Article
Parasitology
Peng-peng Wang, Xuefeng Jiang, Jie Bai, Fan Yang, Xinxin Yu, Yudi Wu, Wenqi Zheng, Yongzhe Zhang, Liwang Cui, Fei Liu, Xiaotong Zhu, Yaming Cao
Summary: This study identified PSOP26 as a surface protein expressed in Plasmodium gametes and ookinetes, and found that it plays a critical role in the zygote-to-ookinete developmental transition. PSOP25 is a promising candidate for TBVs targeting the ookinete stage.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nathanael Saison, Jean-Francois Franetich, Yudi T. Pinilla, Anton Hoffmann, Stravensky T. Boussougou-Sambe, Barclaye Ngossanga, Maurel Tefit, Kutub Ashraf, Nadia Amanzougaghene, Shahin Tajeri, Ayola A. Adegnika, Dominique Mazier, Steffen Borrmann
Summary: The study found that methylene blue has activity against malaria parasite transmission, interfering with the spread of the parasites in both mosquitoes and humans. Methylene blue can block the infection of the parasites in mosquito midgut and human liver.
Article
Immunology
Kathrin Witmer, Farah Aida Dahalan, Tom Metcalf, Arthur M. Talman, Virginia M. Howick, Mara K. N. Lawniczak
Summary: The study using single-cell RNA-seq revealed transcriptional variation in malaria parasite ookinetes in mosquito midguts, showing that while most transcriptional changes are development-driven, there are still candidate genes responding to environmental cues or showing clonal variation in the population. This highlights the importance of single-cell and low-input technologies in understanding clonal variation of parasite populations.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Kazuhiko Nakayama, Yuta Kimura, Yu Kitahara, Akira Soga, Asako Haraguchi, Jun Hakozaki, Makoto Sugiyama, Kodai Kusakisako, Shinya Fukumoto, Hiromi Ikadai
Summary: The knockdown of ookinete surface and oocyst capsule protein (OSCP) in the parasite reduces ookinete motility and the number of oocysts, potentially aiding in the development of a transmission-blocking tool for malaria.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Yudi T. Pinilla, Stravensky T. Boussougou-Sambe, Sarah Graessle, Barclaye Ngossanga, Ange G. Doumba-Ndalembouly, Andrea Weierich, Gedeon Bingoulou, Emma G. Malinga, Daniel Nguiffo-Nguete, Francine Ntoumi, Luc Djogbenou, Saadou Issifou, Charles S. Wondji, Ayola A. Adegnika, Steffen Borrmann
Summary: Our understanding of the clinical burden, biology, and transmission of Plasmodium malariae is currently lacking, but our study showed that isolates from asymptomatic carriers can be used for experimental studies of P. malariae transmission, with higher infection rates in mosquitoes after serum replacement.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Hyeogsun Kwon, Ryan Smith
Summary: This study examines the role of uric acid metabolism in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes following malaria parasite infection. They find that uric acid levels are decreased in infected mosquitoes and demonstrate an increase in the expression of urate oxidase and allatoicase enzymes. Silencing urate oxidase results in elevated uric acid levels and enhances malaria parasite survival. The study suggests that nitrogen metabolism is an essential pathway in defining mosquito vector competence.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria L. Simoes, Yuemei Dong, Godfree Mlambo, George Dimopoulos
Summary: Using CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing, this study reveals that Anopheles gambiae mosquitos can mount melanization-based refractoriness to the human malaria parasite, independent of traditional immune pathways. The study identifies CTL4 as an essential host factor for P. falciparum transmission.
