Article
Virology
Steven M. Erb, Siritorn Butrapet, John T. Roehrig, Claire Y-H Huang, Carol D. Blair
Summary: Dengue viruses are transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. A study found that adaptive mutations in the virus can increase the infection rate in mosquitoes.
Article
Biology
Jun Isoe, Carter J. Simington, Max E. Oscherwitz, Alyssa J. Peterson, Alberto A. Rascon, Brooke B. Massani, Roger L. Miesfeld, Michael A. Riehle
Summary: This study identified several essential proteins for eggshell formation in Aedes aegypti and characterized their roles through molecular and biochemical approaches. These proteins, along with additional secreted eggshell enzymes, provide potential targets for future mosquito control strategies. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which these proteins regulate eggshell formation and melanization.
Article
Entomology
Fiza Arshad, Arvind Sharma, Charleen Lu, Monika Gulia-Nuss
Summary: RNA-interference (RNAi) is a standard technique for functional genomics in adult mosquitoes, but its application in immature stages has been challenging. This study successfully developed a simple method for RNAi in mosquito pupae by soaking them in water containing dsRNA, without the need for carrier molecules or microinjections. The technique can be used to study gene expression in pupae and potentially identify new targets for mosquito control at early life stages.
Article
Parasitology
Xiaowen Fei, Yang Zhang, Lili Ding, Sha Xiao, Xiaoqing Xie, Yajun Li, Xiaodong Deng
Summary: The study constructed and transformed 3HKT RNAi expression plasmids into Chlamydomonas and Chlorella algae, which were then used to feed Ae. aegypti mosquito larvae. The transgenic Chlamydomonas caused severe damage to the larvae, resulting in mortality rates ranging from 60% to 100%. In large-scale experiments, the survival rate of adult mosquitoes fed with transgenic Chlamydomonas was 0.0%.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara M. A. Cefalo, Teresa Mezza, Andrea Giaccari, Rohit N. Kulkarni
Summary: This study compared four methods for RNA extraction and found that the RNeasy MicroKit + Carrier (Qiagen) method provided the highest yield and purity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emre Aksoy, Alexander S. Raikhel
Summary: The study identified a JH-mediated mechanism involving E75-RD in regulating miRNA gene expression, particularly the positive regulation of miRNAs such as miR-2940. Functional experiments confirmed the significant impact of miR-2940 on follicle development and egg production.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dov Borovsky, Kato Deckers, Anne Catherine Vanhove, Maud Verstraete, Pierre Rouge, Robert G. Shatters, Charles A. Powell
Summary: The research isolated and cloned the TMOF receptor from the gut of female Ae. aegypti, demonstrating its high affinity to TMOF. Experimental results also showed that the receptor is capable of importing TMOF into bacterial cells, revealing its functional role in importing TMOF in mosquitoes.
Article
Entomology
Jameel M. Abduljalil, Fahd M. Abd Al Galil
Summary: Deciphering the molecular interactions between DENV and its vector is a promising field to develop efficient control strategies for DENV.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Teng-Fei Zhou, Ze-Tian Lai, Shuang Liu, Jia-Yong Zhou, Yang Liu, Yang Wu, Ye Xu, Kun Wu, Jin-Bao Gu, Gong Cheng, Xiao-Guang Chen
Summary: The study found that PRVABC59 had higher susceptibility to Aedes spp. mosquitoes than FSS13025, and Ae. aegypti was more susceptible to Zika virus than Ae. albopictus. Specific differential expression profiles correlated with Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus during PRVABC59 infection, and susceptibility was significantly affected when three targeted genes were successfully knocked down.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. McFarlane, M. Laureti, T. Levee, S. Terry, A. Kohl, E. Pondeville
Summary: Gene silencing using RNA interference (RNAi) is a widely used genetic technique to study gene function in various organisms. Efficiency of gene silencing in adult female Aedes aegypti varies greatly depending on the targeted genes, and different efficiencies may be due to gene-specific tissue expression and/or feedback mechanisms. High doses of dsRNA and the use of a transfection reagent can improve knockdown efficiency and reduce variability between replicates.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Daniel Almeida, Gustavo Turecki
Summary: The transcriptome of a cell plays a vital role in the complexity and heterogeneity of cell-types in the mammalian brain. However, using bulk-tissue homogenates makes it difficult to distinguish whether observed differences in gene expression are due to disease or cellular composition. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a strategy that allows for the capture of specific cell-types or regions of interest.
