1
|
Ling X, Zhou C, Hong JF, Jiang YP, Sun Q, Li LY, Wang SY, Xie XY, Zou QL, Yang XL, Xiang K, Ma J, Qiao L, Chen B, Sun W. Increased versatility and convenience: Advances and strategy optimization of Receptor-Mediated Ovary Transduction of Cargo-mediated genetic modification in insects. INSECT SCIENCE 2025. [PMID: 39973047 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.70003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2024] [Revised: 12/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 02/21/2025]
Abstract
Genetic modification via gene editing has become a widely adopted and demonstrably effective method in functional gene research within entomology. However, the optimal efficiency and simplicity of delivering exogenous guide RNA-clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 complexes into target tissues are crucial for successful gene editing. The Receptor-Mediated Ovary Transduction of Cargo (ReMOT) strategy, which simplifies the delivery process, target-site selection, technical requirements, and delivery cost compared with embryonic microinjection, enabling efficient editing at the germline level, is gaining increasing attention. Although the feasibility and advantages of this technique have been demonstrated in various insect species, further optimization of operational details and the overcoming of further bottlenecks are still required. This review focuses on advances in developing ReMOT as a valuable technology, exploring its applicability, rationale for selecting the ovary as a delivery target site, factors influencing its efficiency, and improvement recommendations. The versatility and effectiveness of ReMOT make it a promising method for researchers looking to make precise genetic modifications with greater ease and efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Ling
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cao Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun-Feng Hong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan-Ping Jiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Quan Sun
- Xunjian Life Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Chongqing, China
| | - Ling-Yi Li
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Si-Yi Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Xie
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi-Li Zou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai Xiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Ma
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Control and Utilization, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chang YC, Liu WL, Fang PH, Li JC, Liu KL, Huang JL, Chen HW, Kao CF, Chen CH. Effect of C-type lectin 16 on dengue virus infection in Aedes aegypti salivary glands. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae188. [PMID: 38813522 PMCID: PMC11134184 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
C-type lectins (CTLs) are a family of carbohydrate-binding proteins and an important component of mosquito saliva. Although CTLs play key roles in immune activation and viral pathogenesis, little is known about their role in regulating dengue virus (DENV) infection and transmission. In this study, we established a homozygous CTL16 knockout Aedes aegypti mutant line using CRISPR/Cas9 to study the interaction between CTL16 and viruses in mosquito vectors. Furthermore, mouse experiments were conducted to confirm the transmission of DENV by CTL16-/- A. aegypti mutants. We found that CTL16 was mainly expressed in the medial lobe of the salivary glands (SGs) in female A. aegypti. CTL16 knockout increased DENV replication and accumulation in the SGs of female A. aegypti, suggesting that CTL16 plays an important role in DENV transmission. We also found a reduced expression of immunodeficiency and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway components correlated with increased DENV viral titer, infection rate, and transmission efficiency in the CTL16 mutant strain. The findings of this study provide insights not only for guiding future investigations on the influence of CTLs on immune responses in mosquitoes but also for developing novel mutants that can be used as vector control tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Chen Chang
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Liang Liu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Pai-Hsiang Fang
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Chiuan Li
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Lin Liu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Ling Huang
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan 711301, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Wei Chen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Fei Kao
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300093, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hong Chen
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cuccurullo EC, Dong Y, Simões ML, Dimopoulos G, Bier E. Development of an anti-Pfs230 monoclonal antibody as a Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte blocker. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3757253. [PMID: 38196646 PMCID: PMC10775378 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3757253/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Vector control is a crucial strategy for malaria elimination by preventing infection and reducing disease transmission. Most gains have been achieved through insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), but the emergence of insecticide resistance among Anopheles mosquitoes calls for new tools to be applied. Here, we present the development of a highly effective murine monoclonal antibody, targeting the N-terminal region of the Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte antigen Pfs230, that can decrease the infection prevalence by > 50% when fed to Anopheles mosquitoes with gametocytes in an artificial membrane feeding system. We used a standard mouse immunization protocol followed by protein interaction and parasite-blocking validation at three distinct stages of the monoclonal antibody development pipeline: post-immunization, post-hybridoma generation, and final validation of the monoclonal antibody. We evaluated twenty antibodies identifying one (mAb 13G9) with high Pfs230-affinity and parasite-blocking activity. This 13G9 monoclonal antibody could potentially be developed into a transmission-blocking single-chain antibody for expression in transgenic mosquitoes.
Collapse
|
4
|
Konopka JK, Task D, Poinapen D, Potter CJ. Neurogenetic identification of mosquito sensory neurons. iScience 2023; 26:106690. [PMID: 37182106 PMCID: PMC10172775 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Anopheles mosquitoes, as vectors for the malaria parasite, are a global threat to human health. To find and bite a human, they utilize neurons within their sensory appendages. However, the identity and quantification of sensory appendage neurons are lacking. Here we use a neurogenetic approach to label all neurons in Anopheles coluzzii mosquitoes. We utilize the homology assisted CRISPR knock-in (HACK) approach to generate a T2A-QF2w knock-in of the synaptic gene bruchpilot. We use a membrane-targeted GFP reporter to visualize the neurons in the brain and to quantify neurons in all major chemosensory appendages (antenna, maxillary palp, labella, tarsi, and ovipositor). By comparing labeling of brp>GFP and Orco>GFP mosquitoes, we predict the extent of neurons expressing ionotropic receptors (IRs) or other chemosensory receptors. This work introduces a valuable genetic tool for the functional analysis of Anopheles mosquito neurobiology and initiates characterization of the sensory neurons that guide mosquito behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna K. Konopka
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Darya Task
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Danny Poinapen
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher J. Potter
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu P, Yang W, Kong L, Zhao S, Xie Z, Zhao Y, Wu Y, Guo Y, Xie Y, Liu T, Jin B, Gu J, Tu ZJ, James AA, Chen XG. A DBHS family member regulates male determination in the filariasis vector Armigeres subalbatus. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2292. [PMID: 37085529 PMCID: PMC10121658 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37983-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The initial signals governing sex determination vary widely among insects. Here we show that Armigeres subalbatus M factor (AsuMf), a male-specific duplication of an autosomal gene of the Drosophila behaviour/human splicing (DBHS) gene family, is the potential primary signal for sex determination in the human filariasis vector mosquito, Ar. subalbatus. Our results show that AsuMf satisfies two fundamental requirements of an M factor: male-specific expression and early embryonic expression. Ablations of AsuMf result in a shift from male- to female-specific splicing of doublesex and fruitless, leading to feminization of males both in morphology and general transcription profile. These data support the conclusion that AsuMf is essential for male development in Ar. subalbatus and reveal a male-determining factor that is derived from duplication and subsequent neofunctionalization of a member of the conserved DBHS family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peiwen Liu
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Wenqiang Yang
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Ling Kong
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Siyu Zhao
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Zhensheng Xie
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Yijie Zhao
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Yijia Guo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Yugu Xie
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Binbin Jin
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Jinbao Gu
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Zhijian Jake Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and the Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Anthony A James
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| | - Xiao-Guang Chen
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zulhussnain M, Zahoor MK, Ranian K, Ahmad A, Jabeen F. CRISPR Cas9 mediated knockout of sex determination pathway genes in Aedes aegypti. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 113:243-252. [PMID: 36259148 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485322000505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The vector role of Aedes aegypti for viral diseases including dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever makes it imperative for its proper control. Despite various adopted control strategies, genetic control measures have been recently focused against this vector. CRISPR Cas9 system is a recent and most efficient gene editing tool to target the sex determination pathway genes in Ae. aegypti. In the present study, CRISPR Cas9 system was used to knockout Ae. aegypti doublesex (Aaedsx) and Ae. aegypti sexlethal (AaeSxl) genes in Ae. aegypti embryos. The injection mixes with Cas9 protein (333 ng ul-1) and gRNAs (each at 100 ng ul-1) were injected into eggs. Injected eggs were allowed to hatch at 26 ± 1°C, 60 ± 10% RH. The survival and mortality rate was recorded in knockout Aaedsx and AaeSxl. The results revealed that knockout produced low survival and high mortality. A significant percentage of eggs (38.33%) did not hatch as compared to control groups (P value 0.00). Highest larval mortality (11.66%) was found in the knockout of Aaedsx female isoform, whereas, the emergence of only male adults also showed that the knockout of Aaedsx (female isoform) does not produce male lethality. The survival (3.33%) of knockout for AaeSxl eggs to the normal adults suggested further study to investigate AaeSxl as an efficient upstream of Aaedsx to target for sex transformation in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Zulhussnain
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Kanwal Ranian
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Aftab Ahmad
- Centre of Department of Biochemistry/US-Pakistan Center for Advance Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (USPCAS-AFS), University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Farhat Jabeen
