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Published on: April 12, 2017
Molecular investigations of orbivirus/vector interactions
C L Campbell1, M J McNulty, G J Letchworth
1Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Laboratory, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.
Veterinaria Italiana
|April 27, 2010
Summary
Understanding insect-transmitted virus (arbovirus) disease cycles requires studying vector-virus molecular interactions. This study identifies specific gene expression changes in the Culicoides sonorensis biting midge following epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus infection.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Molecular Virology
- Insect Genetics
Background:
- Insect-transmitted viruses (arboviruses) rely on complex interactions with their vector insects.
- Orbivirus gene expression is known to be influenced by variations within insect populations.
- Culicoides sonorensis is a significant vector for orbiviruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify differentially expressed genes in the vector insect Culicoides sonorensis during orbivirus infection.
- To characterize molecular interactions between epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus and its vector.
- To discover novel genes involved in vector competence.
Main Methods:
- Differential gene expression analysis using cDNA isolation and sequencing.
- Gene discovery through expressed sequence tag (EST) analysis.
- Comparison of gene expression profiles at different time points post-infection (1, 2, and 3 days).
- Analysis of gene expression in both midgut and head/salivary gland tissues.
Main Results:
- Identified cDNAs with increased abundance in midguts at two days post-infection with epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus.
- Found cDNAs encoding translational machinery and cellular structural components in infected midguts.
- Discovered differentially expressed genes in salivary glands, including a putative odorant binding protein, at three days post-infection.
Conclusions:
- Specific insect gene expression changes occur in response to orbivirus infection at distinct tissues and time points.
- These identified genes may play roles in viral replication, dissemination, or vector competence.
- Further research into these differentially expressed genes can elucidate arbovirus transmission mechanisms.
