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Lozada-Chávez AN, Lozada-Chávez I, Alfano N, Palatini U, Sogliani D, Elfekih S, Degefa T, Sharakhova MV, Badolo A, Sriwichai P, Casas-Martínez M, Carlos BC, Carballar-Lejarazú R, Lambrechts L, Souza-Neto JA, Bonizzoni M. Adaptive genomic signatures of globally invasive populations of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. Nat Ecol Evol 2025; 9:652-671. [PMID: 40155778 PMCID: PMC11976285 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-025-02643-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2025] [Indexed: 04/01/2025]
Abstract
In the arboviral vector Aedes aegypti, adaptation to anthropogenic environments has led to a major evolutionary shift separating the domestic Aedes aegypti aegypti (Aaa) ecotype from the wild Aedes aegypti formosus (Aaf) ecotype. Aaa mosquitoes are distributed globally and have higher vectorial capacity than Aaf, which remained in Africa. Despite the evolutionary and epidemiological relevance of this separation, inconsistent morphological data and a complex population structure have hindered the identification of genomic signals distinguishing the two ecotypes. Here we assessed the correspondence between the geographic distribution, population structure and genome-wide selection of 511 Aaf and 123 Aaa specimens and report adaptive signals in 186 genes that we call Aaa molecular signatures. Our results indicate that Aaa molecular signatures arose from standing variation associated with extensive ancestral polymorphisms in Aaf populations and have been co-opted for self-domestication through genomic and functional redundancy and local adaptation. Overall, we show that the behavioural shift of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes to live in association with humans relied on the fine regulation of chemosensory, neuronal and metabolic functions, as seen in the domestication processes of rabbits and silkworms. Our results also provide a foundation for the investigation of new genic targets for the control of Ae. aegypti populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irma Lozada-Chávez
- Evo-devo, Bioinformatics and Neuromorphic Information Processing groups, Institute of Computer Science and Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Niccolò Alfano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
| | - Umberto Palatini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Davide Sogliani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Samia Elfekih
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO Australia Bio21 Institute, School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Teshome Degefa
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Maria V Sharakhova
- Department of Entomology and the Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Athanase Badolo
- Laboratoire d'Entomologie Fondamentale et Appliquée, Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Patchara Sriwichai
- Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mauricio Casas-Martínez
- Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Tapachula, México
| | - Bianca C Carlos
- School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
- Research Group on Integrated Pest Management, School of Agronomy, Crop Protection Department, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Carballar-Lejarazú
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Louis Lambrechts
- Insect-Virus Interactions Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR2000, Paris, France
| | - Jayme A Souza-Neto
- School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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2
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Maekawa E, Dahanukar AA. Sensory regulation of meal sorting in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:31839. [PMID: 39738426 PMCID: PMC11686040 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-83172-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2024] [Accepted: 12/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Meal sorting in mosquitoes is a phenomenon whereby ingested blood and sugar meals are directed to different destinations in the alimentary canal. We undertake a systematic analysis and show that entry of blood in the midgut is influenced by blood components, temperature, and feeding mode, while sugar solutions are directed to the crop in a dose-dependent manner. Sweet and nutritive sugars, like sucrose and maltose, enter the crop more efficiently compared to non-sweet or non-nutritive sugars. Additionally, the robustness of meal sorting declines with mosquito age and is compromised in mutants of candidate thermoreceptors. Proper blood meal sorting is crucial for optimal egg production, as disruption of this process by adding sucrose results in reduced fecundity. Furthermore, certain amino acids essential for vitellogenesis are preferentially directed to the midgut. Our findings provide new insights into the meal sorting mechanism, with implications for mosquito reproduction and vectorial capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Maekawa
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Department of Tropical Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Anupama A Dahanukar
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
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Getahun MN. Livestock-vector interaction using volatile organic metabolites. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 66:101269. [PMID: 39260769 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Biological interaction between two organisms living together in a given habitat is essential for healthy ecosystem functionality, got complexity, and exerts an arms race between the interacting organisms. Some vectors are exclusively blood feeders, and others supplement their diet with plant nectar. The feeding dynamics may determine their olfactory system complexity. Arthropod vectors that interact with livestock rely mainly on olfaction. Livestock odor profile is a complex trait and depends on host genetics, microbes, diet, and health status, which highlights its dynamic nature. Furthermore, volatile metabolites are shared between host animals, which exert its own challenge for vectors to find their preferred host. Elucidating the underlying host chemodiversity, especially signature scents, neuroethological mechanism of discrimination of preferred/unpreferred host from plethora of coexisting host is crucial to understand evolution and adaptation in vector-livestock interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merid N Getahun
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Kenya.