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Snir O, Alwaseem H, Heissel S, Sharma A, Valdés-Rodríguez S, Carroll TS, Jiang CS, Razzauti J, Kronauer DJC. The pupal moulting fluid has evolved social functions in ants. Nature 2022; 612:488-494. [PMID: 36450990 PMCID: PMC9750870 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05480-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Insect societies are tightly integrated, complex biological systems in which group-level properties arise from the interactions between individuals1-4. However, these interactions have not been studied systematically and therefore remain incompletely known. Here, using a reverse engineering approach, we reveal that unlike solitary insects, ant pupae extrude a secretion derived from the moulting fluid that is rich in nutrients, hormones and neuroactive substances. This secretion elicits parental care behaviour and is rapidly removed and consumed by the adults. This behaviour is crucial for pupal survival; if the secretion is not removed, pupae develop fungal infections and die. Analogous to mammalian milk, the secretion is also an important source of early larval nutrition, and young larvae exhibit stunted growth and decreased survival without access to the fluid. We show that this derived social function of the moulting fluid generalizes across the ants. This secretion thus forms the basis of a central and hitherto overlooked interaction network in ant societies, and constitutes a rare example of how a conserved developmental process can be co-opted to provide the mechanistic basis of social interactions. These results implicate moulting fluids in having a major role in the evolution of ant eusociality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orli Snir
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Hanan Alwaseem
- Proteomics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Søren Heissel
- Proteomics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anurag Sharma
- Electron Microscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephany Valdés-Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas S Carroll
- Bioinformatics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University Hospital, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caroline S Jiang
- Department of Biostatistics, The Rockefeller University Hospital, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacopo Razzauti
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel J C Kronauer
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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: 0.3] [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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brij Kishore Tyagi
- Sponsored Research & Industrial Centre, VIT University, Vellore (TN), India
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu MM, Chen X, Xu QX, Zang LS, Wang S, Li M, Xiao D. Melanin Synthesis Pathway Interruption: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Knockout of dopa decarboxylase (DDC) in Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2022; 22:6694719. [PMID: 36082675 PMCID: PMC9459435 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 technology is a very powerful genome editing tool and has been used in many insect species for functional genomics studies through targeted gene mutagenesis. Here, we successfully established CRISPR/Cas9 research platform in Asian multi-colored ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis, an important natural enemy in biological control. In this study, one pivotal gene dopa decarboxylase (DDC) in melanin synthesis was targeted by CRISPR/Cas9 to generate mutants in H. axyridis by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Our results showed that injection of single guide RNA of the DDC and Cas9 protein into preblastoderm eggs induced one insertion and four deletion (indels) mutant H. axyridis. Mutations of HaDDC gene generated 25% mutant rate with melanin missing phenotype in larva, pupa,l and adult stage. The predation ability of the fourth instar larvae has no significant difference between wild (control) and mutant H. axyridis (G0), while these mutant fourth instar larvae had longer developmental period than that of the wild type. Consequently, the total predation of the fourth instar larvae was significantly increased in H. axyridis mutants comparing with the wild type. These results indicated that the success of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in H. axyridis. The gene editing platform in H. axyridis would facilitate the gene function research and promote special strain of predatory ladybird beetle generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qing-xuan Xu
- Institute of Plant and Environment Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Lian-sheng Zang
- Jilin Engineering Research Center of Resource Insects Industrialization, Institute of Biological Control, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering of Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Su Wang
- Institute of Plant and Environment Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Ming Li
- Corresponding author, e-mail: (M.L.), (D.X.)
| | - Da Xiao
- Corresponding author, e-mail: (M.L.), (D.X.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Transgenic refractory Aedes aegypti lines are resistant to multiple serotypes of dengue virus. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23865. [PMID: 34903766 PMCID: PMC8668939 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03229-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The areas where dengue virus (DENV) is endemic have expanded rapidly, driven in part by the global spread of Aedes species, which act as disease vectors. DENV replicates in the mosquito midgut and is disseminated to the mosquito’s salivary glands for amplification. Thus, blocking virus infection or replication in the tissues of the mosquito may be a viable strategy for reducing the incidence of DENV transmission to humans. Here we used the mariner Mos1 transposase to create an Aedes aegypti line that expresses virus-specific miRNA hairpins capable of blocking DENV replication. These microRNA are driven by the blood-meal-inducible carboxypeptidase A promoter or by the polyubiquitin promoter. The transgenic mosquitoes exhibited significantly lower infection rates and viral titers for most DENV serotypes 7 days after receiving an infectious blood meal. The treatment was also effective at day 14 post infection after a second blood meal had been administered. In viral transmission assay, we found there was significantly reduced transmission in these lines. These transgenic mosquitoes were effective in silencing most of the DENV genome; such an approach may be employed to control a dengue fever epidemic.
Collapse
|
11
|
Epoxidation of juvenile hormone was a key innovation improving insect reproductive fitness. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2109381118. [PMID: 34697248 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2109381118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl farnesoate (MF) plays hormonal regulatory roles in crustaceans. An epoxidated form of MF, known as juvenile hormone (JH), controls metamorphosis and stimulates reproduction in insects. To address the evolutionary significance of MF epoxidation, we generated mosquitoes completely lacking either of the two enzymes that catalyze the last steps of MF/JH biosynthesis and epoxidation, respectively: the JH acid methyltransferase (JHAMT) and the P450 epoxidase CYP15 (EPOX). jhamt -/- larvae lacking both MF and JH died at the onset of metamorphosis. Strikingly, epox -/- mutants, which synthesized MF but no JH, completed the entire life cycle. While epox -/- adults were fertile, the reproductive performance of both sexes was dramatically reduced. Our results suggest that although MF can substitute for the absence of JH in mosquitoes, it is with a significant fitness cost. We propose that MF can fulfill most roles of JH, but its epoxidation to JH was a key innovation providing insects with a reproductive advantage.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Implementation of CRISPR/Cas9 methodologies for mosquito gene editing has not yet become widespread. This protocol details the procedure for Aedes aegypti mosquito gene editing using homology-directed repair and fluorescent marker insertion, which facilitates the generation and screening of mutant mosquito lines for gene function testing. We describe optimized methods for single guide RNA plasmid preparation, homologous recombination donor plasmid construction, embryo microinjection, and precise gene knock-in confirmation. We also provide general guidance for establishing mutant mosquito lines. For details on the practical use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Li et al. (2020).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Han Li
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Chiuan Li
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
| | - Matthew P. Su
- Department of Biological Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
| | - Kun-Lin Liu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hong Chen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hoermann A, Tapanelli S, Capriotti P, Del Corsano G, Masters EK, Habtewold T, Christophides GK, Windbichler N. Converting endogenous genes of the malaria mosquito into simple non-autonomous gene drives for population replacement. eLife 2021; 10:58791. [PMID: 33845943 PMCID: PMC8043746 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene drives for mosquito population replacement are promising tools for malaria control. However, there is currently no clear pathway for safely testing such tools in endemic countries. The lack of well-characterized promoters for infection-relevant tissues and regulatory hurdles are further obstacles for their design and use. Here we explore how minimal genetic modifications of endogenous mosquito genes can convert them directly into non-autonomous gene drives without disrupting their expression. We co-opted the native regulatory sequences of three midgut-specific loci of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae to host a prototypical antimalarial molecule and guide-RNAs encoded within artificial introns that support efficient gene drive. We assess the propensity of these modifications to interfere with the development of Plasmodium falciparum and their effect on fitness. Because of their inherent simplicity and passive mode of drive such traits could form part of an acceptable testing pathway of gene drives for malaria eradication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Hoermann
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sofia Tapanelli
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Capriotti
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ellen Kg Masters
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tibebu Habtewold
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nikolai Windbichler
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cheng L, Liu WL, Tsou YT, Li JC, Chien CH, Su MP, Liu KL, Huang YL, Wu SC, Tsai JJ, Hsieh SL, Chen CH. Transgenic Expression of Human C-Type Lectin Protein CLEC18A Reduces Dengue Virus Type 2 Infectivity in Aedes aegypti. Front Immunol 2021; 12:640367. [PMID: 33767710 PMCID: PMC7985527 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.640367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The C-type lectins, one family of lectins featuring carbohydrate binding domains which participate in a variety of bioprocesses in both humans and mosquitoes, including immune response, are known to target DENV. A human C-type lectin protein CLEC18A in particular shows extensive glycan binding abilities and correlates with type-I interferon expression, making CLEC18A a potential player in innate immune responses to DENV infection; this potential may provide additional regulatory point in improving mosquito immunity. Here, we established for the first time a transgenic Aedes aegypti line that expresses human CLEC18A. This expression enhanced the Toll immune pathway responses to DENV infection. Furthermore, viral genome and virus titers were reduced by 70% in the midgut of transgenic mosquitoes. We found significant changes in the composition of the midgut microbiome in CLEC18A expressing mosquitoes, which may result from the Toll pathway enhancement and contribute to DENV inhibition. Transgenic mosquito lines offer a compelling option for studying DENV pathogenesis, and our analyses indicate that modifying the mosquito immune system via expression of a human immune gene can significantly reduce DENV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lie Cheng
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan.,Tropical Medicine Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Liang Liu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ting Tsou
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Chiuan Li
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hao Chien
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Matthew P Su
- Department of Biological Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kun-Lin Liu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Lang Huang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Cheng Wu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Jih-Jin Tsai
