosquito strains, the uptake and biodistribution of dsRNAs across different mosquito species and life stages have yet to be extensively explored as a source of variation in RNAi experiments. To better understand mosquito-RNAi dynamics, the biodistribution of a dsRNA to a heterologous gene, LacZ (iLacZ), was tracked following various routes of exposure in the larval and adult stages of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae, and Culex pipiens. iLacZ was largely limited to the gut lumen when exposed per os, or to the cuticle when topically applied, but spread through the hemocoel when injected. Uptake of dsRNA was noted in a subset of cells including: hemocytes, pericardial cells of the dorsal vessel, ovarian follicles, and ganglia of the ventral nerve cord. These cell types are all known to undergo phagocytosis, pinocytosis, or both, and as such may actively take up RNAi triggers. In Ae. aegypti, iLacZ was detected for up to one week post exposure by Northern blotting, but uptake and degradation drastically differed across tissues. The results presented here reveal that the uptake of RNAi triggers is distinct and specific to the cell type in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Airs
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Katherine E Kudrna
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Bailey Lubinski
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Yashdeep Phanse
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Lyric C Bartholomay
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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27
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Lapadula WJ, Juri Ayub M. Ribosome Inactivating Proteins in Insects: HGT, gene expression, and functional implications. Gene 2023:147547. [PMID: 37286020 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are RNA N-glycosidases that depurinate an adenine residue in the conserved alpha-sarcin/ricin loop (SRL) of rRNA, inhibiting protein synthesis. Previously, we reported the existence of these toxins in insects, whose presence is restricted to mosquitoes from the Culicinae subfamily (e.g., Aedes aegypti) and whiteflies from the Aleyrodidae family (e.g., Bemisia tabaci). Both groups of genes are derived from two independent horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events and are evolved under purifying selection. Here, we report and characterize the occurrence of a third HGT event in the Sciaroidea superfamily, which supports the recurrent acquisition of RIP genes by insects. Transcriptomic experiments, available in databases, allowed us to describe the temporal and spatial expression profiles for these foreign genes in these organisms. Furthermore, we found that RIP expression is induced after infection with pathogens and provided, for the first time, transcriptomic evidence of parasite SRL depurination. This evidence suggests a possible role of these foreign genes as immune effectors in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter J Lapadula
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis, IMIBIO-SL-CONICET and Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Ejército de Los Andes, 950, D5700HHW San Luis, Argentina.
| | - Maximiliano Juri Ayub
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis, IMIBIO-SL-CONICET and Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Ejército de Los Andes, 950, D5700HHW San Luis, Argentina
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28
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Pala ZR, Alves e Silva TL, Minai M, Crews B, Patino-Martinez E, Carmona-Rivera C, Valenzuela-Leon PC, Martin-Martin I, Flores-Garcia Y, Cachau RE, Srivastava N, Moore IN, Alves DA, Kaplan MJ, Fischer E, Calvo E, Vega-Rodriguez J. Anopheles salivary apyrase regulates blood meal hemostasis and drives malaria parasite transmission. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.22.541827. [PMID: 37292610 PMCID: PMC10245845 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.22.541827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito salivary proteins play a crucial role in regulating hemostatic responses at the bite site during blood feeding. In this study, we investigate the function of Anopheles gambiae salivary apyrase (AgApyrase) in Plasmodium transmission. Our results demonstrate that salivary apyrase interacts with and activates tissue plasminogen activator, facilitating the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, a human protein previously shown to be required for Plasmodium transmission. Microscopy imaging shows that mosquitoes ingest a substantial amount of apyrase during blood feeding which reduces coagulation in the blood meal by enhancing fibrin degradation and inhibiting platelet aggregation. Supplementation of Plasmodium infected blood with apyrase significantly enhanced Plasmodium infection in the mosquito midgut. In contrast, AgApyrase immunization inhibited Plasmodium mosquito infection and sporozoite transmission. This study highlights a pivotal role for mosquito salivary apyrase for regulation of hemostasis in the mosquito blood meal and for Plasmodium transmission to mosquitoes and to the mammal host, underscoring the potential for new strategies to prevent malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarna Rajeshkumar Pala
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Thiago Luiz Alves e Silva
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Mahnaz Minai
- Infectious Disease Pathogenesis Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Benjamin Crews
- Microscopy Unit, Research Technologies Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Eduardo Patino-Martinez
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Carmelo Carmona-Rivera
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Paola Carolina Valenzuela-Leon
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Ines Martin-Martin
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
- Current address: Laboratory of Medical Entomology, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yevel Flores-Garcia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Raul E. Cachau
- Integrated Data Science Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Naman Srivastava
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Ian N. Moore
- Infectious Disease Pathogenesis Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Derron A. Alves
- Infectious Disease Pathogenesis Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Mariana J Kaplan
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Elizabeth Fischer
