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  1. Article ; Online: Long non-coding RNAs regulate Aedes aegypti vector competence for Zika virus and reproduction.

    Belavilas-Trovas, Alexandros / Tastsoglou, Spyros / Dong, Shengzhang / Kefi, Mary / Tavadia, Mihra / Mathiopoulos, Kostas D / Dimopoulos, George

    PLoS pathogens

    2023  Volume 19, Issue 6, Page(s) e1011440

    Abstract: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical regulatory roles in various cellular and metabolic processes in mosquitoes and all other organisms studied thus far. In particular, their involvement in essential processes such as reproduction makes them ... ...

    Abstract Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical regulatory roles in various cellular and metabolic processes in mosquitoes and all other organisms studied thus far. In particular, their involvement in essential processes such as reproduction makes them potential targets for the development of novel pest control approaches. However, their function in mosquito biology remains largely unexplored. To elucidate the role of lncRNAs in mosquitoes' reproduction and vector competence for arboviruses, we have implemented a computational and experimental pipeline to mine, screen, and characterize lncRNAs related to these two biological processes. Through analysis of publicly available Zika virus (ZIKV) infection-regulated Aedes aegypti transcriptomes, at least six lncRNAs were identified as being significantly upregulated in response to infection in various mosquito tissues. The roles of these ZIKV-regulated lncRNAs (designated Zinc1, Zinc2, Zinc3, Zinc9, Zinc10 and Zinc22), were further investigated by dsRNA-mediated silencing studies. Our results show that silencing of Zinc1, Zinc2, and Zinc22 renders mosquitoes significantly less permissive to ZIKV infection, while silencing of Zinc22 also reduces fecundity, indicating a potential role for Zinc22 in trade-offs between vector competence and reproduction. We also found that silencing of Zinc9 significantly increases fecundity but has no effect on ZIKV infection, suggesting that Zinc9 may be a negative regulator of oviposition. Our work demonstrates that some lncRNAs play host factor roles by facilitating viral infection in mosquitoes. We also show that lncRNAs can influence both mosquito reproduction and permissiveness to virus infection, two biological systems with important roles in mosquito vectorial capacity.
    MeSH term(s) Animals ; Female ; Zika Virus/physiology ; Zika Virus Infection ; Aedes/genetics ; RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics ; RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism ; Mosquito Vectors/genetics ; Reproduction
    Chemical Substances RNA, Long Noncoding
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-06-15
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural ; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
    ZDB-ID 2205412-1
    ISSN 1553-7374 ; 1553-7374
    ISSN (online) 1553-7374
    ISSN 1553-7374
    DOI 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011440
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  2. Article ; Online: ABCH2 transporter mediates deltamethrin uptake and toxicity in the malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii.

    Kefi, Mary / Balabanidou, Vasileia / Sarafoglou, Chara / Charamis, Jason / Lycett, Gareth / Ranson, Hilary / Gouridis, Giorgos / Vontas, John

    PLoS pathogens

    2023  Volume 19, Issue 8, Page(s) e1011226

    Abstract: Contact insecticides are primarily used for the control of Anopheles malaria vectors. These chemicals penetrate mosquito legs and other appendages; the first barriers to reaching their neuronal targets. An ATP-Binding Cassette transporter from the H ... ...

    Abstract Contact insecticides are primarily used for the control of Anopheles malaria vectors. These chemicals penetrate mosquito legs and other appendages; the first barriers to reaching their neuronal targets. An ATP-Binding Cassette transporter from the H family (ABCH2) is highly expressed in Anopheles coluzzii legs, and further induced upon insecticide exposure. RNAi-mediated silencing of the ABCH2 caused a significant increase in deltamethrin mortality compared to control mosquitoes, coincident with a corresponding increase in 14C-deltamethrin penetration. RT-qPCR analysis and immunolocalization revealed ABCH2 to be mainly localized in the legs and head appendages, and more specifically, the apical part of the epidermis, underneath the cuticle. To unravel the molecular mechanism underlying the role of ABCH2 in modulating pyrethroid toxicity, two hypotheses were investigated: An indirect role, based on the orthology with other insect ABCH transporters involved with lipid transport and deposition of CHC lipids in Anopheles legs which may increase cuticle thickness, slowing down the penetration rate of deltamethrin; or the direct pumping of deltamethrin out of the organism. Evaluation of the leg cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) content showed no affect by ABCH2 silencing, indicating this protein is not associated with the transport of leg CHCs. Homology-based modeling suggested that the ABCH2 half-transporter adopts a physiological homodimeric state, in line with its ability to hydrolyze ATP in vitro when expressed on its own in insect cells. Docking analysis revealed a deltamethrin pocket in the homodimeric transporter. Furthermore, deltamethrin-induced ATP hydrolysis in ABCH2-expressing cell membranes, further supports that deltamethrin is indeed an ABCH2 substrate. Overall, our findings pinpoint ABCH2 participating in deltamethrin toxicity regulation.
    MeSH term(s) Animals ; Malaria ; Anopheles/metabolism ; Insecticide Resistance ; Mosquito Vectors/genetics ; Insecticides/pharmacology ; Nitriles/toxicity ; Nitriles/metabolism ; Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism ; Mosquito Control
    Chemical Substances decamethrin (2JTS8R821G) ; Insecticides ; Nitriles ; Adenosine Triphosphate (8L70Q75FXE)
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-08-16
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 2205412-1
    ISSN 1553-7374 ; 1553-7374
    ISSN (online) 1553-7374
    ISSN 1553-7374
    DOI 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011226
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  3. Article ; Online: Insights into unique features of Drosophila CYP4G enzymes.

