Opening the toolkit for genetic analysis and control of Anopheles mosquito vectors

Abstract

Precise genome editing is broadly applicable to multiple Anopheles species Proof of principle for Anopheles population suppression and modification are successful in laboratory settings

piggyBac‐mediated germline transformation of the malaria mosquito Anopheles sinensis (Diptera: Culicidae)

“…The development of genetic transformation technologies has greatly increased the available options for improving thevvse genetics‐based control methods (O'Brochta & Handler, 2008). Genetic transformation of piggyBac transposable elements, which were originally discovered in the looper moth Trichoplusia ni , has recently been discovered in a range of insect species, including members of Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, and Coleoptera (Handler, 2002; Adolfi & Lycett, 2018). However, the use of transgenic techniques in An.…”

Unraveling mosquito metabolism with mass spectrometry-based metabolomics

“…PK silencing delays several physiological processes and reduces [ 13 C]-metabolite abundance (i.e., G6P, F6P, Pyr, Lac, α-KG, citrate, isocitrate, Ala, Glu, Gln, Pro, and UA) mainly at 6 h after feeding, by decreasing the flux of Glc to glycolysis, PPP, Krebs cycle, and pathways associated with ammonia detoxification [38] (Figure 3). The application of metabolomics with cutting-edge genome-editing technologies [39] can further facilitate the discovery of metabolic interactions and regulators that control multiple metabolic pathways in mosquitoes. Intermediate metabolism has been also investigated in Anopheles stephensi females.…”

Mosquito metallomics reveal copper and iron as critical factors for Plasmodium infection

“…Malaria remains a deadly disease, which is best combatted by controlling mosquito populations [61,62]. A variety of approaches are currently being undertaken with this goal [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. We propose that metal chelators offer an additional tool that is worth considering in vector-borne disease control programs and potentially also in the control or monitoring of fruit flies of economic impotance [80].…”

“…The role of mosquitoes as vectors of different diseases has long been recognized [ 1 ]. Many strategies have been applied for vector control [ 2 ], with recent additions including genetic strategies [ 3 , 4 ], manipulation of the Wolbachia endosymbiont [ 5 ], and proposals to influence mosquito behavior [ 6 ]. A thorough characterization of the physiological interactions between viruses or parasites and their insect hosts could further inform the design of interventions to interrupt infections in affected areas [ 7 , 8 ].…”