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Müller R, Bálint M, Hardes K, Hollert H, Klimpel S, Knorr E, Kochmann J, Lee KZ, Mehring M, Pauls SU, Smets G, Steinbrink A, Vilcinskas A. RNA interference to combat the Asian tiger mosquito in Europe: A pathway from design of an innovative vector control tool to its application. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 66:108167. [PMID: 37164239 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is currently spreading across Europe, facilitated by climate change and global transportation. It is a vector of arboviruses causing human diseases such as chikungunya, dengue hemorrhagic fever and Zika fever. For the majority of these diseases, no vaccines or therapeutics are available. Options for the control of Ae. albopictus are limited by European regulations introduced to protect biodiversity by restricting or phasing out the use of pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or products of genome editing. Alternative solutions are thus urgently needed to avoid a future scenario in which Europe faces a choice between prioritizing human health or biodiversity when it comes to Aedes-vectored pathogens. To ensure regulatory compliance and public acceptance, these solutions should preferably not be based on chemicals or GMOs and must be cost-efficient and specific. The present review aims to synthesize available evidence on RNAi-based mosquito vector control and its potential for application in the European Union. The recent literature has identified some potential target sites in Ae. albopictus and formulations for delivery. However, we found little information concerning non-target effects on the environment or human health, on social aspects, regulatory frameworks, or on management perspectives. We propose optimal designs for RNAi-based vector control tools against Ae. albopictus (target product profiles), discuss their efficacy and reflect on potential risks to environmental health and the importance of societal aspects. The roadmap from design to application will provide readers with a comprehensive perspective on the application of emerging RNAi-based vector control tools for the suppression of Ae. albopictus populations with special focus on Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Müller
- Unit Entomology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 9, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Miklós Bálint
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Kornelia Hardes
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; BMBF Junior Research Group in Infection Research "ASCRIBE", Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Department Media-related Toxicity, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Integrative Parasitology and Zoophysiology, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eileen Knorr
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Judith Kochmann
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kwang-Zin Lee
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Marion Mehring
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; ISOE - Institute for Social-Ecological Research, Hamburger Allee 45, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Steffen U Pauls
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Greet Smets
- Perseus BV, Kortrijksesteenweg 127 B1, B-9830 Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium
| | - Antje Steinbrink
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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Ni M, Zhao T, Lv HX, Li MJ, Xing D, Zhao TY, Li CX. Screening for odorant receptor genes expressed in Aedes aegypti involved in host-seeking, blood-feeding and oviposition behaviors. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:71. [PMID: 35246203 PMCID: PMC8895831 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05196-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aedes aegypti is one of the most important vectors of zoonotic diseases worldwide, and its survival and reproductive processes depend heavily on its olfactory system. In this study, the expression levels of all odorant receptor (OR) genes of Ae. aegypti were explored during different physiological periods to identify olfactory genes that may be associated with mosquito blood-feeding and the search for oviposition sites. Methods Four experimental groups, consisting of Ae. aegypti males, pre-blood-feeding females, post-blood-feeding females and post-oviposition females, were established. A total of 114 pairs of primers targeting all messenger RNA encoded by OR genes were designed based on the whole genome of Ae. aegypti. The expression of OR genes was evaluated by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR for relative quantification and the comparison of differences between groups. Results A total of 53 differentially expressed OR genes were identified between males and females in Ae. aegypti antennae. Also, eight, eight and 13 differentially expressed OR genes were identified in pre- versus post-blood-feeding females, in pre- versus post-oviposition females and in post-blood-feeding versus post-oviposition females, respectively. In addition, 16 OR genes were significantly differentially expressed in multiple physiological periods of the mosquitoes. Conclusions A large number of ORs with significant intergroup differences and high expression levels were screened in this study. Some of these genes are reported for the first time, providing possible targets for the development of mosquito control pathways based on the olfactory system. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05196-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Ni
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Disease, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Teng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Disease, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Hui-Xin Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Disease, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Man-Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Disease, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Dan Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Disease, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Tong-Yan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Disease, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Chun-Xiao Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Disease, Beijing, 100071, China.
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6
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Material Properties and Morphology of Prestomal Teeth in Relation to the Feeding Habits of Diptera (Brachycera). INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13020207. [PMID: 35206780 PMCID: PMC8880167 DOI: 10.3390/insects13020207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The prestomal teeth are structures on the mouthparts of some fly species that rasp surfaces to expose liquids for ingestion. Here, we investigated the material properties of prestomal teeth, including their hardness, elastic modulus, the extent of sclerotization, and elemental composition, and combined these results with morphology to determine their relationship to fly feeding habits. The results indicated that the prestomal teeth are heavily sclerotized and have hardness and elastic modulus values similar to the polymer polycarbonate. Although the presence of inorganic elements contributes to a harder cuticle in other insect species, the fly species studied here had only low concentrations of inorganic elements. We found evidence that the material properties and morphology of prestomal teeth relate to feeding habits, not phylogeny. In particular, flies that pierce tissues for liquids have larger prestomal teeth relative to their mouthpart sizes when compared to species that generally feed on exposed liquids. Flies are one of the most successful groups of organisms and their success likely relates to their ability to feed on a large array of nutritional liquids. Given their importance in ecology systems and relevance to medical and veterinary entomology, the functional morphology of fly mouthparts warrants additional studies. Abstract Prestomal teeth are cuticular projections on the mouthparts of some fly species that rasp surfaces when feeding. Although prestomal teeth morphology has been reported for several fly species, their material properties have not been investigated. Here we report the morphology, elemental composition, extent of sclerotization, hardness, and elastic modulus of prestomal teeth and relate these findings to feeding habits. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that species categorized as flower visitors have a large labellum with numerous pseudotracheae and lack prestomal teeth, generalist species have these same features but with prestomal teeth, and specialist species that feed on blood or other insects have a smaller labellum with few or no pseudotracheae and relatively large prestomal teeth. Confocal microscopy revealed that prestomal teeth are heavily sclerotized and the labellum contains resilin, an elastomeric protein. Hardness and elastic modulus were explored with nanoindentation and showed that the insectivorous Scathophaga stercoraria had the hardest prestomal teeth and the highest modulus. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy revealed that prestomal teeth had low concentrations of inorganic elements, suggesting that hardness might be partially supplemented by inorganic elements. Our findings indicate that prestomal teeth morphology and material properties relate more to feeding habits than to phylogeny.