    Kefi, Mary / Konstantinos, Parasyris / Balabanidou, Vasileia / Sarafoglou, Chara / Tsakireli, Dimitra / Douris, Vassilis / Monastirioti, Maria / Maréchal, Jean-Didier / Feyereisen, René / Vontas, John

    Insect biochemistry and molecular biology

    2023  Volume 164, Page(s) 104041

    Abstract: The cytochrome P450 enzymes of the CYP4G subfamily are some of the most intriguing insect P450s in terms of structure and function. In Drosophila, CYP4G1 is highly expressed in the oenocytes and is the last enzyme in the biosynthesis of cuticular ... ...

    Abstract The cytochrome P450 enzymes of the CYP4G subfamily are some of the most intriguing insect P450s in terms of structure and function. In Drosophila, CYP4G1 is highly expressed in the oenocytes and is the last enzyme in the biosynthesis of cuticular hydrocarbons, while CYP4G15 is expressed in the brain and is of unknown function. Both proteins have a CYP4G-specific and characteristic amino acid sequence insertion corresponding to a loop between the G and H helices whose function is unclear. Here we address these enigmatic structural and functional features of Drosophila CYP4Gs. First, we used reverse genetics to generate D. melanogaster strains in which all or part of the CYP4G-specific loop was removed from CYP4G1. We showed that the full loop was not needed for proper folding of the P450, but it is essential for function, and that just a short stretch of six amino acids is required for the enzyme's ability to make hydrocarbons. Second, we confirmed by immunocytochemistry that CYP4G15 is expressed in the brain and showed that it is specifically associated with the cortex glia cell subtype. We then expressed CYP4G15 ectopically in oenocytes, revealing that it can produce of a blend of hydrocarbons, albeit to quantitatively lower levels resulting in only a partial rescue of CYP4G1 knockdown flies. The CYP4G1 structural variants studied here should facilitate the biochemical characterization of CYP4G enzymes. Our results also raise the question of the putative role of hydrocarbons and their synthesis by cortex glial cells.
    MeSH term(s) Animals ; Drosophila/genetics ; Drosophila/metabolism ; Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; Drosophila melanogaster/metabolism ; Insecta/metabolism ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/genetics ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism ; Hydrocarbons/metabolism ; Drosophila Proteins/genetics ; Drosophila Proteins/metabolism
    Chemical Substances Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System (9035-51-2) ; Hydrocarbons ; Drosophila Proteins
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-11-25
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 1483248-3
    ISSN 1879-0240 ; 0965-1748
    ISSN (online) 1879-0240
    ISSN 0965-1748
    DOI 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.104041
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  4. Article: Two functionally distinct CYP4G genes of Anopheles gambiae contribute to cuticular hydrocarbon biosynthesis

    Kefi, Mary / Balabanidou, Vasileia / Douris, Vassilis / Feyereisen, René / Lycett, Gareth / Vontas, John

    Insect biochemistry and molecular biology. 2019 July, v. 110

    2019  

    Abstract: Cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) biosynthesis is a major pathway of insect physiology. In Drosophila melanogaster the cytochrome P450 CYP4G1 catalyses the insect-specific oxidative decarbonylation step, while in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, two CYP4G ...