- Microscopy Unit, Research Technologies Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Eric Calvo
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Joel Vega-Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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29
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Laureti M, Lee RX, Bennett A, Wilson LA, Sy VE, Kohl A, Dietrich I. Rift Valley Fever Virus Primes Immune Responses in Aedes aegypti Cells. Pathogens 2023; 12:563. [PMID: 37111448 PMCID: PMC10146816 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing global emergence of arthropod-borne (arbo) viruses has accelerated research into the interactions of these viruses with the immune systems of their vectors. Only limited information exists on how bunyaviruses, such as Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), are sensed by mosquito immunity or escape detection. RVFV is a zoonotic phlebovirus (Bunyavirales; Phenuiviridae) of veterinary and human public health and economic importance. We have shown that the infection of mosquitoes with RVFV triggers the activation of RNA interference pathways, which moderately restrict viral replication. Here, we aimed to better understand the interactions between RVFV and other vector immune signaling pathways that might influence RVFV replication and transmission. For this, we used the immunocompetent Aedes aegypti Aag2 cell line as a model. We found that bacteria-induced immune responses restricted RVFV replication. However, virus infection alone did not alter the gene expression levels of immune effectors. Instead, it resulted in the marked enhancement of immune responses to subsequent bacterial stimulation. The gene expression levels of several mosquito immune pattern recognition receptors were altered by RVFV infection, which may contribute to this immune priming. Our findings imply that there is a complex interplay between RVFV and mosquito immunity that could be targeted in disease prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rui-Xue Lee
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Amelia Bennett
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright GU24 0NF, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Claverton Down, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Lucas Aladar Wilson
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright GU24 0NF, UK
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | | | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Isabelle Dietrich
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright GU24 0NF, UK
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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30
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Hegde S, Brettell LE, Quek S, Etebari K, Saldaña MA, Asgari S, Coon KL, Heinz E, Hughes GL. Aedes aegypti gut transcriptomes respond differently to microbiome transplants from field-caught or laboratory-reared mosquitoes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.16.532926. [PMID: 36993663 PMCID: PMC10055144 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.16.532926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The mosquito microbiome is critical for host development and plays a major role in many aspects of mosquito biology. While the microbiome is commonly dominated by a small number of genera, there is considerable variation in composition among mosquito species, life stages, and geography. How the host controls and is affected by this variation is unclear. Using microbiome transplant experiments, we asked whether there were differences in transcriptional responses when mosquitoes of different species were used as microbiome donors. We used microbiomes from four different donor species spanning the phylogenetic breadth of the Culicidae, collected either from the laboratory or field. We found that when recipients received a microbiome from a donor reared in the laboratory, the response was remarkably similar regardless of donor species. However, when the donor had been collected from the field, far more genes were differentially expressed. We also found that while the transplant procedure did have some effect on the host transcriptome, this is likely to have had a limited effect on mosquito fitness. Overall, our results highlight the possibility that variation in mosquito microbiome communities are associated with variability in host-microbiome interactions and further demonstrate the utility of the microbiome transplantation technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivanand Hegde
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Laura E Brettell
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Shannon Quek
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Kayvan Etebari
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Miguel A Saldaña
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Sassan Asgari
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kerri L Coon
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Eva Heinz
- Departments of Vector Biology and Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Grant L Hughes
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
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31
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Villegas LEM, Radl J, Dimopoulos G, Short SM. Bacterial communities of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes differ between crop and midgut tissues. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011218. [PMID: 36989328 PMCID: PMC10085046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbiota studies of Aedes aegypti and other mosquitoes generally focus on the bacterial communities found in adult female midguts. However, other compartments of the digestive tract maintain communities of bacteria which remain almost entirely unstudied. For example, the Dipteran crop is a food storage organ, but few studies have looked at the microbiome of crops in mosquitoes, and only a single previous study has investigated the crop in Ae. aegypti. In this study, we used both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods to compare the bacterial communities in midguts and crops of laboratory reared Ae. aegypti. Both methods revealed a trend towards higher abundance, but also higher variability, of bacteria in the midgut than the crop. When present, bacteria from the genus Elizabethkingia (family Weeksellaceae) dominated midgut bacterial communities. In crops, we found a higher diversity of bacteria, and these communities were generally