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Ortega-Insaurralde I, Barrozo RB. The closer the better: Sensory tools and host-association in blood-sucking insects. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 136:104346. [PMID: 34896372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Many hematophagous insects acquire medical and veterinary relevance because they transmit disease causing pathogens to humans. Hematophagy is only fulfilled once a blood feeder successfully locates a vertebrate host by means of fine sensory systems. In nature, blood-sucking insects can exploit environments with differential association with their hosts. Given the relevance of the sensory systems during host searching, we review the current state of knowledge of the sensory machinery of four blood-sucking insects: human lice, bed bugs, kissing bugs and mosquitoes. Each one is representative of highly anthropophilic behaviours and a different degree of association with human hosts. We compare the number, arrangement and functional type of cuticular sensory structures dispersed on the main sensory organs. We also compare the genetic machinery potentially involved in the detection of host stimuli. Finally, we discuss the sensory diversity of the insects studied here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ortega-Insaurralde
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, Instituto Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA, UBA-CONICET), Departamento Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Romina B Barrozo
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, Instituto Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA, UBA-CONICET), Departamento Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Dose-Dependent Blood-Feeding Activity and Ovarian Alterations to PM 2.5 in Aedes aegypti. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12100948. [PMID: 34680717 PMCID: PMC8539269 DOI: 10.3390/insects12100948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) is a mosquito that transmits arboviruses and responds to various biological and environmental stressors, including temperature, rainfall, and humidity. However, there is a lack of knowledge about fine particulate matter (PM2.5) effects on arbovirus vectors. We hypothesized that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may affect Ae. aegypti blood-feeding rate and organs. We set up an environmental chamber that could adjust the concentration of PM2.5 and observed their blood-feeding activity. We observed a dose–response relationship between PM2.5 level and blood-feeding rate in adult female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. In addition, histopathological study showed some changes in the ovaries. Vacuolated or vacuolar degeneration characterized by a formation of non-lipid small droplets in the cytoplasm was observed. This demonstrated the degenerative stage of the cells before developing hydropic degeneration or another advanced stage of cellular damage. The present study explored the effects of PM2.5 exposure on the blood-feeding rate and organ integrity in the major arboviral vector Ae. Aegypti, providing information on the potential but indirect operational impact of PM2.5 exposure on the survival and transmission capabilities of this major vector. Our findings may contribute towards the conceptualization and implementation of mosquito control measures with due consideration of the effects of ambient PM2.5 on their populations. Abstract High levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution are a concern for human health. Several studies have examined the effects of air pollution on human and animal health. However, there is a lack of knowledge about its effects on arbovirus vectors. Thus, we investigated whether PM2.5 concentration alters the blood-feeding activity of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. We investigated the effect on the females’ propensity to blood feed at eight concentrations of PM2.5 ranging from 100 to 1000 μg/m3. Correlation analysis showed blood-feeding activity had a significant strong negative correlation with concentration of PM2.5 (rp = −0.85; p ≤ 0.00001). Exploratory linear and non-linear models showed an exponential decay relationship was the best fitting model (corrected Akaike’s information criterion, 193.0; Akaike’s weight, 0.766; adjusted R2, 0.780). Ultrastructural study demonstrated PM2.5 did not obstruct the respiratory system, but some fine particles were present on the antenna and abdominal body parts. Ovaries showed a dose–response relationship between PM2.5 level and vacuolated degeneration. In conclusion, the blood-feeding behavior of Ae. aegypti females may have an exponential decay relationship with PM2.5 level, and their ovaries may demonstrate dose-dependent degeneration. These findings may be important in understanding the vector’s biology and disease transmission in settings with high PM2.5 levels. These results are important to understand blood-feeding and feeding pattern of mosquitoes during PM2.5 pollution, which is important for disease transmission and vector control.
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Andreazza F, Oliveira EE, Martins GF. Implications of Sublethal Insecticide Exposure and the Development of Resistance on Mosquito Physiology, Behavior, and Pathogen Transmission. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12100917. [PMID: 34680686 PMCID: PMC8539869 DOI: 10.3390/insects12100917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Mosquitoes are one of the greatest threats to human lives; they transmit a wide range of pathogens, including viruses that cause lethal diseases. Mosquitoes are found in both aquatic (as larvae or pupae) and terrestrial (as adults) environments during their complex life cycle. For decades, insecticides have been systematically used on mosquitoes with the aim to reduce their population. Little is known about how the stress resulting from the exposure of mosquitoes to insecticides impacts the tri-partite relationship between the mosquitoes, their vertebrate hosts, and the pathogens they transmit. In this work, we review existing experimental evidence to obtain a broad picture on the potential effects of the (sub)lethal exposure of hematophagous mosquitoes to different insecticides. We have focused on studies that have advanced our understanding of their physiological and behavioral responses (including the mechanisms behind insecticide resistance) and the spread of pathogens by these vectors—understudied but critically important issues for epidemiology. Studying these exposure-related effects is of paramount importance for predicting how they respond to insecticide exposure and whether this exposure makes them more or less likely to transmit pathogens. Abstract For many decades, insecticides have been used to control mosquito populations in their larval and adult stages. Although changes in the population genetics, physiology, and behavior of mosquitoes exposed to lethal and sublethal doses of insecticides are expected, the relationships between these changes and their abilities to transmit pathogens remain unclear. Thus, we conducted a comprehensive review on the sublethal effects of insecticides and their contributions to insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, with the main focus on pyrethroids. We discuss the direct and acute effects of sublethal concentrations on individuals and populations, the changes in population genetics caused by the selection for resistance after insecticide exposure, and the major mechanisms underlying such resistance. Sublethal exposures negatively impact the individual’s performance by affecting their physiology and behavior and leaving them at a disadvantage when compared to unexposed organisms. How these sublethal effects could change mosquito population sizes and diversity so that pathogen transmission risks can be affected is less clear. Furthermore, despite the beneficial and acute aspects of lethality, exposure to higher insecticide concentrations clearly impacts the population genetics by selecting resistant individuals, which may bring further and complex interactions for mosquitoes, vertebrate hosts, and pathogens. Finally, we raise several hypotheses concerning how the here revised impacts of insecticides on mosquitoes could interplay with vector-mediated pathogens’ transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Andreazza
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil; (F.A.); (E.E.O.)
| | - Eugênio E. Oliveira
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil; (F.A.); (E.E.O.)