- Tropical Medicine Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shie-Liang Hsieh
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hong Chen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan.,National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Navarro-Payá D, Flis I, Anderson MAE, Hawes P, Li M, Akbari OS, Basu S, Alphey L. Targeting female flight for genetic control of mosquitoes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008876. [PMID: 33270627 PMCID: PMC7714197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti Act4 is a paralog of the Drosophila melanogaster indirect flight muscle actin gene Act88F. Act88F has been shown to be haploinsufficient for flight in both males and females (amorphic mutants are dominant). Whereas Act88F is expressed in indirect flight muscles of both males and females, expression of Act4 is substantially female-specific. We therefore used CRISPR/Cas9 and homology directed repair to examine the phenotype of Act4 mutants in two Culicine mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. A screen for dominant female-flightless mutants in Cx. quinquefasciatus identified one such mutant associated with a six base pair deletion in the CxAct4 coding region. A similar screen in Ae. aegypti identified no dominant mutants. Disruption of the AeAct4 gene by homology-dependent insertion of a fluorescent protein marker cassette gave a recessive female-flightless phenotype in Ae. aegypti. Reproducing the six-base deletion from Cx. quinquefasciatus in Ae. aegypti using oligo-directed mutagenesis generated dominant female-flightless mutants and identified additional dominant female-flightless mutants with other in-frame insertions or deletions. Our data indicate that loss of function mutations in the AeAct4 gene are recessive but that short in-frame deletions produce dominant-negative versions of the AeAct4 protein that interfere with flight muscle function. This makes Act4 an interesting candidate for genetic control methods, particularly population-suppression gene drives targeting female viability/fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilona Flis
- Arthropod Genetics, The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | | | - Philippa Hawes
- Bioimaging, The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | - Ming Li
- Cell and Developmental Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- Cell and Developmental Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Sanjay Basu
- Arthropod Genetics, The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Alphey
- Arthropod Genetics, The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dong Y, Simões ML, Dimopoulos G. Versatile transgenic multistage effector-gene combinations for Plasmodium falciparum suppression in Anopheles. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay5898. [PMID: 32426491 PMCID: PMC7220273 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay5898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The malaria parasite's complex journey through the Anopheles mosquito vector provides multiple opportunities for targeting Plasmodium with recombinant effectors at different developmental stages and different host tissues. We have designed and expressed transgenes that efficiently suppress Plasmodium infection by targeting the parasite with multiple independent endogenous and exogenous effectors at multiple infection stages to potentiate suppression and minimize the probability for development of resistance to develop. We have also addressed the fitness impact of transgene expression on the mosquito. We show that highly potent suppression can be achieved by targeting both pre-oocyst stages by transgenically overexpressing either the endogenous immune deficiency immune pathway transcription factor Rel2 or a polycistronic mRNA encoding multiple antiparasitic effectors and simultaneously targeting the sporozoite stages with an anti-sporozoite single-chain antibody fused to the antiparasitic protein Scorpine. Expression of the selected endogenous effector systems appears to pose a lower fitness cost than does the use of foreign genes.
Collapse
|
17
|
Li M, Li T, Liu N, Raban RR, Wang X, Akbari OS. Methods for the generation of heritable germline mutations in the disease vector Culex quinquefasciatus using clustered regularly interspaced short palindrome repeats-associated protein 9. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 29:214-220. [PMID: 31693260 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Culex quinquefasciatus is a vector of many diseases that adversely impact human and animal health; however, compared to other mosquito vectors limited genome engineering technologies have been characterized for this vector. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindrome repeats-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) based technologies are a powerful tool for genome engineering and functional genetics and consequently have transformed genetic studies in many organisms. Our objective was to improve upon the limited technologies available for genome editing in C. quinquefasciatus to create a reproducible and straightforward method for CRISPR-Cas9-targeted mutagenesis in this vector. Here we describe methods to achieve high embryo survival and mutagenesis rates and we provide details on the injection supplies and procedures, embryo handling and guide RNA (gRNA) target designs. Through these efforts, we achieved embryo survival rates and germline mutagenesis rates that greatly exceed previously reported rates in this vector. This work is also the first to characterize the white gene marker in this species, which is a valuable phenotypic marker for future transgenesis or mutagenesis of this vector. Overall, these tools provide the framework for future functional genetic studies in this important disease vector and may support the development of future gene drive and genetic technologies that can be used to control this vector.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Li
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - T Li
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - N Liu
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - R R Raban
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - X Wang
- College of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - O S Akbari
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, University of California, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liu P, Jin B, Li X, Zhao Y, Gu J, Biedler JK, Tu ZJ, Chen XG. Nix is a male-determining factor in the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 118:103311. [PMID: 31901476 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The initial signal that governs sex determination is highly variable among insects. A homolog of Nix, the male-determining factor in Aedes aegypti, was previously found in the Asian tiger mosquito Ae. albopictus. Here we show that the Ae. albopictus Nix (AalNix) is more complex in gene structure and splice isoforms than its Ae. aegypti homolog (AaeNix). AalNix shows a similar transcription profile compared to AaeNix. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockouts of AalNix in vivo and in the Ae. albopictus C6/36 cells lead to a shift of dsx and fru splicing towards the female isoforms. G0 knockout males showed feminization and deformities including feminized antennae, absence or partial absence of gonocoxites, gonostyli, testes and accessory glands, and the formation of ovaries. Despite ~70 MY of divergence, Nix functions as a conserved male-determining factor in the two most important arboviral vectors, namely Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peiwen Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Binbin Jin
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Xiaocong Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Yijie Zhao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Jinbao Gu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - James K Biedler
- Department of Biochemistry and the Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Zhijian Jake Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and the Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Xiao-Guang Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhao Y, Huang G, Zhang W. Mutations in NlInR1 affect normal growth and lifespan in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 115:103246. [PMID: 31618682 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens contains two insulin receptor homologues, designated NlInR1 and NlInR2. NlInR1 is strikingly homologous to the typical InR in insects and vertebrates, containing a ligand-activated intracellular tyrosine kinase catalytic domain. Herein, we report an optimized CRISPR/Cas9 system to induce mutations in the NlInR1 locus in BPH, consisting of a Cas9 plasmid that is specifically expressed in the germline via the Nlvasa promoter and versatile sgRNA expression plasmids under the control of the U6 promoter. We systematically evaluated the efficiency of injection mix compositions and demonstrated an appropriate combination of Cas9/sgRNA to target essential genes. Furthermore, we showed that homozygous mutants for the NlInR1 gene are early embryonic lethal, whereas heterozygous mutants grow more slowly, exhibit a severe reduction in body weight and wing size and live longer than the wild type. Interestingly, the severity of the mutant phenotype was different when targeting distinct important domains of the NlInR1 locus. The severity of the mutant phenotype is similar to that of insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway deficiencies in vertebrates, suggesting a conserved function of NlInR1 in the regulation of development and longevity. Global expression profiling suggests that NlInR1 regulates many cellular processes in BPH, including insulin resistance, phototransduction, metabolism, endocytosis, longevity, biosynthesis and protein processing. Our results also pave the way for understanding the precise molecular mechanism of insulin signaling in wing polyphenism in insects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Gang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Le Trionnaire G, Tanguy S, Hudaverdian S, Gleonnec F, Richard G, Cayrol B, Monsion B, Pichon E, Deshoux M, Webster C, Uzest M, Herpin A, Tagu D. An integrated protocol for targeted mutagenesis with CRISPR-Cas9 system in the pea aphid. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 110:34-44. [PMID: 31015023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 technology is a very efficient functional analysis tool and has been developed in several insects to edit their genome through injection of eggs with guide RNAs targeting coding sequences of genes of interest. However, its implementation in aphids is more challenging. Aphids are major pests of crops worldwide that alternate during their life cycle between clonality and sexual reproduction. The production of eggs after mating of sexual individuals is a single yearly event and is necessarily triggered by a photoperiod decrease. Fertilized eggs then experience an obligate 3-month diapause period before hatching as new clonal colonies. Taking into consideration these particularities, we developed in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum a step-by-step protocol of targeted mutagenesis based on the microinjection within fertilized eggs of CRISPR-Cas9 components designed for the editing of a cuticular protein gene (stylin-01). This protocol includes the following steps: i) the photoperiod-triggered induction of sexual morphs (2 months), ii) the mating and egg collection step (2 weeks), iii) egg microinjection and melanization, iv) the 3-month obligate diapause, v) the hatching of new lineages from injected eggs (2 weeks) and vi) the maintenance of stable lineages (2 weeks). Overall, this 7-month long procedure was applied to three different crosses in order to estimate the impact of the choice of the genetic combination on egg production dynamics by females as well as hatching rates after diapause. Mutation rates within eggs before diapause were estimated at 70-80%. The hatching rate of injected eggs following diapause ranged from 1 to 11% depending on the cross and finally a total of 17 stable lineages were obtained and maintained clonally. Out of these, 6 lineages were mutated at the defined sgRNAs target sites within stylin-01 coding sequence, either at the two alleles (2 lineages) or at one allele (4 lineages). The final germline transmission rate of the mutations was thus around 35%. Our protocol of an efficient targeted mutagenesis opens the avenue for functional studies through genome editing in aphids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Le Trionnaire
- UMR 1349 IGEPP (INRA, University Rennes 1, Agrocampus Ouest), Rennes, France.