    Abstract Cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) biosynthesis is a major pathway of insect physiology. In Drosophila melanogaster the cytochrome P450 CYP4G1 catalyses the insect-specific oxidative decarbonylation step, while in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, two CYP4G paralogues, CYP4G16 and CYP4G17 are present. Analysis of the subcellular localization of CYP4G17 and CYP4G16 in larval and pupal stages revealed that CYP4G16 preserves its PM localization across developmental stages analyzed; however CYPG17 is differentially localized in two distinct types of pupal oenocytes, presumably oenocytes of larval and adult developmental specificity. Western blot analysis showed the presence of two CYP4G17 forms, potentially associated with each oenocyte type. Both An. gambiae CYP4Gs were expressed in D. melanogaster flies in a Cyp4g1 silenced background in order to functionally characterize them in vivo. CYP4G16, CYP4G17 or their combination rescued the lethal phenotype of Cyp4g1-knock down flies, demonstrating that CYP4G17 is also a functional decarbonylase, albeit of somewhat lower efficiency than CYP4G16 in Drosophila. Flies expressing mosquito CYP4G16 and/or CYP4G17 produced similar CHC profiles to ‘wild-type’ flies expressing the endogenous CYP4G1, but they also produce very long-chain dimethyl-branched CHCs not detectable in wild type flies, suggesting that the specificity of the CYP4G enzymes contributes to determine the complexity of the CHC blend. In conclusion, both An. gambiae CYP4G enzymes contribute to the unique Anopheles CHC profile, which has been associated to defense, adult desiccation tolerance, insecticide penetration rate and chemical communication.
    Keywords adults ; Anopheles gambiae ; biosynthesis ; catalytic activity ; chemical communication ; cytochrome P-450 ; Drosophila melanogaster ; drought tolerance ; enzymes ; genes ; insect physiology ; insect vectors ; insecticides ; larvae ; phenotype ; pupae ; Western blotting
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2019-07
    Size p. 52-59.
    Publishing place Elsevier Ltd
    Document type Article
    ZDB-ID 1483248-3
    ISSN 1879-0240 ; 0965-1748
    ISSN (online) 1879-0240
    ISSN 0965-1748
    DOI 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.04.018
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  5. Article ; Online: Two functionally distinct CYP4G genes of Anopheles gambiae contribute to cuticular hydrocarbon biosynthesis.

    Kefi, Mary / Balabanidou, Vasileia / Douris, Vassilis / Lycett, Gareth / Feyereisen, René / Vontas, John

    Insect biochemistry and molecular biology

    2019  Volume 110, Page(s) 52–59

    Abstract: Cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) biosynthesis is a major pathway of insect physiology. In Drosophila melanogaster the cytochrome P450 CYP4G1 catalyses the insect-specific oxidative decarbonylation step, while in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, two CYP4G ...

    Abstract Cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) biosynthesis is a major pathway of insect physiology. In Drosophila melanogaster the cytochrome P450 CYP4G1 catalyses the insect-specific oxidative decarbonylation step, while in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, two CYP4G paralogues, CYP4G16 and CYP4G17 are present. Analysis of the subcellular localization of CYP4G17 and CYP4G16 in larval and pupal stages revealed that CYP4G16 preserves its PM localization across developmental stages analyzed; however CYPG17 is differentially localized in two distinct types of pupal oenocytes, presumably oenocytes of larval and adult developmental specificity. Western blot analysis showed the presence of two CYP4G17 forms, potentially associated with each oenocyte type. Both An. gambiae CYP4Gs were expressed in D. melanogaster flies in a Cyp4g1 silenced background in order to functionally characterize them in vivo. CYP4G16, CYP4G17 or their combination rescued the lethal phenotype of Cyp4g1-knock down flies, demonstrating that CYP4G17 is also a functional decarbonylase, albeit of somewhat lower efficiency than CYP4G16 in Drosophila. Flies expressing mosquito CYP4G16 and/or CYP4G17 produced similar CHC profiles to 'wild-type' flies expressing the endogenous CYP4G1, but they also produce very long-chain dimethyl-branched CHCs not detectable in wild type flies, suggesting that the specificity of the CYP4G enzymes contributes to determine the complexity of the CHC blend. In conclusion, both An. gambiae CYP4G enzymes contribute to the unique Anopheles CHC profile, which has been associated to defense, adult desiccation tolerance, insecticide penetration rate and chemical communication.
    MeSH term(s) Animals ; Anopheles/genetics ; Anopheles/growth & development ; Anopheles/metabolism ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/genetics ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism ; Hydrocarbons/metabolism ; Insect Proteins/genetics ; Insect Proteins/metabolism ; Larva/genetics ; Larva/growth & development ; Larva/metabolism ; Phenotype ; Pupa/genetics ; Pupa/growth & development ; Pupa/metabolism
    Chemical Substances Hydrocarbons ; Insect Proteins ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System (9035-51-2)
    Language English
    Publishing date 2019-04-30
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 1483248-3
    ISSN 1879-0240 ; 0965-1748
    ISSN (online) 1879-0240
    ISSN 0965-1748
    DOI 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.04.018
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  6. Article ; Online: New rapid one-step PCR diagnostic assay for Plasmodium falciparum infective mosquitoes.