| | - Gustavo Ferreira Martins
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Jaleel W, Li Q, Shi Q, LYU L. Preference and effect of gustatory sense on sugar-feeding of fire ants. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11943. [PMID: 34447630 PMCID: PMC8364317 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The red imported fire ant is one of the notorious species of ants all over the world. Sugar is one of the most important components of food and necessary for the survival of ants. Because more than 70% food of fire ants is honeydew produced by Homopteran insects such as aphids and scales. METHODOLOGY It is well known that beetles, flies, and honey bees can recognize the sugar taste through their legs and antennae, but in the case of fire ants, no records regarding gustatory sense were published. In the current study, considering the importance of sugar bait, we investigated the gustatory sense of the fire ant workers to sucrose via behavioral sequence and gustatory behavior. First, the feeding sequence (ethogram) of the fire ant workers on most preferred sugar (sucrose) solution was observed and categorized. Secondly, the gustatory behavior of treated fire ant workers (without flagellum and foreleg tarsi treated with HCL solution) was observed on the sucrose solution. In addition, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques, we identified the possible porous sensilla types on antenna flagellum and foreleg tarsi of fire ant workers. RESULTS Based on the results of feeding sequence, foreleg tarsi of workers were the main body appendages in the detection of the sucrose droplet as compared to antennae flagellum and palps. Feeding time of treated workers with HCL solution was significantly decreased on sucrose solution as compared to those workers having no flagellum. While both types of treated workers have less feeding time in comparison to normal workers. Based on the results of feeding sequence analysis and feeding time, it is indicating that the foreleg tarsi of workers play a more important role in the detection of sucrose solution as compared to antennae flagellum. Based on the SEM results, sensilla chaetic, trichoid II, and basiconic I and II have a clear pore at their tip. This study provides a substantial basis for elucidating the gustatory function of antennal and tarsal sensilla on appendages of fire ant workers to sugars and further baits improvement for the management of fire ants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Jaleel
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection/Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qunchen Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection/Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, South China Agriculture University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingxing Shi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection/Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihua LYU
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection/Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Xiao Y, Sun L, Wang Q, An XK, Huang XZ, Khashaveh A, Li ZY, Zhang YJ. Host plants transfer induced regulation of the chemosensory genes repertoire in the alfalfa plant bug Adelphocoris lineolatus (Goeze). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 38:100798. [PMID: 33581507 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The alfalfa plant bug Adelphocoris lineolatus, an economically important pest, has representative behavioral characteristics with host plants transfer. Olfactory system is essential for insects to perceive ever-changing chemical signals in the external environment, and chemosensory genes play crucial roles in signals reception and transduction. In this work, we compared the differences in chemosensory genes expression before and after host plants transfer by constructing 12 antennal transcriptomes of male and female bugs, respectively. The results showed that the expression levels of most chemosensory genes in A. lineolatus changed to adapt to the transformation of the hosts plant. More remarkable, female bugs had more up-regulated chemosensory genes than males. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis revealed three odorant binding proteins (OBPs), three chemosensory proteins (CSPs), eight odorant receptors (ORs) and one ionotropic receptor (IR) showed significant differences when the host plant transferred. There were complex characteristics of up- and down- regulated genes in male and female adults, among which OBP19 showed higher expression in females exposing to the new host plant alfalfa, suggesting this OBP may be associated with the localization of the oviposition site. The OR54 and OR82 were up-regulated in both genders, indicating their possible roles in recognizing some alfalfa-specific volatiles. These findings will provide valuable insights in biological functions of chemosensory genes in A. lineolatus and facilitate the development of new targets for novel strategies to control the alfalfa plant bug and other herbivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xiao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou 510640, China; State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Liang Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Tea Quality and Safety Control, Key Laboratory of Biology, Genetics and Breeding of Special Economic Animals and Plants, Ministry of Agriculture, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310008, China
| | - Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xing-Kui An
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xin-Zheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Adel Khashaveh
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yong-Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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12
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Wheelwright M, Whittle CR, Riabinina O. Olfactory systems across mosquito species. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 383:75-90. [PMID: 33475852 PMCID: PMC7873006 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03407-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
There are 3559 species of mosquitoes in the world (Harbach 2018) but, so far, only a handful of them have been a focus of olfactory neuroscience and neurobiology research. Here we discuss mosquito olfactory anatomy and function and connect these to mosquito ecology. We highlight the least well-known and thus most interesting aspects of mosquito olfactory systems and discuss promising future directions. We hope this review will encourage the insect neuroscience community to work more broadly across mosquito species instead of focusing narrowly on the main disease vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Wheelwright
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Catherine R Whittle
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Olena Riabinina
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
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13
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Jové V, Gong Z, Hol FJH, Zhao Z, Sorrells TR, Carroll TS, Prakash M, McBride CS, Vosshall LB. Sensory Discrimination of Blood and Floral Nectar by Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes. Neuron 2020; 108:1163-1180.e12. [PMID: 33049200 PMCID: PMC9831381 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Blood-feeding mosquitoes survive by feeding on nectar for metabolic energy but require a blood meal to develop eggs. Aedes aegypti females must accurately discriminate blood and nectar because each meal promotes mutually exclusive feeding programs with distinct sensory appendages, meal sizes, digestive tract targets, and metabolic fates. We investigated the syringe-like blood-feeding appendage, the stylet, and discovered that sexually dimorphic stylet neurons taste blood. Using pan-neuronal calcium imaging, we found that blood is detected by four functionally distinct stylet neuron classes, each tuned to specific blood components associated with diverse taste qualities. Stylet neurons are insensitive to nectar-specific sugars and respond to glucose only in the presence of additional blood components. The distinction between blood and nectar is therefore encoded in specialized neurons at the very first level of sensory detection in mosquitoes. This innate ability to recognize blood is the basis of vector-borne disease transmission to millions of people worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Jové
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Zhongyan Gong
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Felix J H Hol
- Insect-Virus Interactions Unit, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris, France; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Zhilei Zhao
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Trevor R Sorrells
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Kavli Neural Systems Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Thomas S Carroll
- Bioinformatics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Manu Prakash
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Carolyn S McBride
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Leslie B Vosshall
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Kavli Neural Systems Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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14
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Plasmodium's journey through the Anopheles mosquito: A comprehensive review. Biochimie 2020; 181:176-190. [PMID: 33346039 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The malaria parasite has an extraordinary ability to evade the immune system due to which the development of a malaria vaccine is a challenging task. Extensive research on malarial infection in the human host particularly during the liver stage has resulted in the discovery of potential candidate vaccines including RTS,S/AS01 and R21. However, complete elimination of malaria would require a holistic multi-component approach. In line with this, under the World Health Organization's PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), the research focus has shifted towards the sexual stages of malaria in the mosquito host. Last two decades of scientific research obtained seminal information regarding the sexual/mosquito stages of the malaria. This updated and comprehensive review would provide the basis for consolidated understanding of cellular, biochemical, molecular and immunological aspects of parasite transmission right from the sexual stage commitment in the human host to the sporozoite delivery back into subsequent vertebrate host by the female Anopheles mosquito.
