Expanding the transgene expression toolbox of the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi

Anopheles stephensi Liston, 1901 (Diptera: culicidae) is a competent vector of Plasmodium falciparum (Haemosporida: plasmodiidae) malaria, and its expansion in the African continent is of concern due to its viability in urban settings and resistance to insecticides. To enhance its genetic tractability, we determined the utility of a ~2 kb An. stephensi lipophorin (lp) promoter fragment in driving transgene expression. Lipophorin genes are involved in lipid transport in insects, and an orthologous promoter in An. gambiae (AGAP001826) was previously demonstrated to successfully express a transgene. In the present study, we qualitatively characterised the expression of a ZsYellow fluorescent marker protein, expressed by An. stephensi lp promoter fragment. Our study indicated that the lp promoter fragment was effective, generating a distinct expression pattern in comparison to the commonly utilised 3xP3 promoter. The lp:ZsYellow fluorescence was largely visible in early instar larvae and appeared more intense in later instar larvae, pupae and adults, becoming especially conspicuous in adult females after a blood meal. Different isolines showed some variation in expression pattern and intensity. Aside from general transgene expression, as the lp promoter produces a suitable fluorescent protein marker expression pattern, it may facilitate genotypic screening and aid the development of more complex genetic biocontrol systems, such as multi-component gene drives. This study represents an expansion of the An. stephensi genetic toolbox, an important endeavour to increase the speed of An. stephensi research and reach public health milestones in combating malaria.