dominated by acetic acid bacteria (family Acetobacteriaceae) from the genera Tanticharoenia and Asaia. These three taxa drove significant community structure differences between the tissues. We used FAPROTAX to predict the metabolic functions of these communities and found that crop bacterial communities were significantly more likely to contain bacteria capable of methanol oxidation and methylotrophy. Both the presence of acetic acid bacteria (which commonly catabolize sugar to produce acetic acid) and the functional profile that includes methanol oxidation (which is correlated with bacteria found with natural sources like nectar) may relate to the presence of sugar, which is stored in the mosquito crop. A better understanding of what bacteria are present in the digestive tract of mosquitoes and how these communities assemble will inform how the microbiota impacts mosquito physiology and the full spectrum of functions provided by the microbiota. It may also facilitate better methods of engineering the mosquito microbiome for vector control or prevention of disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James Radl
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - George Dimopoulos
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sarah M. Short
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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32
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Finetti L, Paluzzi JP, Orchard I, Lange AB. Octopamine and tyramine signalling in Aedes aegypti: Molecular characterization and insight into potential physiological roles. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281917. [PMID: 36795713 PMCID: PMC9934454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In insects, the biogenic amines octopamine (OA) and tyramine (TA) are involved in controlling several physiological and behavioural processes. OA and TA act as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators or neurohormones, performing their functions by binding to specific receptors belonging to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. OA and TA along with their receptors are involved in reproduction, smell perception, metabolism, and homeostasis. Moreover, OA and TA receptors are targets for insecticides and antiparasitic agents, such as the formamidine Amitraz. In the dengue and yellow fever vector, Aedes aegypti, limited research has been reported on their OA or TA receptors. Here, we identify and molecularly characterize the OA and TA receptors in A. aegypti. Bioinformatic tools were used to identify four OA and three TA receptors in the genome of A. aegypti. The seven receptors are expressed in all developmental stages of A. aegypti; however, their highest transcript abundance is observed in the adult. Among several adult A. aegypti tissues examined, including the central nervous system, antennae and rostrum, midgut, Malpighian tubules, ovaries, and testes, the type 2 TA receptor (TAR2) transcript is most abundant in the ovaries and the type 3 TA receptor (TAR3) is enriched in the Malpighian tubules, leading us to propose putative roles for these receptors in reproduction and diuresis, respectively. Furthermore, a blood meal influenced OA and TA receptor transcript expression patterns in adult female tissues at several time points post blood meal, suggesting these receptors may play key physiological roles associated with feeding. To better understand OA and TA signalling in A. aegypti, the transcript expression profiles of key enzymes in their biosynthetic pathway, namely tyrosine decarboxylase (Tdc) and tyramine β-hydroxylase (Tβh), were examined in developmental stages, adult tissues, and brains from blood-fed females. These findings provide information for better understanding the physiological roles of OA, TA, and their receptors in A. aegypti, and additionally, may help in the development of novel strategies for the control of these human disease vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Finetti
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Ian Orchard
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Angela B. Lange
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
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Ramirez JL, Hampton KJ, Rosales AM, Muturi EJ. Multiple mosquito AMPs are needed to potentiate their antifungal effect against entomopathogenic fungi. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1062383. [PMID: 36687607 PMCID: PMC9852974 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1062383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito resistance to microbial infections, including fungal entomopathogens that are selected for mosquito control, depend on a range of antimicrobial effectors, among them antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). These short peptides, along the antimicrobial effector lysozyme, act by disrupting the microbial cell membrane or by interfering with microbial physiological processes. While the induction of AMPs and lysozyme during fungal entomopathogenic infections have been reported, their contribution to the mosquito antifungal response has not been evaluated. In this study, we assessed the induction of Ae. aegypti AMPs and lysozyme genes at two points of infection and against distinct entomopathogenic fungi. Our results indicate that fungal infection elicits the expression of cecropin, defensin, diptericin, holotricin, and lysozyme, but do not affect those of attacin or gambicin. We further evaluated the role of these antimicrobial effectors via RNAi-based depletion of select AMPs during challenges with two entomopathogenic fungi. Our results reveal that AMPs and lysozyme are critical to the antifungal response, acting in concert, rather than individually, to potentiate their antimicrobial effect against entomopathogenic fungi. This study further contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms that confer resistance to entomopathogenic fungi in an important mosquito vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L. Ramirez
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Peoria, IL, United States,*Correspondence: José L. Ramirez, ,
| | - Kylie J. Hampton
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Peoria, IL, United States
| | | | - Ephantus J. Muturi
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Peoria, IL, United States