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15
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Diallo S, Shahbaaz M, Torto B, Christoffels A, Masiga D, Getahun MN. Cellular and Molecular Targets of Waterbuck Repellent Blend Odors in Antennae of Glossina fuscipes fuscipes Newstead, 1910. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:137. [PMID: 32581714 PMCID: PMC7283967 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects that transmit many of the world's deadliest animal diseases, for instance trypanosomosis, find their suitable hosts and avoid non-preferred hosts mostly through olfactory cues. The waterbuck repellent blend (WRB) comprising geranylacetone, guaiacol, pentanoic acid, and δ-octalactone derived from waterbuck skin odor is a repellent to some savannah-adapted tsetse flies and reduces trap catches of riverine species. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with detection and coding of the repellent odors remain to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that WRB inhibited blood feeding in both Glossina pallidipes Austen, 1903 and Glossina fuscipes fuscipes Newstead, 1910. Using the DREAM (Deorphanization of Receptors based on Expression Alterations in odorant receptor mRNA levels) technique, combined with ortholog comparison and molecular docking, we predicted the putative odorant receptors (ORs) for the WRB in G. f. fuscipes, a non-model insect. We show that exposure of G. f. fuscipes in vivo to WRB odorant resulted in up- and downregulation of mRNA transcript of several ORs. The WRB component with strong feeding inhibition altered mRNA transcript differently as compared to an attractant odor, showing these two odors of opposing valence already segregate at the cellular and molecular levels. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the predicted ligand-OR binding pockets consisted mostly of hydrophobic residues with a few hydrogen bonds but a stable interaction. Finally, our electrophysiological response showed the olfactory sensory neurons of G. f. fuscipes tuned to the tsetse repellent components in different sensitivity and selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souleymane Diallo
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya.,South African Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mohd Shahbaaz
- South African Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Baldwyn Torto
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Alan Christoffels
- South African Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Daniel Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Merid N Getahun
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
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16
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Emami SN, Hajkazemian M, Mozūraitis R. Can Plasmodium's tricks for enhancing its transmission be turned against the parasite? New hopes for vector control. Pathog Glob Health 2020; 113:325-335. [PMID: 31910740 PMCID: PMC7008238 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2019.1703398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 120 years ago the link between mosquito and the malaria transmission was discovered. However, even today it remains an open question whether the parasite is able to direct the blood-seeking and feeding behavior of its mosquito vector to maximize the probability of transmission. If the parasite has this ability, could it occur only through the alteration of the vertebrate host's volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and/or the parasite alteration of the behavior of the infected vector in a manner that favors its transmission? Although some recent empirical evidence supports the hypothesis regarding the parasite ability in alteration of the vertebrate host's VOCs, the role of parasite alteration and behavioral differences between infected and uninfected female mosquitoes toward infected and uninfected hosts has not yet been considered in the implementation of control measures. This review will discuss the current evidence, which shows 1. Plasmodium can direct uninfected mosquito blood-seeking and feeding behavior via alteration of vertebrate-host odor profiles and production of phagostimulants and 2. Plasmodium also manipulates its vector during the sporogony cycle to increase transmission. Briefly, we also consider the next generation of methods for moving the empirical laboratory evidence to potential application in future integrated malaria control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Noushin Emami
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Melika Hajkazemian
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Raimondas Mozūraitis
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Laboratory of Chemical and Behavioral Ecology, Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Vilnius, Lithuania
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17
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Hill SR, Ghaninia M, Ignell R. Blood Meal Induced Regulation of Gene Expression in the Maxillary Palps, a Chemosensory Organ of the Mosquito Aedes aegypti. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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18
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Lin T, Li C, Liu J, Smith BH, Lei H, Zeng X. Glomerular Organization in the Antennal Lobe of the Oriental Fruit Fly Bactrocera dorsalis. Front Neuroanat 2018; 12:71. [PMID: 30233333 PMCID: PMC6127620 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2018.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis is one of the most destructive pests of horticultural crops in tropical and subtropical Asia. The insect relies heavily on its olfactory system to select suitable hosts for development and reproduction. To understand the neural basis of its odor-driven behaviors, it is fundamental to characterize the anatomy of its olfactory system. In this study, we investigated the anatomical organization of the antennal lobe (AL), the primary olfactory center, in B. dorsalis, and constructed a 3D glomerular atlas of the AL based on synaptic antibody staining combined with computerized 3D reconstruction. To facilitate identification of individual glomeruli, we also applied mass staining of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and projection neurons (PNs). In total, 64 or 65 glomeruli are identifiable in both sexes based on their shape, size, and relative spatial relationship. The overall glomerular volume of two sexes is not statistically different. However, eight glomeruli are sexually dimorphic: four (named AM2, C1, L2, and L3) are larger in males, and four are larger in females (A3, AD1, DM3, and M1). The results from anterograde staining, obtained by applying dye in the antennal lobe, show that three typical medial, media lateral, and lateral antennal-lobe tracts form parallel connections between the antennal lobe and protocerebrum. In addition to these three tracts, we also found a transverse antennal-lobe tract. Based on the retrograde staining of the calyx in the mushroom body, we also characterize the arrangement of roots and cell body clusters linked to the medial antennal-lobe tracts. These data provide a foundation for future studies on the olfactory processing of host odors in B. dorsalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Lin
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaofeng Li
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiali Liu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Brian H. Smith
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Hong Lei
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Xinnian Zeng
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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19