| | - S Tanguy
- UMR 1349 IGEPP (INRA, University Rennes 1, Agrocampus Ouest), Rennes, France
| | - S Hudaverdian
- UMR 1349 IGEPP (INRA, University Rennes 1, Agrocampus Ouest), Rennes, France
| | - F Gleonnec
- UMR 1349 IGEPP (INRA, University Rennes 1, Agrocampus Ouest), Rennes, France
| | - G Richard
- UMR 1349 IGEPP (INRA, University Rennes 1, Agrocampus Ouest), Rennes, France
| | - B Cayrol
- UMR BGPI (University Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro), Montpellier, France
| | - B Monsion
- UMR BGPI (University Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro), Montpellier, France
| | - E Pichon
- UMR BGPI (University Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro), Montpellier, France
| | - M Deshoux
- UMR BGPI (University Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro), Montpellier, France
| | - C Webster
- UMR BGPI (University Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro), Montpellier, France
| | - M Uzest
- UMR BGPI (University Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro), Montpellier, France
| | | | - D Tagu
- UMR BGPI (University Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro), Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Background Aedes aegypti is an important mosquito vector that transmits arboviruses that cause devastating diseases including Zika, dengue fever, yellow fever and chikungunya. Improved understanding of gene regulation in the early development of Ae. aegypti will facilitate genetic studies and help the development of novel control strategies of this important disease vector. Results In this study, we demonstrated through transgenic assays that the promoter of an endogenous early zygotic gene KLC2 could drive gene expression in the syncytial blastoderm and early cellular blastoderm, which is a stage that the developing germline and the rest of embryo are accessible to genetic manipulation. An unexpected expression of the reporter gene in transgenic male testes was also observed. Further analysis confirmed the expression of the endogenous KLC2 in the testes, which was not detected in the previous RNA sequencing data. Conclusions Our finding provided a new promoter element that can be used in future genetic studies and applications in Ae. aegypti. Moreover, our transgenic reporter assays showed that cautions are needed when interpreting RNA sequencing data as transient or tissue-specific transcription may go undetected by RNAseq. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3210-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanqi Hu
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, 303 Fralin, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.,Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Zhijian Jake Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, 303 Fralin, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA. .,Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Martin-Martin I, Aryan A, Meneses C, Adelman ZN, Calvo E. Optimization of sand fly embryo microinjection for gene editing by CRISPR/Cas9. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006769. [PMID: 30180160 PMCID: PMC6150542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technology has rapidly emerged as a very effective tool for gene editing. Although great advances on gene editing in the medical entomology field have arisen, no attempts of gene editing have been reported in sand flies, the vectors of Leishmaniasis. Methodology/Principal findings Here, we described a detailed protocol for sand fly embryo microinjection taking into consideration the sand fly life cycle, and manipulation and oviposition requirements of this non-model organism. Following our microinjection protocol, a hatching rate of injected embryos of 11.90%-14.22% was achieved, a rate consistent with other non-model organism dipterans such as mosquitoes. Essential factors for the adaptation of CRISPR/Cas9 technology to the sand fly field were addressed including the selection of a target gene and the design and production of sgRNA. An in vitro cleavage assay was optimized to test the activity of each sgRNA and a protocol for Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (spCas9) protein expression and purification was described. Relevant considerations for a successful gene editing in the sand fly such as specifics of embryology and double-stranded break DNA repair mechanisms were discussed. Conclusion and significance The step-by-step methodology reported in this article will be of significant use for setting up a sand fly embryo microinjection station for the incorporation of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in the sand fly field. Gene editing strategies used in mosquitoes and other model insects have been adapted to work with sand flies, providing the tools and relevant information for adapting gene editing techniques to the vectors of Leishmaniasis. Gene editing in sand flies will provide essential information on the biology of these vectors of medical and veterinary relevance and will rise a better understanding of vector-parasite-host interactions. The CRISPR/Cas9 system, based on the adaptive immune system in bacteria and archaea against viral infections, has been adapted and has rapidly emerged as a very effective genetic engineering tool in many organisms. Although great advances on gene editing in the medical entomology field have arisen, no attempts have been reported in sand flies, the vectors of Leishmania spp. Leishmaniasis is one of the most neglected parasitic diseases with twelve million people affected worldwide. Despite their importance as disease vectors, sand fly genetics and molecular studies are limited when compared to other insects. In this article, gene editing strategies used in mosquitoes and other model insects have been adapted to work with sand flies, providing the tools and relevant information for adapting embryo microinjection techniques to sand flies, an essential step in a successful gene editing experiment. We believe gene editing in sand flies will provide essential information of medical and veterinary relevance on the biology of these vectors, and will further a better understanding of vector-parasite-host interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ines Martin-Martin
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Azadeh Aryan
- Department of Entomology and Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Claudio Meneses
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Zach N. Adelman
- Department of Entomology and Agrilife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Eric Calvo
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Adolfi A, Pondeville E, Lynd A, Bourgouin C, Lycett GJ. Multi-tissue GAL4-mediated gene expression in all Anopheles gambiae life stages using an endogenous polyubiquitin promoter. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 96:1-9. [PMID: 29578046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The ability to manipulate the Anopheles gambiae genome and alter gene expression effectively and reproducibly is a prerequisite for functional genetic analysis and for the development of novel control strategies in this important disease vector. However, in vivo transgenic analysis in mosquitoes is limited by the lack of promoters active ubiquitously. To address this, we used the GAL4/UAS system to investigate the promoter of the An. gambiae Polyubiquitin-c (PUBc) gene and demonstrated its ability to drive expression in mosquito cell culture before incorporation into An. gambiae transgenic driver lines. To generate such lines, piggyBac-mediated insertion was used to identify genomic regions able to sustain widespread expression and to create φC31 docking lines at these permissive sites. Patterns of expression induced by PUBc-GAL4 drivers carrying single intergenic insertions were assessed by crossing with a novel responder UAS-mCD8:mCherry line that was created by φC31-mediated integration. Amongst the drivers created at single, unique chromosomal integration loci, two were isolated that induced differential expression levels in a similar multiple-tissue spatial pattern throughout the mosquito life cycle. This work expands the tools available for An. gambiae functional analysis by providing a novel promoter for investigating phenotypes resulting from widespread multi-tissue expression, as well as identifying and tagging genomic sites that sustain broad transcriptional activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Adolfi
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Vector Biology Department, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Emilie Pondeville
- Institut Pasteur, Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors, CNRS Unit URA3012, Paris, France.