Article
Immunology
Renaud Conde, Erika Hernandez-Torres, Fabiola Claudio-Piedras, Benito Recio-Totoro, Krystal Maya-Maldonado, Victor Cardoso-Jaime, Humberto Lanz-Mendoza
Summary: The study found that heat shock significantly affects the transcription levels of immune response genes in Anopheles mosquitoes and may increase DNA and RNA methylation. Heat shock also increases the mosquitoes' resistance to Plasmodium invasion.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Hyeogsun Kwon, Mubasher Mohammed, Oscar Franzen, Johan Ankarklev, Ryan C. Smith
Summary: This study used single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize mosquito immune cells, revealing a greater complexity in subtypes compared to previous definitions. Functional assays and gene-silencing experiments identified markers for accurately distinguishing immune cell subtypes and provided evidence for immune cell maturation and differentiation. These findings lay a solid foundation for future studies on mosquito immune cell biology and are a valuable resource for comparative invertebrate immunology.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aditi Kulkarni, Ashmita Pandey, Patrick Trainor, Samantha Carlisle, Wanqin Yu, Phanidhar Kukutla, Jiannong Xu
Summary: This study identified a transcriptional axis consisting of Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and Kruppel-like factor 10 (KLF10) that regulates immune responses in mosquitoes. Manipulating AhR activity with agonists or antagonists affected mosquito antibacterial immunity. KLF10 was identified as a target gene of AhR and played a crucial role in immune modulation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carolina Barillas-Mury, Jose M. C. Ribeiro, Jesus G. Valenzuela
Summary: This article reviews recent progress in the understanding of pathogen transmission from human to vector and from vector to host, and highlights new strategies for controlling vector-borne diseases.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Feng Zhu, Hong Zheng, Suilin Chen, Kun Zhang, Xin Qin, Jingru Zhang, Taiping Liu, Yongling Fan, Liting Wang, Xiaoxu Li, Jian Zhang, Wenyue Xu
Summary: A study showed that malaria parasite oocysts evade mosquito immune responses by inducing hemocyte nitration. This finding is important for understanding the immune evasion mechanisms of oocysts and highlights the unknown role of CSP in this process.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Catherine E. Oke, Sarah E. Reece, Petra Schneider
Summary: This study developed a non-destructive assay to quantify sporozoites of two rodent malaria species from sugar-soaked feeding substrates. However, the detection rate of expelled sporozoites was low, likely due to the variable and infrequent nature of sporozoite expulsion. Further investigations into the biological causes underlying the low detection rate are needed.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joseph D. Challenger, Daniela Olivera Mesa, Dari F. Da, R. Serge Yerbanga, Thierry Lefevre, Anna Cohuet, Thomas S. Churcher
Summary: Transmission-blocking vaccines for malaria are being tested and their field efficacy is predicted to be higher than in laboratory conditions. Targeting school-aged children is recommended as it can have a significant impact in reducing malaria cases. Utilizing such vaccines alongside existing interventions could have substantial benefits in malaria control.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tianyang Liu, Fiona Shilliday, Alexander D. Cook, Mohammad Zeeshan, Declan Brady, Rita Tewari, Colin J. Sutherland, Anthony J. Roberts, Carolyn A. Moores
Summary: In this study, the authors investigated the role of Plasmodium kinesin-8B in microtubule motility and depolymerization. They found that kinesin-8B is essential for the formation of male gametes and parasite transmission. The study provides important insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying malaria transmission.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chrysanthi Taxiarchi, Nace Kranjc, Antonios Kriezis, Kyros Kyrou, Federica Bernardini, Steven Russell, Tony Nolan, Andrea Crisanti, Roberto Galizi
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2019)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alekos Simoni, Andrew M. Hammond, Andrea K. Beaghton, Roberto Galizi, Chrysanthi Taxiarchi, Kyros Kyrou, Dario Meacci, Matthew Gribble, Giulia Morselli, Austin Burt, Tony Nolan, Andrea Crisanti
NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chiamaka V. Ukegbu, Maria Giorgalli, Sofia Tapanelli, Luisa D. P. Rona, Amie Jaye, Claudia Wyer, Fiona Angrisano, Andrew M. Blagborough, George K. Christophides, Dina Vlachou
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gianmarco Raddi, Ana Beatriz F. Barletta, Mirjana Efremova, Jose Luis Ramirez, Rafael Cantera, Sarah A. Teichmann, Carolina Barillas-Mury, Oliver Billker
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Roya Elaine Haghighat-Khah, Atashi Sharma, Mariana Reis Wunderlich, Giulia Morselli, Louise Anna Marston, Christopher Bamikole, Ann Hall, Nace Kranjc, Chrysanthi Taxiarchi, Igor Sharakhov, Roberto Galizi