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Das De T, Thomas T, Verma S, Singla D, Chauhan C, Srivastava V, Sharma P, Kumari S, Tevatiya S, Rani J, Hasija Y, Pandey KC, Dixit R. A Synergistic Transcriptional Regulation of Olfactory Genes Drives Blood-Feeding Associated Complex Behavioral Responses in the Mosquito Anopheles culicifacies. Front Physiol 2018; 9:577. [PMID: 29875685 PMCID: PMC5974117 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Decoding the molecular basis of host seeking and blood feeding behavioral evolution/adaptation in the adult female mosquitoes may provide an opportunity to design new molecular strategy to disrupt human-mosquito interactions. Although there is a great progress in the field of mosquito olfaction and chemo-detection, little is known about the sex-specific evolution of the specialized olfactory system of adult female mosquitoes that enables them to drive and manage the complex blood-feeding associated behavioral responses. A comprehensive RNA-Seq analysis of prior and post blood meal olfactory system of An. culicifacies mosquito revealed a minor but unique change in the nature and regulation of key olfactory genes that may play a pivotal role in managing diverse behavioral responses. Based on age-dependent transcriptional profiling, we further demonstrated that adult female mosquito's chemosensory system gradually learned and matured to drive the host-seeking and blood feeding behavior at the age of 5-6 days. A time scale expression analysis of Odorant Binding Proteins (OBPs) unravels unique association with a late evening to midnight peak biting time. Blood meal-induced switching of unique sets of OBP genes and Odorant Receptors (Ors) expression coincides with the change in the innate physiological status of the mosquitoes. Blood meal follows up experiments further provide enough evidence that how a synergistic and concurrent action of OBPs-Ors may drive "prior and post blood meal" associated complex behavioral events. A dominant expression of two sensory appendages proteins (SAP-1 & SAP2) in the legs of An. culicifacies suggests that this mosquito species may draw an extra advantage of having more sensitive appendages than An. stephensi, an urban malarial vector in the Indian subcontinents. Finally, our molecular modeling analysis predicts crucial amino acid residues for future functional characterization of the sensory appendages proteins which may play a central role in regulating multiple behaviors of An. culicifacies mosquito. SIGNIFICANCE Evolution and adaptation of blood feeding behavior not only favored the reproductive success of adult female mosquitoes but also make them important disease-transmitting vectors. An environmental exposure after emergence may favor the broadly tuned olfactory system of mosquitoes to drive complex behavioral responses. But, how these olfactory derived genetic factors manage female specific "pre and post" blood meal associated complex behavioral responses are not well known. Our findings suggest that a synergistic action of olfactory factors may govern an innate to prime learning strategy to facilitate rapid blood meal acquisition and downstream behavioral activities. A species-specific transcriptional profiling and an in-silico analysis predict that "sensory appendages protein" may be a unique target to design disorientation strategy against the mosquito Anopheles culicifacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanwee Das De
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Rohini, India
| | - Tina Thomas
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, India
| | - Sonia Verma
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, India
| | - Deepak Singla
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, India
| | - Charu Chauhan
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, India
| | - Vartika Srivastava
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, India
| | - Punita Sharma
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, India
| | - Seena Kumari
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, India
| | - Sanjay Tevatiya
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, India
| | - Jyoti Rani
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, India
| | - Yasha Hasija
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Rohini, India
| | - Kailash C. Pandey
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, India
- Department of Biochemistry, National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhopal, India
| | - Rajnikant Dixit
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction Studies, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, India
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20
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Haverkamp A, Hansson BS, Knaden M. Combinatorial Codes and Labeled Lines: How Insects Use Olfactory Cues to Find and Judge Food, Mates, and Oviposition Sites in Complex Environments. Front Physiol 2018; 9:49. [PMID: 29449815 PMCID: PMC5799900 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects, including those which provide vital ecosystems services as well as those which are devastating pests or disease vectors, locate their resources mainly based on olfaction. Understanding insect olfaction not only from a neurobiological but also from an ecological perspective is therefore crucial to balance insect control and conservation. However, among all sensory stimuli olfaction is particularly hard to grasp. Our chemical environment is made up of thousands of different compounds, which might again be detected by our nose in multiple ways. Due to this complexity, researchers have only recently begun to explore the chemosensory ecology of model organisms such as Drosophila, linking the tools of chemical ecology to those of neurogenetics. This cross-disciplinary approach has enabled several studies that range from single odors and their ecological relevance, via olfactory receptor genes and neuronal processing, up to the insects' behavior. We learned that the insect olfactory system employs strategies of combinatorial coding to process general odors as well as labeled lines for specific compounds that call for an immediate response. These studies opened new doors to the olfactory world in which insects feed, oviposit, and mate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Haverkamp
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Bill S Hansson
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Markus Knaden
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
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21
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Awuoche EO, Weiss BL, Vigneron A, Mireji PO, Aksoy E, Nyambega B, Attardo GM, Wu Y, O’Neill M, Murilla G, Aksoy S. Molecular characterization of tsetse's proboscis and its response to Trypanosoma congolense infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006057. [PMID: 29155830 PMCID: PMC5695773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) transmit parasitic African trypanosomes (Trypanosoma spp.), including Trypanosoma congolense, which causes animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT). AAT detrimentally affects agricultural activities in sub-Saharan Africa and has negative impacts on the livelihood and nutrient availability for the affected communities. After tsetse ingests an infectious blood meal, T. congolense sequentially colonizes the fly’s gut and proboscis (PB) organs before being transmitted to new mammalian hosts during subsequent feedings. Despite the importance of PB in blood feeding and disease transmission, little is known about its molecular composition, function and response to trypanosome infection. To bridge this gap, we used RNA-seq analysis to determine its molecular characteristics and responses to trypanosome infection. By comparing the PB transcriptome to whole head and midgut transcriptomes, we identified 668 PB-enriched transcripts that encoded proteins associated with muscle tissue, organ development, chemosensation and chitin-cuticle structure development. Moreover, transcripts encoding putative mechanoreceptors that monitor blood flow during tsetse feeding and interact with trypanosomes were also expressed in the PB. Microscopic analysis of the PB revealed cellular structures associated with muscles and cells. Infection with T. congolense resulted in increased and decreased expression of 38 and 88 transcripts, respectively. Twelve of these differentially expressed transcripts were PB-enriched. Among the transcripts induced upon infection were those encoding putative proteins associated with cell division function(s), suggesting enhanced tissue renewal, while those suppressed were associated with metabolic processes, extracellular matrix and ATP-binding as well as immunity. These results suggest that PB is a muscular organ with chemosensory and mechanosensory capabilities. The mechanoreceptors may be point of PB-trypanosomes interactions. T. congolense infection resulted in reduced metabolic and immune capacity of the PB. The molecular knowledge on the composition and putative functions of PB forms the foundation to identify new targets to disrupt tsetse’s ability to feed and parasite transmission. Tsetse flies are economically important insects responsible for transmitting African trypanosomes, which cause debilitating and fatal diseases in humans and animals in sub-Saharan Africa. In the tsetse vector, trypanosomes undergo complex developmental processes in the midgut, culminating with the generation of mammalian infective forms in the salivary glands for Trypanosoma brucei spp. and in the proboscis (PB) for Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma vivax. Molecular studies on tsetse’s PB, and its interactions with trypanosomes, are limited. We used RNA-seq analysis to obtain molecular information on the putative products associated with tsetse’s PB and characterized PB responses to infection with T. congolense. Based on the predicted putative protein profile, the PB appears to be a muscular organ with mechanoreceptors and may have the capacity to sense and respond to chemical cues. Parasite infections of the PB lead to decreased expression of genes whose products are associated with metabolic and immune functions. These data provide insights into tsetse-trypanosome interactions in the PB organ and identify potential candidate targets that can be further explored to develop biotechnological strategies to reduce transmission of trypanosomes by tsetse flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick O. Awuoche