| | - Amy Lynd
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Vector Biology Department, Liverpool, UK
| | - Catherine Bourgouin
- Institut Pasteur, Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors, CNRS Unit URA3012, Paris, France
| | - Gareth J Lycett
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Vector Biology Department, Liverpool, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Dong Y, Simões ML, Marois E, Dimopoulos G. CRISPR/Cas9 -mediated gene knockout of Anopheles gambiae FREP1 suppresses malaria parasite infection. PLoS Pathog 2018. [PMID: 29518156 PMCID: PMC5843335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium relies on numerous agonists during its journey through the mosquito vector, and these agonists represent potent targets for transmission-blocking by either inhibiting or interfering with them pre- or post-transcriptionally. The recently developed CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing tools for Anopheles mosquitoes provide new and promising opportunities for the study of agonist function and for developing malaria control strategies through gene deletion to achieve complete agonist inactivation. Here we have established a modified CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing procedure for the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, and studied the effect of inactivating the fibrinogen-related protein 1 (FREP1) gene on the mosquito’s susceptibility to Plasmodium and on mosquito fitness. FREP1 knockout mutants developed into adult mosquitoes that showed profound suppression of infection with both human and rodent malaria parasites at the oocyst and sporozoite stages. FREP1 inactivation, however, resulted in fitness costs including a significantly lower blood-feeding propensity, fecundity and egg hatching rate, a retarded pupation time, and reduced longevity after a blood meal. The causative agent of malaria, Plasmodium, has to complete a complex infection cycle in the Anopheles gambiae mosquito vector in order to reach the salivary gland from where it can be transmitted to a human host. The parasite’s development in the mosquito relies on numerous host factors (agonists), and their inhibition or inactivation can thereby result in suppression of infection and consequently malaria transmission. The recently developed CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing tools for Anopheles mosquitoes provide new and promising opportunities to delete (inactivate) Plasmodium agonists to better understand their function and for blocking malaria transmission. Here we have established a modified CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technique for malaria vector A. gambiae mosquitoes. Through this approach we have inactivated the fibrinogen-related protein 1 (FREP1) gene, via CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and the impact of this manipulation on the mosquito’s susceptibility to Plasmodium and on mosquito fitness. FREP1 knockout mutants showed a profound suppression of infection with both human and rodent malaria parasites, while it also resulted in fitness costs: a significantly lower blood-feeding propensity, fecundity and egg hatching rate, and a retarded larval development and pupation time, and reduced longevity after a blood meal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuemei Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Maria L. Simões
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Eric Marois
- Inserm, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yen PS, James A, Li JC, Chen CH, Failloux AB. Synthetic miRNAs induce dual arboviral-resistance phenotypes in the vector mosquito Aedes aegypti. Commun Biol 2018; 1:11. [PMID: 30271898 PMCID: PMC6053081 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-017-0011-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne arboviruses are responsible for recent dengue, chikungunya, and Zika pandemics. The yellow-fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, plays an important role in the transmission of all three viruses. We developed a miRNA-based approach that results in a dual resistance phenotype in mosquitoes to dengue serotype 3 (DENV-3) and chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses. The target viruses are from two distinct arboviral families and the antiviral mechanism is designed to function through the endogenous miRNA pathway in infected mosquitoes. Challenge experiments showed reductions in viral transmission efficiency of transgenic mosquitoes. Several components of mosquito fitness were examined, and transgenic mosquitoes with the PUb promoter showed minor fitness costs at all developing stages. Further development of these strains with gene editing tools could make them candidates for releases in population replacement strategies for sustainable control of multiple arbovirus diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Shi Yen
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Virology, Unit of Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Paris, 75015, France
| | - Anthony James
- Departments of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics and Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Jian-Chiuan Li
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hong Chen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan.
| | - Anna-Bella Failloux
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Virology, Unit of Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Paris, 75015, France.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
The rapid spread of mosquito resistance to currently available insecticides, and the current lack of an efficacious malaria vaccine are among many challenges that affect large-scale efforts for malaria control. As goals of malaria elimination and eradication are put forth, new vector-control paradigms and tools and/or further optimization of current vector-control products are required to meet public health demands. Vector control remains the most effective measure to prevent malaria transmission and present gains against malaria mortality and morbidity may be maintained as long as vector-intervention strategies are sustained and adapted to underlying vector-related transmission dynamics. The following provides a brief overview of vector-control strategies and tools either in use or under development and evaluation that are intended to exploit key entomological parameters toward driving down transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neil F Lobo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
| | - Nicole L Achee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
| | - John Greico
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
| | - Frank H Collins
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Trible W, Olivos-Cisneros L, McKenzie SK, Saragosti J, Chang NC, Matthews BJ, Oxley PR, Kronauer DJC. orco Mutagenesis Causes Loss of Antennal Lobe Glomeruli and Impaired Social Behavior in Ants. Cell 2017; 170:727-735.e10. [PMID: 28802042 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Life inside ant colonies is orchestrated with diverse pheromones, but it is not clear how ants perceive these social signals. It has been proposed that pheromone perception in ants evolved via expansions in the numbers of odorant receptors (ORs) and antennal lobe glomeruli. Here, we generate the first mutant lines in the clonal raider ant, Ooceraea biroi, by disrupting orco, a gene required for the function of all ORs. We find that orco mutants exhibit severe deficiencies in social behavior and fitness, suggesting they are unable to perceive pheromones. Surprisingly, unlike in Drosophila melanogaster, orco mutant ants also lack most of the ∼500 antennal lobe glomeruli found in wild-type ants. These results illustrate that ORs are essential for ant social organization and raise the possibility that, similar to mammals, receptor function is required for the development and/or maintenance of the highly complex olfactory processing areas in the ant brain. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Waring Trible
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Leonora Olivos-Cisneros
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sean K McKenzie
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jonathan Saragosti
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ni-Chen Chang
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Benjamin J Matthews
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 23930, USA
| | - Peter R Oxley
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Daniel J C Kronauer
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
A CRISPR-Cas9 sex-ratio distortion system for genetic control. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31139. [PMID: 27484623 PMCID: PMC4971495 DOI: 10.1038/srep31139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic control aims to reduce the ability of insect pest populations to cause harm via the release of modified insects. One strategy is to bias the reproductive sex ratio towards males so that a population decreases in size or is eliminated altogether due to a lack of females. We have shown previously that sex ratio distortion can be generated synthetically in the main human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, by selectively destroying the X-chromosome during spermatogenesis, through the activity of a naturally-occurring endonuclease that targets a repetitive rDNA sequence highly-conserved in a wide range of organisms. Here we describe a CRISPR-Cas9 sex distortion system that targets ribosomal sequences restricted to the member species of the Anopheles gambiae complex. Expression of Cas9 during spermatogenesis resulted in RNA-guided shredding of the X-chromosome during male meiosis and produced extreme male bias among progeny in the absence of any significant reduction in fertility. The flexibility of CRISPR-Cas9 combined with the availability of genomic data for a range of insects renders this strategy broadly applicable for the species-specific control of any pest or vector species with an XY sex-determination system by targeting sequences exclusive to the female sex chromosome.
Collapse
|
29
|
Matthews BJ, McBride CS, DeGennaro M, Despo O, Vosshall LB. The neurotranscriptome of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:32. [PMID: 26738925 PMCID: PMC4704297 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-2239-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A complete genome sequence and the advent of genome editing open up non-traditional model organisms to mechanistic genetic studies. The mosquito Aedes aegypti is an important vector of infectious diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever and has a large and complex genome, which has slowed annotation efforts. We used comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of adult gene expression to improve the genome annotation and to provide a detailed tissue-specific catalogue of neural gene expression at different adult behavioral states. RESULTS We carried out deep RNA sequencing across all major peripheral male and female sensory tissues, the brain and (female) ovary. Furthermore, we examined gene expression across three important phases of the female reproductive cycle, a remarkable example of behavioral switching in which a female mosquito alternates between obtaining blood-meals from humans and laying eggs. Using genome-guided alignments and de novo transcriptome assembly, our re-annotation includes 572 new putative protein-coding genes and updates to 13.5 and 50.3 % of existing transcripts within coding sequences and untranslated regions, respectively. Using this updated annotation, we detail gene expression in each tissue, identifying large numbers of transcripts regulated by blood-feeding and sexually dimorphic transcripts that may provide clues to the biology of male- and female-specific behaviors, such as mating and blood-feeding, which are areas of intensive study for those interested in vector control. CONCLUSIONS This neurotranscriptome forms a strong foundation for the study of genes in the mosquito nervous system and investigation of sensory-driven behaviors and their regulation. Furthermore, understanding the molecular genetic basis of mosquito chemosensory behavior has important implications for vector control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Matthews
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Carolyn S McBride
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Present Address: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
| | - Matthew DeGennaro
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Present Address: Department of Biological Sciences, Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Orion Despo
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Present address: Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Leslie B Vosshall