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Carvalho KS, Rezende TMT, Romão TP, Rezende AM, Chiñas M, Guedes DRD, Paiva-Cavalcanti M, Silva-Filha MHNL. Aedes aegypti Strain Subjected to Long-Term Exposure to Bacillus thuringiensis svar. israelensis Larvicides Displays an Altered Transcriptional Response to Zika Virus Infection. Viruses 2022; 15:72. [PMID: 36680112 PMCID: PMC9866606 DOI: 10.3390/v15010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis svar. israelensis (Bti) larvicides are effective in controlling Aedes aegypti; however, the effects of long-term exposure need to be properly evaluated. We established an Ae. aegypti strain that has been treated with Bti for 30 generations (RecBti) and is still susceptible to Bti, but females exhibited increased susceptibility to Zika virus (ZIKV). This study compared the RecBti strain to a reference strain regarding: first, the relative transcription of selected immune genes in ZIKV-challenged females (F30) with increased susceptibility detected in a previous study; then, the whole transcriptomic profile using unchallenged females (F35). Among the genes compared by RT-qPCR in the ZIKV-infected and uninfected females from RecBti (F30) and the reference strain, hop, domeless, relish 1, defensin A, cecropin D, and gambicin showed a trend of repression in RecBti infected females. The transcriptome of RecBti (F35) unchallenged females, compared with a reference strain by RNA-seq, showed a similar profile and only 59 differentially expressed genes were found among 9202 genes analyzed. Our dataset showed that the long-term Bti exposure of the RecBti strain was associated with an alteration of the expression of genes potentially involved in the response to ZIKV infection in challenged females, which is an important feature found under this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine S. Carvalho
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife 50670-420, Brazil
| | | | - Tatiany P. Romão
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife 50670-420, Brazil
| | - Antônio M. Rezende
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife 50670-420, Brazil
| | - Marcos Chiñas
- Center for Genomic Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
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Dilani PVD, Dassanayake RS, Tyagi BK, Gunawardene YINS. The impact of transgenesis on mosquito fitness: A review. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 2:957570. [PMID: 38468772 PMCID: PMC10926467 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2022.957570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Transgenic mosquitoes developed by genetic manipulation, offer a promising strategy for the sustainable and effective control of mosquito-borne diseases. This strategy relies on the mass release of transgenic mosquitoes into the wild, where their transgene is expected to persist in the natural environment, either permanently or transiently, within the mosquito population. In such circumstances, the fitness of transgenic mosquitoes is an important factor in determining their survival in the wild. The impact of transgene expression, insertional mutagenesis, inbreeding depression related to laboratory adaptation, and the hitchhiking effect involved in developing homozygous mosquito lines can all have an effect on the fitness of transgenic mosquitoes. Therefore, real-time estimation of transgene-associated fitness cost is imperative for modeling and planning transgenic mosquito release programs. This can be achieved by directly comparing fitness parameters in individuals homozygous or hemizygous for the transgene and their wild-type counterparts, or by cage invasion experiments to monitor the frequency of the transgenic allele over multiple generations. Recent advancements such as site-specific integration systems and gene drives, provide platforms to address fitness issues in transgenic mosquitoes. More research on the fitness of transgenic individuals is required to develop transgenic mosquitoes with a low fitness cost.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brij Kishore Tyagi
- Sponsored Research & Industrial Centre, VIT University, Vellore (TN), India
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Tikhe CV, Cardoso-Jaime V, Dong S, Rutkowski N, Dimopoulos G. Trypsin-like Inhibitor Domain (TIL)-Harboring Protein Is Essential for Aedes aegypti Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147736. [PMID: 35887084 PMCID: PMC9319116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cysteine-rich trypsin inhibitor-like domain (TIL)-harboring proteins are broadly distributed in nature but remain understudied in vector mosquitoes. Here we have explored the biology of a TIL domain-containing protein of the arbovirus vector Aedes aegypti, cysteine-rich venom protein 379 (CRVP379). CRVP379 was previously shown to be essential for dengue virus infection in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Gene expression analysis showed CRVP379 to be highly expressed in pupal stages, male testes, and female ovaries. CRVP379 expression is also increased in the ovaries at 48 h post-blood feeding. We used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to generate two mutant lines of CRVP379 with mutations inside or outside the TIL domain. Female mosquitoes from both mutant lines showed severe defects in their reproductive capability; mutant females also showed differences in their follicular cell morphology. However, the CRVP379 line with a mutation outside the TIL domain did not affect male reproductive performance, suggesting that some CRVP379 residues may have sexually dimorphic functions. In contrast to previous reports, we did not observe a noticeable difference in dengue virus infection between the wild-type and any of the mutant lines. The importance of CRVP379 in Ae. aegypti reproductive biology makes it an interesting candidate for the development of Ae. aegypti population control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay Vijay Tikhe
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (C.V.T.); (V.C.-J.); (S.D.); (N.R.)
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Victor Cardoso-Jaime
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (C.V.T.); (V.C.-J.); (S.D.); (N.R.)
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shengzhang Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (C.V.T.); (V.C.-J.); (S.D.); (N.R.)
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Natalie Rutkowski
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (C.V.T.); (V.C.-J.); (S.D.); (N.R.)
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (C.V.T.); (V.C.-J.); (S.D.); (N.R.)
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Correspondence:
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