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Kikuyu. Kenya
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Private Bag, Maseno, Kenya
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
- Department of Agriculture, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Meru University of Science and Technology, Meru, Kenya
- * E-mail:
| | - Brian L. Weiss
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Aurélien Vigneron
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Paul O. Mireji
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Kikuyu. Kenya
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research—Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi. Kenya
| | - Emre Aksoy
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Benson Nyambega
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Maseno University, Private Bag, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Geoffrey M. Attardo
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Yineng Wu
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Michelle O’Neill
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Grace Murilla
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Kikuyu. Kenya
| | - Serap Aksoy
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
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22
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Benton R. The neurobiology of gustation in insect disease vectors: progress and potential. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 20:19-27. [PMID: 28602232 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
For insect vectors of human diseases, mealtimes are a key moment of infection. Understanding how and when such species decide on what to feed is both an interesting problem in sensory neurobiology and a source of information for intervention of these behaviors to control spread of infectious agents. Here I review the current knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of gustation in insect disease vectors, covering blood-feeders as well as scavengers that spread pathogens indirectly. I also consider how these behaviors are modulated over short and long timescales, and describe efforts to artificially modulate them. Though a relatively nascent field, gustatory neurobiology in insect vectors has much promise for future fundamental discoveries and practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Benton
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Génopode Building, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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23
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Raji JI, DeGennaro M. Genetic Analysis of Mosquito Detection of Humans. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 20:34-38. [PMID: 28428935 PMCID: PMC5393449 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes detect the presence of humans by integrating chemosensory, thermal, and visual cues. Among these, odors are crucial for mosquito host detection. Insects have evolved a diverse repertoire of receptors to detect their plant and animal hosts. Genetic analysis of these receptors in Drosophila has set the stage for similar studies in mosquitoes. The diversity of the cues involved in mosquito host-seeking has made designing behavioral control strategies a challenge. The sensory receptors that are most important for mosquito detection of humans can now be determined using genome editing. Here, we will review our current understanding of the salient cues that attract mosquitoes, their receptors, and suggest ways forward for novel olfaction-based vector control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua I. Raji
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute & Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL USA
| | - Matthew DeGennaro
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute & Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL USA
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24
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Airs PM, Bartholomay LC. RNA Interference for Mosquito and Mosquito-Borne Disease Control. INSECTS 2017; 8:E4. [PMID: 28067782 PMCID: PMC5371932 DOI: 10.3390/insects8010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool to silence endogenous mosquito and mosquito-borne pathogen genes in vivo. As the number of studies utilizing RNAi in basic research grows, so too does the arsenal of physiological targets that can be developed into products that interrupt mosquito life cycles and behaviors and, thereby, relieve the burden of mosquitoes on human health and well-being. As this technology becomes more viable for use in beneficial and pest insect management in agricultural settings, it is exciting to consider its role in public health entomology. Existing and burgeoning strategies for insecticide delivery could be adapted to function as RNAi trigger delivery systems and thereby expedite transformation of RNAi from the lab to the field for mosquito control. Taken together, development of RNAi-based vector and pathogen management techniques & strategies are within reach. That said, tools for successful RNAi design, studies exploring RNAi in the context of vector control, and studies demonstrating field efficacy of RNAi trigger delivery have yet to be honed and/or developed for mosquito control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Airs
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Lyric C Bartholomay
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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25
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Riabinina O, Task D, Marr E, Lin CC, Alford R, O'Brochta DA, Potter CJ. Organization of olfactory centres in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13010. [PMID: 27694947 PMCID: PMC5063964 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are vectors for multiple infectious human diseases and use a variety of sensory cues (olfactory, temperature, humidity and visual) to locate a human host. A comprehensive understanding of the circuitry underlying sensory signalling in the mosquito brain is lacking. Here we used the Q-system of binary gene expression to develop transgenic lines of Anopheles gambiae in which olfactory receptor neurons expressing the odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) gene are labelled with GFP. These neurons project from the antennae and maxillary palps to the antennal lobe (AL) and from the labella on the proboscis to the suboesophageal zone (SEZ), suggesting integration of olfactory and gustatory signals occurs in this brain region. We present detailed anatomical maps of olfactory innervations in the AL and the SEZ, identifying glomeruli that may respond to human body odours or carbon dioxide. Our results pave the way for anatomical and functional neurogenetic studies of sensory processing in mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Riabinina
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 North Wolfe Street, 434 Rangos Building, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Darya Task
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 North Wolfe Street, 434 Rangos Building, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Elizabeth Marr
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 North Wolfe Street, 434 Rangos Building, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Chun-Chieh Lin
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 North Wolfe Street, 434 Rangos Building, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Robert Alford
- University of Maryland College Park, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
| | - David A O'Brochta
- University of Maryland College Park, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
| | - Christopher J Potter
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 North Wolfe Street, 434 Rangos Building, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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26
