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Transcriptomic and small RNA response to Mayaro virus infection in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes
Cory Henderson1,2, Marco Brustolin3, Shivanand Hegde4
1Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
Abstract:
Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an arboviral pathogen in the genus Alphavirus that is circulating in South America with potential to spread to naïve regions. MAYV is also one of the few viruses with the ability to be transmitted by mosquitoes in the genus Anopheles, as well as the typical arboviral transmitting mosquitoes in the genus Aedes. Few studies have investigated the infection response of Anopheles mosquitoes. In this study we detail the transcriptomic and small RNA responses of An. stephensi to infection with MAYV via infectious bloodmeal at 2, 7, and 14 days post infection (dpi). 487 unique transcripts were significantly regulated, 78 putative novel miRNAs were identified, and an siRNA response is observed targeting the MAYV genome. Gene ontology analysis of transcripts regulated at each timepoint shows a number of proteases regulated at 2 and 7 dpi, potentially representative of Toll or melanization pathway activation, and repression of pathways related to autophagy and apoptosis at 14 dpi. These findings provide a basic understanding of the infection response of An. stephensi to MAYV and help to identify host factors which might be useful to target to inhibit viral replication in Anopheles mosquitoes.
Insights
Mayaro virus (MAYV) infection triggers significant transcriptomic changes in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. This study identifies novel microRNAs and an siRNA response, offering targets to inhibit arbovirus replication in mosquitoes.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Entomology
- Genomics
Background:
- Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an Alphavirus spreading in South America.
- MAYV is transmitted by Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes.
- Anopheles mosquito responses to arboviruses are understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transcriptomic and small RNA response of Anopheles stephensi to MAYV infection.
- To identify host factors and pathways involved in MAYV infection in mosquitoes.
- To explore potential targets for inhibiting MAYV replication in Anopheles.
Main Methods:
- Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes were infected with MAYV via an infectious bloodmeal.
- Transcriptomic and small RNA sequencing were performed at 2, 7, and 14 days post-infection.
- Gene ontology analysis was used to interpret differential gene expression.
Main Results:
- 487 unique transcripts were significantly regulated in response to MAYV infection.
- 78 putative novel microRNAs (miRNAs) were identified.
- An siRNA response targeting the MAYV genome was observed, alongside protease regulation and repression of autophagy/apoptosis pathways.
Conclusions:
- MAYV infection induces a complex host response in Anopheles stephensi.
- The identified miRNAs, siRNAs, and regulated pathways provide insights into mosquito antiviral defense.
- These findings highlight potential targets for controlling arbovirus transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes.
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