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kistler KE, Vosshall LB, Matthews BJ. Genome engineering with CRISPR-Cas9 in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Cell Rep 2015; 11:51-60. [PMID: 25818303 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 02/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The mosquito Aedes aegypti is a potent vector of the chikungunya, yellow fever, and dengue viruses, responsible for hundreds of millions of infections and over 50,000 human deaths per year. Mutagenesis in Ae. aegypti has been established with TALENs, ZFNs, and homing endonucleases, which require the engineering of DNA-binding protein domains to provide genomic target sequence specificity. Here, we describe the use of the CRISPR-Cas9 system to generate site-specific mutations in Ae. aegypti. This system relies on RNA-DNA base-pairing to generate targeting specificity, resulting in efficient and flexible genome-editing reagents. We investigate the efficiency of injection mix compositions, demonstrate the ability of CRISPR-Cas9 to generate different types of mutations via disparate repair mechanisms, and report stable germline mutations in several genomic loci. This work offers a detailed exploration into the use of CRISPR-Cas9 in Ae. aegypti that should be applicable to non-model organisms previously out of reach of genetic modification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Kistler
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Leslie B Vosshall
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Benjamin J Matthews
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Pondeville E, Puchot N, Meredith JM, Lynd A, Vernick KD, Lycett GJ, Eggleston P, Bourgouin C. Efficient ΦC31 integrase-mediated site-specific germline transformation of Anopheles gambiae. Nat Protoc 2014; 9:1698-712. [PMID: 24945385 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2014.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Current transgenic methodology developed for mosquitoes has not been applied widely to the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, which has proved more difficult to genetically manipulate than other mosquito species and dipteran insects. In this protocol, we describe ΦC31-mediated site-specific integration of transgenes into the genome of A. gambiae. The ΦC31 system has many advantages over 'classical' transposon-mediated germline transformation systems, because it allows integration of large transgenes at specific, characterized genomic locations. Starting from a general protocol, we have optimized steps from embryo collection to co-injection of transgene-containing plasmid and in vitro-produced ΦC31 integrase mRNA. We also provide tips for screening transgenic larvae. The outlined procedure provides robust transformation in A. gambiae, resulting in homozygous transgenic lines in ∼2-3 months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Pondeville
- Institut Pasteur, Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors, CNRS unit URA3012, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Puchot
- Institut Pasteur, Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors, CNRS unit URA3012, Paris, France
| | - Janet M Meredith
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Amy Lynd
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kenneth D Vernick
- Institut Pasteur, Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors, CNRS unit URA3012, Paris, France
| | - Gareth J Lycett
- 1] Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK. [2]
| | - Paul Eggleston
- 1] Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK. [2]
| | - Catherine Bourgouin
- 1] Institut Pasteur, Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors, CNRS unit URA3012, Paris, France. [2]
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gilles JR, Schetelig MF, Scolari F, Marec F, Capurro ML, Franz G, Bourtzis K. Towards mosquito sterile insect technique programmes: exploring genetic, molecular, mechanical and behavioural methods of sex separation in mosquitoes. Acta Trop 2014; 132 Suppl:S178-87. [PMID: 23994521 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
When considering a mosquito release programme, one of the first issues to be addressed is how to eliminate/separate the females. The greatest number of options might eventually be available for those who can use transgenic mosquitoes, but the inherent characteristics of the target species may also provide possibilities for interim measures until more efficient methods can be developed. Differences in intrinsic size, in behaviour and in development rate between females and males are often available and useful for sexing. Efficient species-specific systems for eliminating females at the embryo stage have been developed, but most have since been discarded due to lack of use. Ideal systems specifically kill female embryos using some treatment that can be manipulated during production. Such killing systems are far more efficient than using intrinsic sexual differences, but they systems require selectable genetic markers and sex-linkage created by rare random chromosomal rearrangements. While intrinsic sexual differences should not be considered as long-term candidates for the development of robust and efficient sexing approaches, in the absence of these, the accessibility and integration of less efficient systems can provide a stop-gap measure that allows rapid start up with a minimum of investment. The International Atomic Energy Agency is funding over a 5 year period (2013-2018) a new Coordinated Research Project on "Exploring Genetic, Molecular, Mechanical and Behavioural Methods of Sex Separation in Mosquitoes" to network researchers and to address the critical need of genetic sexing strains for the implementation of the sterile insect technique (using radiation-sterilised or transgenic male mosquitoes) and for insect incompatibility technique programmes against disease-transmitting mosquitoes.
Collapse
|
33
|
Lycett GJ, Amenya D, Lynd A. The Anopheles gambiae alpha-tubulin-1b promoter directs neuronal, testes and developing imaginal tissue specific expression and is a sensitive enhancer detector. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 21:79-88. [PMID: 22011081 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2011.01112.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A knowledge gap in mosquito functional genetic analysis is the dearth of characterized regulatory regions that can target tissue specific transgene expression. To broaden the tools available, a promoter region of the Anopheles gambiaeα-tubulin1b gene has been assayed following fusion to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene and stable transformation of An. gambiae. In eight transgenic lines, the Angtub α1b regulatory region directed a core profile of tissue specific expression in the head, chordotonal organs, ventral nerve cord and testes. This profile overlaps those seen for α2-tubulin expression in Drosophila melanogaster and Bombyx mori. In addition, widespread position dependant expression was observed in other specific tissues that were unique to each line. For example, in different lines, expression was observed in larval and adult muscles, fatbody, cuticle and midgut secretory cells. The majority of genomic transgene insertions were mapped to within 10 kb of a gene, suggesting that the Angtub α1b basal promoter is particularly sensitive to enhancers and may be suitable to form the basis of a sensitive enhancer trapping construct, in combination with a binary expression system such as Gal4-UAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gareth J Lycett
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
The ability to introduce genetic constructs of choice into the genome of Anopheles mosquitoes provides a valuable tool to study the molecular interactions between the Plasmodium parasite and its insect host. In the long term, this technology could potentially offer new ways to control vector-borne diseases through the suppression of target mosquito populations or through the introgression of traits that preclude pathogen transmission. Here, we describe in detail protocols for the generation of transgenic Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes based on germ-line transformation using either modified transposable elements or the site-specific PhiC31 recombinase.
Collapse
|
35
|
Dong Y, Das S, Cirimotich C, Souza-Neto JA, McLean KJ, Dimopoulos G. Engineered anopheles immunity to Plasmodium infection. PLoS Pathog 2011; 7:e1002458. [PMID: 22216006 PMCID: PMC3245315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A causative agent of human malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. The malaria parasite is under intensive attack from the mosquito's innate immune system during its sporogonic development. We have used genetic engineering to create immune-enhanced Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes through blood meal-inducible expression of a transgene encoding the IMD pathway-controlled NF-kB Rel2 transcription factor in the midgut and fat-body tissue. Transgenic mosquitoes showed greater resistance to Plasmodium and microbial infection as a result of timely concerted tissue-specific immune attacks involving multiple effectors. The relatively weak impact of this genetic modification on mosquito fitness under laboratory conditions encourages further investigation of this approach for malaria control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuemei Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Suchismita Das
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Chris Cirimotich
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jayme A. Souza-Neto
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kyle J. McLean
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Magnusson K, Mendes AM, Windbichler N, Papathanos PA, Nolan T, Dottorini T, Rizzi E, Christophides GK, Crisanti A. Transcription regulation of sex-biased genes during ontogeny in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21572. [PMID: 21738713 PMCID: PMC3128074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In Anopheles gambiae, sex-regulated genes are responsible for controlling gender dimorphism and are therefore crucial in determining the ability of female mosquitoes to transmit human malaria. The identification and functional characterization of these genes will shed light on the sexual development and maturation of mosquitoes and provide useful targets for genetic control measures aimed at reducing mosquito fertility and/or distorting the sex ratio. We conducted a genome wide transcriptional analysis of sex-regulated genes from early developmental stages through adulthood combined with functional screening of novel gonadal genes. Our results demonstrate that the male-biased genes undergo a major transcription turnover starting from larval stages to adulthood. The male biased genes at the adult stage include a significant high number of unique sequences compared to the rest of the genome. This is in contrast to female-biased genes that are much more conserved and are mainly activated during late developmental stages. The high frequency of unique sequences would indicate that male-biased genes evolve more rapidly than the rest of the genome. This finding is particularly intriguing because A. gambiae is a strictly female monogamous species suggesting that driving forces in addition to sperm competition must account for the rapid evolution of male-biased genes. We have also identified and functionally characterized a number of previously unknown A. gambiae testis- and ovary-specific genes. Two of these genes, zero population growth and a suppressor of defective silencing 3 domain of the histone deacetylase co-repressor complex, were shown to play a key role in gonad development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalle Magnusson
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio M. Mendes
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolai Windbichler
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tony Nolan
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tania Dottorini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ermanno Rizzi
- Istituto di Tecnologie Biomediche, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Crisanti
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
A synthetic homing endonuclease-based gene drive system in the human malaria mosquito. Nature 2011; 473:212-5. [PMID: 21508956 PMCID: PMC3093433 DOI: 10.1038/nature09937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic methods of manipulating or eradicating disease vector populations have long been discussed as an attractive alternative to existing control measures because of their potential advantages in terms of effectiveness and species specificity1–3. The development of genetically engineered malaria-resistant mosquitoes has shown, as a proof-of-principle, the possibility of targeting the mosquito’s ability to serve as a disease vector4–7. The translation of these achievements into control measures requires an effective technology to spread a genetic modification from laboratory mosquitoes to field populations8. We have previously suggested that homing endonuclease genes (HEGs), a class of simple selfish genetic elements, could be exploited for this purpose9. Here we demonstrate that a synthetic genetic element, consisting of mosquito regulatory regions10 and the homing endonuclease gene I-SceI11–13, can substantially increase its transmission to the progeny in transgenic mosquitoes of the human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. We show that the I-SceI element is able to rapidly invade receptive mosquito cage populations, validating mathematical models for the transmission dynamics of HEGs. Molecular analyses confirm that expression of I-SceI in the male germline induces high rates of site-specific chromosomal cleavage and gene conversion, which results in the gain of the I-SceI gene, and underlies the observed genetic drive. These findings demonstrate a new mechanism by which genetic control measures can be implemented. Our results also show in principle how sequence-specific genetic drive elements like HEGs could be used to take the step from the genetic engineering of individuals to the genetic engineering of populations.