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Liu H, Liu T, Xie L, Wang X, Deng Y, Chen CH, James AA, Chen XG. Functional analysis of Orco and odorant receptors in odor recognition in Aedes albopictus. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:363. [PMID: 27350348 PMCID: PMC4924234 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1644-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aedes albopictus is a globally invasive mosquito and a major vector of arboviruses, including dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. Olfactory-related behaviors, particularly host-seeking, offer opportunities to disrupt the disease-transmission process. A better understanding of odorant receptors (ORs) may assist in explaining host selection and location, and contribute to novel strategy of vector control. Methods Based on previous prediction of 158 putative odorant receptors by Ae. albopictus genome analysis, 29 AalORs were selected for tissue-specific expression profiles in the present study. AalOrco (AalOR7), AalOR10 and AalOR88, highly expressed in female olfactory tissues, were chosen for further structure predictions as well as functional validation including calcium imaging assay in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells and RNA interference assay in Ae. albopictus. We also conducted electrophysiological and behavioral assays in mosquitoes after RNA interference of the three genes to determine their roles in host-seeking. Results The results support previous conclusions that individual conventional (ORXs) and Orco can form heteromeric complexes to recognize odorants and respond to components of human volatiles in HEK293 cells. The reduction of AalOrco transcript levels led to a significant decrease in host-seeking and confusion in host preference. In contrast, AalOR10 and AalOR88 knockdown mosquitoes showed no significant behavioral differences compared with controls. The functions of conventional ORs at least AalOR10 and AalOR88 are abolished with inhibited expression of the Orco gene orthologs, along with the concomitant relevant olfactory behavior. Conclusions Combining structural and functional data, we conclude that the product of the Orco gene in this mosquito is crucial for transmitting olfactory signaling and conventional ORs contribute directly to odorant recognition. Our results provide insight into the linkage between odorant receptors and host-seeking in this important vector species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1644-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihua Xie
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhua Deng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Hong Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Anthony A James
- Departments of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 3205 McGaugh Hall, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-3900, USA
| | - Xiao-Guang Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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27
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Identification and tissue expression profile of genes from three chemoreceptor families in an urban pest, Periplaneta americana. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27495. [PMID: 27279336 PMCID: PMC4899716 DOI: 10.1038/srep27495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Periplaneta americana is a notorious urban pest prevalent in human habitats; very little is known about its chemosensory mechanism. Employing the advanced next-generation sequencing technique, in the present study, we conducted transcriptome sequencing and analysis of the antennae of the adult males and females as well as their mouthparts using an Illumina platform. This resulted in the discovery of a huge number of the members of all major known chemosensory receptor families in P. americana, including 96 odorant receptors (ORs), 53 ionotropic receptors (IRs), and 33 gustatory receptors (GRs). Tissue expression profiles showed most of them mainly expressed in antennae and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the expansion in the clade distinguishing them from other functionally well-known Lepidoptera species. A high percentage of chemosensory receptor genes (ORs in particular) showing female antenna bias in mRNA expression was observed. Our results provide a basis for further investigations on how P. americana coordinates its chemosensory receptor genes in chemical communication with environments, and for development of novel pest management approaches.
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28
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Haverkamp A, Yon F, Keesey IW, Mißbach C, Koenig C, Hansson BS, Baldwin IT, Knaden M, Kessler D. Hawkmoths evaluate scenting flowers with the tip of their proboscis. eLife 2016; 5:e15039. [PMID: 27146894 PMCID: PMC4884077 DOI: 10.7554/elife.15039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pollination by insects is essential to many ecosystems. Previously, we have shown that floral scent is important to mediate pollen transfer between plants (Kessler et al., 2015). Yet, the mechanisms by which pollinators evaluate volatiles of single flowers remained unclear. Here, Nicotiana attenuata plants, in which floral volatiles have been genetically silenced and its hawkmoth pollinator, Manduca sexta, were used in semi-natural tent and wind-tunnel assays to explore the function of floral scent. We found that floral scent functions to increase the fitness of individual flowers not only by increasing detectability but also by enhancing the pollinator's foraging efforts. Combining proboscis choice tests with neurophysiological, anatomical and molecular analyses we show that this effect is governed by newly discovered olfactory neurons on the tip of the moth's proboscis. With the tip of their tongue, pollinators assess the advertisement of individual flowers, an ability essential for maintaining this important ecosystem service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Haverkamp
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Felipe Yon
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Ian W Keesey
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Mißbach
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Christopher Koenig
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Bill S Hansson
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Ian T Baldwin
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Markus Knaden
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Danny Kessler
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
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29
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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.
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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.
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30
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Choo YM, Buss GK, Tan K, Leal WS. Multitasking roles of mosquito labrum in oviposition and blood feeding. Front Physiol 2015; 6:306. [PMID: 26578978 PMCID: PMC4625056 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Reception of odorants by two main head appendages, antennae and maxillary palps, is essential for insects' survival and reproduction. There is growing evidence in the literature suggesting that the proboscis is also an olfactory appendage and its function as an additional "antenna" has been previously proposed. We surmised that movements of the labrum toward a blood vessel might be chemically oriented and, if so, there should be odorant receptors expressed in the labrum. To test this hypothesis, we first compared by quantitative PCR expression of odorant receptors (OR) from the Southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus in antennae and proboscis and, subsequently compared OR expression in various proboscis parts. Our data suggested that a receptor for the oviposition attractant, skatole, CquiOR21, was not expressed in proboscis, whereas a receptor for another oviposition attractant, 4EP (4-ethylphenol), CquiOR99, and a receptorf for the insect repellent DEET, CquiOR136, were expressed in the stylet of the proboscis, particularly in the tip of the labrum. In a dual-choice olfactometer, mosquitoes having the stylet coated with nail polish were attracted to 4EP in the same manner as the untreated mosquitoes. By contrast, in an oviposition assay, the stylet-treated mosquitoes did not discriminate 4EP from control oviposition cups, whereas the untreated mosquitoes (as well as mosquitoes having the labella coated) laid significantly more egg rafts in cups treated with 4EP. Ablation experiments confirmed that 4EP was sensed by the labrum where CquiOR99 is highly expressed. Stylet-coated, labella-coated, and untreated mosquitoes laid significantly more egg rafts in skatole-treated cups than in control cups. Likewise, coating of proboscis structures with nail polish had no effect on DEET-mediated oviposition deterrence. In a behavioral arena designed to mimic a human arm, mosquitoes showed significantly reduced probing time when blood was impregnated with 4EP, i.e., they engaged more rapidly in continuous blood feeding as compared to untreated blood. The time of engagement for feeding in skatole-containing blood vs. untreated blood did not differ significantly. Taken together, these data suggest that 4EP reception by the labrum is important not only for oviposition decisions, but also for reducing probing and initiation of blood feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Walter S. Leal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California-DavisDavis, CA, USA
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