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Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
Global Transcriptome Analysis of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes in Response to Zika Virus Infection
Kayvan Etebari1, Shivanand Hegde2, Miguel A Saldaña3
1Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract:
Zika virus (ZIKV) of the Flaviviridae family is a recently emerged mosquito-borne virus that has been implicated in the surge of the number of microcephaly instances in South America. The recent rapid spread of the virus led to its declaration as a global health emergency by the World Health Organization. The virus is transmitted mainly by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, which is also the vector of dengue virus; however, little is known about the interactions of the virus with the mosquito vector. In this study, we investigated the transcriptome profiles of whole A. aegypti mosquitoes in response to ZIKV infection at 2, 7, and 14 days postinfection using transcriptome sequencing. Results showed changes in the abundance of a large number of transcripts at each time point following infection, with 18 transcripts commonly changed among the three time points. Gene ontology analysis revealed that most of the altered genes are involved in metabolic processes, cellular processes, and proteolysis. In addition, 486 long intergenic noncoding RNAs that were altered upon ZIKV infection were identified. Further, we found changes of a number of potential mRNA target genes correlating with those of altered host microRNAs. The outcomes provide a basic understanding of A. aegypti responses to ZIKV and help to determine host factors involved in replication or mosquito host antiviral response against the virus. IMPORTANCE Vector-borne viruses pose great risks to human health. Zika virus has recently emerged as a global threat, rapidly expanding its distribution. Understanding the interactions of the virus with mosquito vectors at the molecular level is vital for devising new approaches in inhibiting virus transmission. In this study, we embarked on analyzing the transcriptional response of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to Zika virus infection. Results showed large changes in both coding and long noncoding RNAs. Analysis of these genes showed similarities with other flaviviruses, including dengue virus, which is transmitted by the same mosquito vector. The outcomes provide a global picture of changes in the mosquito vector in response to Zika virus infection.
Insights
Researchers studied how Zika virus (ZIKV) affects the Aedes aegypti mosquito. They found significant changes in mosquito gene activity, including coding and noncoding RNAs, offering insights into virus-vector interactions and potential transmission control.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Entomology
- Genomics
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus linked to microcephaly and declared a global health emergency.
- Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit ZIKV, but molecular interactions between the virus and vector are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transcriptional response of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to Zika virus infection.
- To identify host factors and molecular mechanisms involved in ZIKV replication and the mosquito's antiviral response.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome sequencing of whole Aedes aegypti mosquitoes at 2, 7, and 14 days post-ZIKV infection.
- Gene ontology analysis to identify functions of altered transcripts.
- Identification of long intergenic noncoding RNAs and potential mRNA targets of microRNAs.
Main Results:
- Significant changes in the abundance of numerous transcripts were observed at all time points post-infection.
- 18 transcripts were consistently altered across the three time points.
- Altered genes were primarily involved in metabolic processes, cellular processes, and proteolysis. 486 long intergenic noncoding RNAs were identified.
- Changes in host microRNAs and their potential mRNA targets were observed.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive view of the transcriptional changes in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes following ZIKV infection.
- Findings reveal insights into host-vector interactions and potential antiviral mechanisms.
- Results contribute to understanding flavivirus-vector dynamics, relevant for controlling diseases like Zika and dengue.