    Kefi, Mary / Mavridis, Konstantinos / Simões, Maria L / Dimopoulos, George / Siden-Kiamos, Inga / Vontas, John

    Scientific reports

    2018  Volume 8, Issue 1, Page(s) 1462

    Abstract: An essential component of malaria vector control programmes is the detection of Plasmodium falciparum within its mosquito vectors, particularly in the salivary glands where the infective sporozoites reside. Several protocols have been developed for this ... ...

    Abstract An essential component of malaria vector control programmes is the detection of Plasmodium falciparum within its mosquito vectors, particularly in the salivary glands where the infective sporozoites reside. Several protocols have been developed for this purpose; however they require dissection of mosquito specimens prior to analysis. Here, a novel one-step RT-qPCR TaqMan diagnostic assay was developed for mosquitoes with infective Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites in the salivary glands. It is based on detection of the sporozoite-specific Pfslarp and Pfplp1 gene transcripts. These transcripts were chosen based on bioinformatics analysis, and experimentally verified to be overexpressed in the salivary gland sporozoite stage of the parasite compared to other mosquito parasite stages. The proof of principle and the performance of the assay were demonstrated using RNAlater preserved mosquito samples. Tests of analytical sensitivity showed the novel TaqMan assay to be 100% accurate, although its performance in the field needs to be further demonstrated. This method has no requirement for dissection and post-PCR processing and thus is simple and rapid to perform in individual mosquitoes or mosquito pools. It can be used in single or multiplex formats also targeting additional markers expressed in different tissues, such as detoxification enzymes associated with insecticide resistance.
    MeSH term(s) Animals ; Anopheles/parasitology ; Mosquito Vectors/parasitology ; Pathology, Molecular ; Plasmodium falciparum/genetics ; Plasmodium falciparum/isolation & purification ; Protozoan Proteins/genetics ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Salivary Glands/parasitology ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Sporozoites/genetics ; Sporozoites/isolation & purification
    Chemical Substances Protozoan Proteins
    Language English
    Publishing date 2018-01-23
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 2615211-3
    ISSN 2045-2322 ; 2045-2322
    ISSN (online) 2045-2322
    ISSN 2045-2322
    DOI 10.1038/s41598-018-19780-6
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  7. Article ; Online: Mosquitoes cloak their legs to resist insecticides.

    Balabanidou, Vasileia / Kefi, Mary / Aivaliotis, Michalis / Koidou, Venetia / Girotti, Juan R / Mijailovsky, Sergio J / Juárez, M Patricia / Papadogiorgaki, Eva / Chalepakis, George / Kampouraki, Anastasia / Nikolaou, Christoforos / Ranson, Hilary / Vontas, John

    Proceedings. Biological sciences

    2019  Volume 286, Issue 1907, Page(s) 20191091

    Abstract: Malaria incidence has halved since the year 2000, with 80% of the reduction attributable to the use of insecticides. However, insecticide resistance is now widespread, is rapidly increasing in spectrum and intensity across Africa, and may be contributing ...

    Abstract Malaria incidence has halved since the year 2000, with 80% of the reduction attributable to the use of insecticides. However, insecticide resistance is now widespread, is rapidly increasing in spectrum and intensity across Africa, and may be contributing to the increase of malaria incidence in 2018. The role of detoxification enzymes and target site mutations has been documented in the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae; however, the emergence of striking resistant phenotypes suggests the occurrence of additional mechanisms. By comparing legs, the most relevant insect tissue for insecticide uptake, we show that resistant mosquitoes largely remodel their leg cuticles via enhanced deposition of cuticular proteins and chitin, corroborating a leg-thickening phenotype. Moreover, we show that resistant female mosquitoes seal their leg cuticles with higher total and different relative amounts of cuticular hydrocarbons, compared with susceptible ones. The structural and functional alterations in Anopheles female mosquito legs are associated with a reduced uptake of insecticides, substantially contributing to the resistance phenotype.
    MeSH term(s) Animals ; Anopheles/physiology ; Anopheles/ultrastructure ; Extremities/physiology ; Female ; Insecticide Resistance ; Insecticides/pharmacology ; Lipidomics ; Malaria/transmission ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Mosquito Vectors/physiology ; Mosquito Vectors/ultrastructure ; Proteome ; Proteomics
    Chemical Substances Insecticides ; Proteome
    Language English
    Publishing date 2019-07-17
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 209242-6
    ISSN 1471-2954 ; 0080-4649 ; 0962-8452 ; 0950-1193
    ISSN (online) 1471-2954
    ISSN 0080-4649 ; 0962-8452 ; 0950-1193
    DOI 10.1098/rspb.2019.1091
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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