Collapse
|
38
|
Peng R, Maklokova VI, Chandrashekhar JH, Lan Q. In vivo functional genomic studies of sterol carrier protein-2 gene in the yellow fever mosquito. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18030. [PMID: 21437205 PMCID: PMC3060925 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2010] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A simple and efficient DNA delivery method to introduce extrachromosomal DNA into mosquito embryos would significantly aid functional genomic studies. The conventional method for delivery of DNA into insects is to inject the DNA directly into the embryos. Taking advantage of the unique aspects of mosquito reproductive physiology during vitellogenesis and an in vivo transfection reagent that mediates DNA uptake in cells via endocytosis, we have developed a new method to introduce DNA into mosquito embryos vertically via microinjection of DNA vectors in vitellogenic females without directly manipulating the embryos. Our method was able to introduce inducible gene expression vectors transiently into F0 mosquitoes to perform functional studies in vivo without transgenic lines. The high efficiency of expression knockdown was reproducible with more than 70% of the F0 individuals showed sufficient gene expression suppression (<30% of the controls' levels). At the cohort level, AeSCP-2 expression knockdown in early instar larvae resulted in detectable phenotypes of the expression deficiency such as high mortality, lowered fertility, and distorted sex ratio after induction of AeSCP-2 siRNA expression in vivo. The results further confirmed the important role of AeSCP-2 in the development and reproduction of A. aegypti. In this study, we proved that extrachromosomal transient expression of an inducible gene from a DNA vector vertically delivered via vitellogenic females can be used to manipulate gene expression in F0 generation. This new method will be a simple and efficient tool for in vivo functional genomic studies in mosquitoes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Peng
- College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Vilena I. Maklokova
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | | | - Que Lan
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Clemons A, Haugen M, Le C, Mori A, Tomchaney M, Severson DW, Duman-Scheel M. siRNA-mediated gene targeting in Aedes aegypti embryos reveals that frazzled regulates vector mosquito CNS development. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16730. [PMID: 21304954 PMCID: PMC3031613 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2010] [Accepted: 12/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although mosquito genome projects uncovered orthologues of many known developmental regulatory genes, extremely little is known about the development of vector mosquitoes. Here, we investigate the role of the Netrin receptor frazzled (fra) during embryonic nerve cord development of two vector mosquito species. Fra expression is detected in neurons just prior to and during axonogenesis in the embryonic ventral nerve cord of Aedes aegypti (dengue vector) and Anopheles gambiae (malaria vector). Analysis of fra function was investigated through siRNA-mediated knockdown in Ae. aegypti embryos. Confirmation of fra knockdown, which was maintained throughout embryogenesis, indicated that microinjection of siRNA is an effective method for studying gene function in Ae. aegypti embryos. Loss of fra during Ae. aegypti development results in thin and missing commissural axons. These defects are qualitatively similar to those observed in Dr. melanogaster fra null mutants. However, the Aa. aegypti knockdown phenotype is stronger and bears resemblance to the Drosophila commissureless mutant phenotype. The results of this investigation, the first targeted knockdown of a gene during vector mosquito embryogenesis, suggest that although Fra plays a critical role during development of the Ae. aegypti ventral nerve cord, mechanisms regulating embryonic commissural axon guidance have evolved in distantly related insects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Clemons
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Morgan Haugen
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Christy Le
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Akio Mori
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Michael Tomchaney
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - David W. Severson
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Clemons A, Mori A, Haugen M, Severson DW, Duman-Scheel M. Culturing and egg collection of Aedes aegypti. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2010; 2010:pdb.prot5507. [PMID: 20889704 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.prot5507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Blood-feeding mosquitoes, including the dengue and yellow fever vector Aedes aegypti, transmit many of the world's deadliest diseases. Such diseases have resurged in developing countries and pose clear threats for epidemic outbreaks in developed countries. Recent mosquito genome projects have stimulated interest in the potential for arthropod-borne disease control by genetic manipulation of vector insects, and genes that regulate development are of particular interest. This protocol describes methods for culturing Ae. aegypti and includes a procedure for egg collection that can be used in conjunction with fixation, immunohistochemistry, and in situ protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Clemons
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN 46617, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Clemons A, Haugen M, Flannery E, Tomchaney M, Kast K, Jacowski C, Le C, Mori A, Simanton Holland W, Sarro J, Severson DW, Duman-Scheel M. Aedes aegypti: an emerging model for vector mosquito development. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2010; 2010:pdb.emo141. [PMID: 20889691 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.emo141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Blood-feeding mosquitoes, including the dengue and yellow fever vector Aedes aegypti, transmit many of the world's deadliest diseases. Such diseases have resurged in developing countries and pose clear threats for epidemic outbreaks in developed countries. Recent mosquito genome projects have stimulated interest in the potential for arthropod-borne disease control by genetic manipulation of vector insects. Targets of particular interest include genes that regulate development. However, although the Ae. aegypti genome project uncovered homologs of many known developmental regulatory genes, little is known of the genetic regulation of development in Ae. aegypti or other vector mosquitoes. This article provides an overview of the background, husbandry, and potential uses of Ae. aegypti as a model species. Methods for culturing, collecting and fixing developing tissues, analyzing gene and protein expression, and knocking down genes are permitting detailed analyses of the functions of developmental regulatory genes and the selective inhibition of such genes during Ae. aegypti development. This methodology, much of which is applicable to other mosquito species, is useful to both the comparative development and vector research communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Clemons
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN 46617, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Clemons A, Haugen M, Severson D, Duman-Scheel M. Functional analysis of genes in Aedes aegypti embryos. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2010; 2010:pdb.prot5511. [PMID: 20889708 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.prot5511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Blood-feeding mosquitoes, including the dengue and yellow fever vector Aedes aegypti, transmit many of the world's deadliest diseases. Such diseases have resurged in developing countries and pose clear threats for epidemic outbreaks in developed countries. Recent mosquito genome projects have stimulated interest in the potential for arthropod-borne disease control by genetic manipulation of vector insects, and genes that regulate development are of particular interest. In recent years, RNA interference (RNAi) has proven to be an effective strategy for inhibiting gene function in many organisms. This protocol describes a method for knockdown of embryonic genes in Ae. aegypti embryos by microinjection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) designed to target a specific gene of interest. The procedure includes a strategy for siRNA design, microinjection, and measurement of knockdown effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Clemons
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN 46617, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Labbé GMC, Nimmo DD, Alphey L. piggybac- and PhiC31-mediated genetic transformation of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2010; 4:e788. [PMID: 20808959 PMCID: PMC2923142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse), is a vector of several arboviruses including dengue and chikungunya. This highly invasive species originating from Southeast Asia has travelled the world in the last 30 years and is now established in Europe, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean. In the absence of vaccine or antiviral drugs, efficient mosquito control strategies are crucial. Conventional control methods have so far failed to control Ae. albopictus adequately. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Germline transformation of Aedes albopictus was achieved by micro-injection of embryos with a piggyBac-based transgene carrying a 3xP3-ECFP marker and an attP site, combined with piggyBac transposase mRNA and piggyBac helper plasmid. Five independent transgenic lines were established, corresponding to an estimated transformation efficiency of 2-3%. Three lines were re-injected with a second-phase plasmid carrying an attB site and a 3xP3-DsRed2 marker, combined with PhiC31 integrase mRNA. Successful site-specific integration was observed in all three lines with an estimated transformation efficiency of 2-6%. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Both piggybac- and site-specific PhiC31-mediated germline transformation of Aedes albopictus were successfully achieved. This is the first report of Ae. albopictus germline transformation and engineering, a key step towards studying and controlling this species using novel molecular techniques and genetic control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève M. C. Labbé
- Oxitec Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Division of Biology, Imperial College London Silwood Park, Ascot, United Kingdom
| | | | - Luke Alphey
- Oxitec Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Corby-Harris V, Drexler A, Watkins de Jong L, Antonova Y, Pakpour N, Ziegler R, Ramberg F, Lewis EE, Brown JM, Luckhart S, Riehle MA. Activation of Akt signaling reduces the prevalence and intensity of malaria parasite infection and lifespan in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. PLoS Pathog 2010; 6:e1001003. [PMID: 20664791 PMCID: PMC2904800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1001003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 06/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria (Plasmodium spp.) kills nearly one million people annually and this number will likely increase as drug and insecticide resistance reduces the effectiveness of current control strategies. The most important human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, undergoes a complex developmental cycle in the mosquito that takes approximately two weeks and begins with the invasion of the mosquito midgut. Here, we demonstrate that increased Akt signaling in the mosquito midgut disrupts parasite development and concurrently reduces the duration that mosquitoes are infective to humans. Specifically, we found that increased Akt signaling in the midgut of heterozygous Anopheles stephensi reduced the number of infected mosquitoes by 60-99%. Of those mosquitoes that were infected, we observed a 75-99% reduction in parasite load. In homozygous mosquitoes with increased Akt signaling parasite infection was completely blocked. The increase in midgut-specific Akt signaling also led to an 18-20% reduction in the average mosquito lifespan. Thus, activation of Akt signaling reduced the number of infected mosquitoes, the number of malaria parasites per infected mosquito, and the duration of mosquito infectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Corby-Harris