PATHOGENS AND GLOBAL HEALTH
(2020)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
George J. Annas, Chase L. Beisel, Kendell Clement, Andrea Crisanti, Stacy Francis, Marco Galardini, Roberto Galizi, Julian Grunewald, Greta Immobile, Ahmad S. Khalil, Ruth Mueller, Vikram Pattanayak, Karl Petri, Ligi Paul, Luca Pinello, Alekos Simoni, Chrysanthi Taxiarchi, J. Keith Joung
Summary: Gene drives show promise in various fields but also come with potential risks, therefore a code of ethics is essential to ensure balanced analysis and consideration of risks, benefits, and values.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Silvia Grilli, Roberto Galizi, Chrysanthi Taxiarchi
Summary: Recent advancements in genetic and genome editing research, particularly the discovery of new molecular tools like CRISPR, have enabled precise site-specific genome modifications with unprecedented ease, revolutionizing the field of genetic engineering. These technologies have a wide range of applications, including novel methods for vector and pest insect control, with the ability to impose varying levels of impact on targeted populations based on genetic makeup and engineering. The review highlights the molecular mechanisms and performance of recent genetic control innovations, emphasizing the sustainability potentials of such interventions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chrysanthi Taxiarchi, Andrea Beaghton, Nayomi Illansinhage Don, Kyros Kyrou, Matthew Gribble, Dammy Shittu, Scott P. Collins, Chase L. Beisel, Roberto Galizi, Andrea Crisanti
Summary: CRISPR-based gene drives offer a way to reduce pests and vector-borne diseases, but may also have drawbacks. A new method based on the AcrIIA4 protein can halt the spread of gene drives and restore inheritance rates.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Zannatul Ferdous, Silke Fuchs, Volker Behrends, Nikolaos Trasanidis, Robert M. Waterhouse, Dina Vlachou, George K. Christophides
Summary: This study investigates the role of SCD1 in Anopheles mosquitoes and finds that its silencing or inhibition significantly impacts the survival and reproduction of female mosquitoes. The collapse of midgut epithelial cell membranes, depletion of lipid droplets, and failure of oocyte maturation are observed as potential mechanisms behind the mosquito death post-blood feeding. Transcriptional and metabolic profiling further reveal the detrimental metabolic syndrome and potent immune response associated with SCD1 knockdown, highlighting the potential for interventions targeting mosquito bloodmeal metabolism and lipid homeostasis.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jose L. Ramirez, Molly K. Schumacher, Geoff Owerid Currency, Debra E. Palmquist, Steven A. Juliano
Summary: This study found that Wolbachia did not provide protective advantages against entomopathogenic fungal infection, but influenced bacterial/fungal load and the expression of antimicrobial genes. Host responses were similar in Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens, but there were contrasting phenotypes regarding susceptibility and immune responses to fungal infections.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
David Ellis, George P. Avraam, Astrid Hoermann, Claudia A. S. P. Wyer, Yi Xin Ong, George P. Christophides, Nikolai Windbichler
Summary: The study investigates the application of gene drive technology in mosquito population modification. They use self-eliminating drivers and non-autonomous effector traits to safely test and modify vector populations. The results demonstrate that this approach can propagate non-autonomous payload genes while ensuring population control.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Astrid Hoermann, Tibebu Habtewold, Prashanth Selvaraj, Giuseppe Del Corsano, Paolo Capriotti, Maria Grazia Inghilterra, Temesgen M. Kebede, George K. Christophides, Nikolai Windbichler
Summary: Gene drives offer a promising approach for controlling malaria vectors by impeding parasite development in transgenic mosquitoes. By modifying a midgut gene in Anopheles gambiae, researchers were able to secrete antimicrobial peptides and delay oocyst development, reducing the release of infectious sporozoites. Modeling the spread of this modification revealed its potential to break the cycle of disease transmission.
Article
Microbiology
Chiamaka Valerie Ukegbu, Ana Rita Gomes, Maria Giorgalli, Melina Campos, Alexander J. Bailey, Tanguy Rene Balthazar Besson, Oliver Billker, Dina Vlachou, George K. Christophides
Summary: Malaria is a devastating infectious disease, and reverse genetic screens are a powerful tool to study malaria parasite biology. However, the complexity of gene regulation and genotype-phenotype associations in the mosquito vector has hindered the development of screens in this stage. This study developed a genetic approach to identify important genes for mosquito infection and provides valuable insights for studying malaria transmission biology and developing interventions.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2023)