Article
Microbiology
Thayane da Encarnacao Sa-Guimaraes, Tiago Souza Salles, Carlucio Rocha dos Santos, Monica Ferreira Moreira, Wanderley de Souza, Lucio Ayres Caldas
Summary: This study presents a descriptive analysis of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in Aedes aegypti tissues at the 3rd day of infection using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show a higher number of viral particles in gut and ovary tissues, and the ZIKV genome was detected in orally infected female mosquitoes and their eggs. The data obtained suggest that ZIKV can infect the ovary of mosquitoes and be transmitted from mother to a fraction of the progeny.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adeline E. Williams, Gaurav Shrivastava, Apostolos G. Gittis, Sundar Ganesan, Ines Martin-Martin, Paola Carolina Valenzuela Leon, Ken E. Olson, Eric Calvo
Summary: The study investigates the RNA-binding dynamics and subcellular localization of AePiwi4, a Piwi protein in Aedes aegypti involved in antiviral immunity and embryonic development. It was found that the PAZ domain of AePiwi4 can bind to both mature and unmethylated RNAs in a sequence-independent manner. Furthermore, site-directed mutagenesis studies revealed the significant impact of subtle amino acid changes on RNA binding behaviors across PAZ proteins.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Dilip K. Nag, Constentin Dieme, Pascal Lapierre, Erica Lasek-Nesselquist, Laura D. Kramer
Summary: Transmission of pathogens by mosquitoes is linked with their reproductive strategy, as they require blood to develop eggs. Changes in gene expression in mosquito ovaries occur following blood meals, with genes related to odorant, immune response, and detoxification being enriched.
Article
Immunology
Davy Jiolle, Isabelle Moltini-Conclois, Judicael Obame-Nkoghe, Patrick Yangari, Angelique Porciani, Bethsabee Scheid, Pierre Kengne, Diego Ayala, Anna-Bella Failloux, Christophe Paupy
Summary: This study aimed to determine the entomological Zika virus risk associated with Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti in Gabon. The results suggest that the risk is mainly related to virus strains circulating in sub-Saharan Africa, although transmission of non-African strains remains possible. Due to its high infestation indexes and ecological/geographical ranges, the risk is mainly associated with Aedes albopictus, highlighting the need to strengthen vector surveillance and control methods in the region to limit the risk of future outbreaks.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hong You, Johannes U. Mayer, Rebecca L. Johnston, Haran Sivakumaran, Shiwanthi Ranasinghe, Vanessa Rivera, Olga Kondrashova, Lambros T. Koufariotis, Xiaofeng Du, Patrick Driguez, Juliet D. French, Nicola Waddell, Mary G. Duke, Wannaporn Ittiprasert, Victoria H. Mann, Paul J. Brindley, Malcolm K. Jones, Donald P. McManus
Summary: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing has shown great potential for genetic modification of helminth parasites, as demonstrated by successful gene knock-in in Schistosoma mansoni eggs. This study confirmed the utility of CRISPR/Cas9 for functional genomics in schistosomes through combining CRISPR/Cas9 with single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODNs).
Article
Infectious Diseases
Deepani D. Fernando, Simone L. Reynolds, Gunter Hartel, Bernard Cribier, Nicolas Ortonne, Malcolm K. Jones, Katja Fischer
Summary: The study discovers a unique family of mite proteins, SMIPP-Cs, released by scabies mites, which promote the formation of superficial microthrombi in scabies-infected skin. These proteins may play essential roles in the parasitic lifestyle of scabies mites. Further research is needed to evaluate their potential as a diagnostic or therapeutic target.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Hong You, Malcolm K. Jones, Deanne J. Whitworth, Donald P. McManus
Summary: Schistosomes, parasites causing schistosomiasis, have a complex life cycle involving infection of freshwater snails and mammals. Stem cells play a key role in facilitating adaptation to new environments and reproductive processes in different life cycle stages of the parasite. Establishment of stem cell lines in schistosomes may provide valuable resources for studying stem cell biology and developing new intervention strategies for schistosomiasis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tu Nguyen, Nicholas Clark, Malcolm K. Jones, Aaron Herndon, John Mallyon, Ricardo J. Soares Magalhaes, Swaid Abdullah
Summary: The study revealed that perceptions of pet owners towards zoonotic canine parasites vary demographically, with female dog owners, owners with more than 10 years of experience, and those who regularly deworm and report feces disposal showing a higher awareness of the severity of parasitic diseases in their pets. Increased frequency of veterinary clinic visits was also found to enhance the likelihood of owners performing actions related to worm control, fecal disposal, and safe feeding practices.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Geoffrey N. Gobert
Summary: A survey identified cost, ease of use, and preference as primary reasons for not utilizing the e-resource, while students who used the e-resource showed improved academic performance.
BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Geoffrey N. Gobert, Donald P. McManus, Geoff McMullan, Christopher J. Creevey, Jack Carson, Malcolm K. Jones, Sujeevi S. K. Nawaratna, Kosala G. Weerakoon, Hong You
Summary: This study used FISH and microbial profiling techniques to demonstrate for the first time the presence of bacteria on the epithelial surfaces of adult schistosomes, which differ from the host blood and bile. These schistosome surface-associated bacteria are considered an important component of the host-parasite interaction.
Article
Parasitology
Dayana Barker, Samuel Kelava, Renfu Shao, Owen D. Seeman, Malcolm K. Jones, Ryo Nakao, Stephen C. Barker, Dmitry A. Apanaskevich
Summary: This study describes for the first time the female, nymph, larva, and mitochondrial genome of Ixodes barkeri, as well as provides a detailed re-description of the male. The phylogenetic analysis indicates that both I. barkeri and another recently described tick, I. woyliei, are best placed in the subgenus Endopalpiger.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Geoffrey N. Gobert, Louise E. Atkinson, Andrea Lokko, Tippayarat Yoonuan, Orawan Phuphisut, Akkarin Poodeepiyasawat, Nirundorn Homsuwan, Angela Mousley, Poom Adisakwattana
Summary: This study found that helminth infections impact the host's gut and oral microbiota. There were significant differences in the microbial profiles of fecal and saliva samples, with higher alpha diversity observed in saliva samples. Helminth infection influenced the specific taxa of the fecal microbiota but did not affect overall microbial alpha diversity. Conversely, helminth infection was associated with increased alpha diversity in the saliva microbiota. This study provides new insights into the relationship between helminth infections and microbial changes in endemic regions of Thailand.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Xiaofeng Du, Donald P. McManus, Conor E. Fogarty, Malcolm K. Jones, Hong You
Summary: Stem cells in Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm, are maintained by the fibroblast growth factor receptor A (SmFGFRA), which is abundantly distributed in germinal/stem cells as well as in various life stages of the worm. SmFGFRA is involved in the development of the nervous and reproductive system of the worm and plays a role in the interaction between the parasite and the host. It can bind to human fibroblast growth factors and activate the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Inhibiting FGF signaling reduces egg hatching ability and affects the behavior of the hatched larvae. The findings provide insights into the complex life cycle of the worm and suggest that components of the FGF signaling pathway could be potential targets for developing interventions against schistosomiasis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Dayana Barker, Samuel Kelava, Owen D. Seeman, Renfu Shao, James R. Seaniger, Malcolm K. Jones, Maria A. Apanaskevich, Ryo Nakao, Dmitry A. Apanaskevich, Stephen C. Barker
Summary: In this study, we report the rediscovery of Ixodes confusus in Australia and provide a redescribed characterization of its male and female. We also describe the mitochondrial genome of I. confusus and present a phylogenetic analysis of the subgenera of the Ixodes. Additionally, we find a close relationship between Ixodes anatis and marsupial ticks in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Hong You, Malcolm K. Jones, Catherine A. Gordon, Alexa E. Arganda, Pengfei Cai, Harry Al-Wassiti, Colin W. Pouton, Donald P. McManus
Summary: Despite long-term efforts, developing effective vaccines against parasitic infections has been challenging due to the complexity of parasite life cycles and their interactions with hosts. Traditional vaccine platforms have proven unsuitable for many parasitic diseases. A new wave of research using mRNA vaccines is anticipated to advance the prevention of parasitic infections.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Xiaofeng Du, Donald P. McManus, Juliet D. French, Natasha Collinson, Haran Sivakumaran, Skye R. MacGregor, Conor E. Fogarty, Malcolm K. Jones, Hong You
Summary: In this study, CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) was successfully applied to the parasitic helminth Schistosoma mansoni for loss-of-function studies. The repression of the SmfgfrA gene resulted in significant phenotypic differences in the parasites, including decreased levels of SmfgfrA transcription and protein expression, reduced staining of schistosome stem cells, and an increase in cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the repression effect of CRISPRi on SmfgfrA transcription was durable and it played a crucial role in regulating the host immune response during schistosome infection. This research demonstrates the feasibility of using CRISPRi for targeted transcriptional repression in schistosomes and provides a foundation for future gene expression perturbation studies on a genome-wide scale in parasitic helminths.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Oyime P. Aula, Catherine A. Gordon, Malcolm K. Jones, Donald P. McManus
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Oyime Poise Aula, Donald P. McManus, Malcolm K. Jones, Catherine A. Gordon
Summary: Schistosomiasis remains a major issue in Africa, with 800 million people at risk of infection and current control strategies primarily relying on praziquantel treatment. More effective control and elimination strategies are needed to address the disease.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2021)