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Anna Drexler
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California – Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Laurel Watkins de Jong
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Yevgeniya Antonova
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Nazzy Pakpour
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California – Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Rolf Ziegler
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Frank Ramberg
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Edwin E. Lewis
- Department of Entomology, University of California – Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Nematology, University of California – Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Jessica M. Brown
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Shirley Luckhart
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California – Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Riehle
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
|
46
|
Papathanos PA, Windbichler N, Menichelli M, Burt A, Crisanti A. The vasa regulatory region mediates germline expression and maternal transmission of proteins in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae: a versatile tool for genetic control strategies. BMC Mol Biol 2009; 10:65. [PMID: 19573226 PMCID: PMC2713240 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2199-10-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 07/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germline specific promoters are an essential component of potential vector control strategies which function by genetic drive, however suitable promoters are not currently available for the main human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. RESULTS We have identified the Anopheles gambiae vasa-like gene and found its expression to be specifically localized to both the male and female gonads in adult mosquitoes. We have functionally characterised using transgenic reporter lines the regulatory regions required for driving transgene expression in a pattern mirroring that of the endogenous vasa locus. Two reporter constructs indicate the existence of distinct vasa regulatory elements within the 5' untranslated regions responsible not only for the spatial and temporal but also for the sex specific germline expression. vasa driven eGFP expression in the ovary of heterozygous mosquitoes resulted in the progressive accumulation of maternal protein and transcript in developing oocytes that were then detectable in all embryos and neonatal larvae. CONCLUSION We have characterized the vasa regulatory regions that are not only suited to drive transgenes in the early germline of both sexes but could also be utilized to manipulate the zygotic genome of developing embryos via maternal deposition of active molecules. We have used computational models to show that a homing endonuclease-based gene drive system can function in the presence of maternal deposition and describe a novel non-invasive control strategy based on early vasa driven homing endonuclease expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippos A Papathanos
- Imperial College London, Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Imperial College Road, London, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Analysis of apyrase 5' upstream region validates improved Anopheles gambiae transformation technique. BMC Res Notes 2009; 2:24. [PMID: 19284522 PMCID: PMC2669092 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-2-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2008] [Accepted: 02/19/2009] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic transformation of the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae has been successfully achieved in recent years, and represents a potentially powerful tool for researchers. Tissue-, stage- and sex-specific promoters are essential requirements to support the development of new applications for the transformation technique and potential malaria control strategies. During the Plasmodium lifecycle in the invertebrate host, four major mosquito cell types are involved in interactions with the parasite: hemocytes and fat body cells, which provide humoral and cellular components of the innate immune response, midgut and salivary glands representing the epithelial barriers traversed by the parasite during its lifecycle in the mosquito. Findings We have analyzed the upstream regulatory sequence of the An. gambiae salivary gland-specific apyrase (AgApy) gene in transgenic An. gambiae using a piggyBac transposable element vector marked by a 3xP3 promoter:DsRed gene fusion. Efficient germ-line transformation in An. gambiae mosquitoes was obtained and several integration events in at least three different G0 families were detected. LacZ reporter gene expression was analyzed in three transgenic lines/groups, and in only one group was tissue-specific expression restricted to salivary glands. Conclusion Our data describe an efficient genetic transformation of An. gambiae embryos. However, expression from the selected region of the AgApy promoter is weak and position effects may mask tissue- and stage- specific activity in transgenic mosquitoes.
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Malaria is a disease that kills more than a million people each year in tropical and subtropical countries. The disease is caused by Plasmodium parasites and is transmitted to humans exclusively by mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles. The lack of functional approaches has hampered study of the biological networks that determine parasite transmission by the insect vector. The recent discovery of RNA interference and its adaptation to mosquitoes is now providing crucial tools for the dissection of vector-parasite interactions and for the analysis of aspects of mosquito biology influencing the vectorial capacity. Two RNAi approaches have been established in mosquitoes: transient gene silencing by direct injection of double-stranded RNA, and stable expression of hairpin RNAs from transgenes integrated in the genome. Here we describe these methods in detail, providing information about their use and limitations.
Collapse
|
49
|
Windbichler N, Papathanos PA, Crisanti A. Targeting the X chromosome during spermatogenesis induces Y chromosome transmission ratio distortion and early dominant embryo lethality in Anopheles gambiae. PLoS Genet 2008; 4:e1000291. [PMID: 19057670 PMCID: PMC2585807 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2008] [Accepted: 11/03/2008] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We have exploited the high selectivity of the homing endonuclease I-PpoI for the X-linked Anopheles gambiae 28S ribosomal genes to selectively target X chromosome carrying spermatozoa. Our data demonstrated that in heterozygous males, the expression of I-PpoI in the testes induced a strong bias toward Y chromosome-carrying spermatozoa. Notably, these male mosquitoes also induced complete early dominant embryo lethality in crosses with wild-type females. Morphological and molecular data indicated that all spermatozoa, irrespectively of the inheritance of the transgene, carried a substantial amount of I-PpoI protein that could attack the maternally inherited chromosome X of the embryo. Besides the obvious implications for implementing vector control measures, our data demonstrated the feasibility of generating synthetic sex distorters and revealed the intriguing possibility of manipulating maternally inherited genes using wild-type sperm cells carrying engineered endonucleases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Crisanti
- Faculty of Life Science, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ferguson HM, Ng'habi KR, Walder T, Kadungula D, Moore SJ, Lyimo I, Russell TL, Urassa H, Mshinda H, Killeen GF, Knols BG. Establishment of a large semi-field system for experimental study of African malaria vector ecology and control in Tanzania. Malar J 2008; 7:158. [PMID: 18715508 PMCID: PMC2543042 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-7-158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2008] [Accepted: 08/20/2008] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Medical entomologists increasingly recognize that the ability to make inferences between laboratory experiments of vector biology and epidemiological trends observed in the field is hindered by a conceptual and methodological gap occurring between these approaches which prevents hypothesis-driven empirical research from being conducted on relatively large and environmentally realistic scales. The development of Semi-Field Systems (SFS) has been proposed as the best mechanism for bridging this gap. Semi-field systems are defined as enclosed environments, ideally situated within the natural ecosystem of a target disease vector and exposed to ambient environmental conditions, in which all features necessary for its life cycle completion are present. Although the value of SFS as a research tool for malaria vector biology is gaining recognition, only a few such facilities exist worldwide and are relatively small in size (< 100 m2). Methods The establishment of a 625 m2 state-of-the-art SFS for large-scale experimentation on anopheline mosquito ecology and control within a rural area of southern Tanzania, where malaria transmission intensities are amongst the highest ever recorded, is described. Results A greenhouse frame with walls of mosquito netting and a polyethylene roof was mounted on a raised concrete platform at the Ifakara Health Institute. The interior of the SFS was divided into four separate work areas that have been set up for a variety of research activities including mass-rearing for African malaria vectors under natural conditions, high throughput evaluation of novel mosquito control and trapping techniques, short-term assays of host-seeking behaviour and olfaction, and longer-term experimental investigation of anopheline population dynamics and gene flow within a contained environment that simulates a local village domestic setting. Conclusion The SFS at Ifakara was completed and ready for use in under two years. Preliminary observations indicate that realistic and repeatable observations of anopheline behaviour are obtainable within the SFS, and that habitat and climatic features representative of field conditions can be simulated within it. As work begins in the SFS in Ifakara and others around the world, the major opportunities and challenges to the successful application of this tool for malaria vector research and control are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Ferguson
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, G128TA Glasgow, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|