Abundances of transfer RNA modifications and transcriptional levels for tRNA-modifying enzymes are sex-specific in mosquitoes

Abstract

As carriers of multiple human diseases, understanding the mechanisms behind mosquito reproduction may have implications for remediation strategies. Transfer RNA (tRNA) acts as the adapter molecule of amino acids and are key components in protein synthesis and a critical factor in the function of tRNAs is chemical modifications. Here, we provide an assessment of tRNA modifications between sexes for three mosquito species and examine correlated transcript levels underlying key proteins involved in tRNA modification. Thirty-three tRNA modifications were detected among mosquito species and most of these modifications are higher in females compared to males. Analysis of previous male and female RNAseq datasets indicated a similar increase in tRNA modifying enzymes in females, supporting our observed female enrichment of tRNA modifications. Tissues-specific expressional studies revealed high transcript levels for tRNA modifying enzymes in the ovaries for Aedes aegypti, but not male reproductive tissues. These studies suggest that tRNA modifications may be critical to reproduction in mosquitoes, representing a potential novel target for control.

Live-bearing cockroach genome reveals convergent evolutionary mechanisms linked to viviparity in insects and beyond

“…Transcripts per million (TPM) was determined using Sailfish. 119 The expressional changes were compared with the weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). In specific, orthologs that were identified through the use of Orthofinder 100 between Diploptera and Glossina sp.…”

Live-bearing cockroach genome reveals convergent evolutionary mechanisms linked to viviparity in insects and beyond

“…To assess if transcriptional changes are similar 712 between viviparous insects, previously available RNA-seq data sets In specific, this allowed comparison between males, non-pregnant females, early pregnancy, and late pregnancy. Transcripts per million (TPM) was determined using Sailfish (79). The expressional changes were compared with the weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA).…”