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Published on: March 25, 2015
miR-11903a modulates CLIPB9-mediated pathogen defense and longevity in Aedes aegypti
Yan-Hui Liu1,2, Ya-Nan Yin1,2, Ling-Ling Yu1,2
1Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan Province Key Laboratory of One Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
Abstract:
Arthropod melanization is a crucial defense mechanism mediated by a complex cascade of CLIP domain serine proteases (CLIPs). In this study, it was confirmed that microRNA-11903a (miR-11903a) targets Aedes-CLIPB9 (AeCLIPB9) by bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Following intrathoracic injection of miR-11903a agomir and antagomir, Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed that AeCLIPB9 is negatively regulated by miR-11903a. Spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed that miR-11903a is most abundant in 4th instar larvae, followed by pupae and adults, and highly expressed in the wings, head, and midgut of female adults. Following pathogen infection, AeCLIPB9 and miR-11903a exhibited opposite expression trends, indicating their potential roles in mosquito innate immunity. To further investigate the relationship between AeCLIPB9 and miR-11903a, double-strand CLIPB9 was synthesized and RNA interference was performed. Seven-d survival assays revealed that both AeCLIPB9 and miR-11903a were crucial immune factors in fighting pathogens. Finally, longevity assays demonstrated that miR-11903a influenced mosquito lifespan.
Insights
MicroRNA-11903a (miR-11903a) regulates Aedes-CLIPB9 (AeCLIPB9), a key factor in mosquito immunity and lifespan. This study reveals their opposing expression during infection and their critical roles in fighting pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Mosquito innate immunity
- Molecular mechanisms of arthropod defense
- Gene regulation in insects
Background:
- Arthropod melanization is a vital defense against pathogens, involving CLIP domain serine proteases (CLIPs).
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression, impacting various biological processes including immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulatory relationship between microRNA-11903a (miR-11903a) and Aedes-CLIPB9 (AeCLIPB9) in mosquitoes.
- To elucidate the roles of miR-11903a and AeCLIPB9 in mosquito innate immunity and lifespan.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assays to confirm miR-11903a targeting of AeCLIPB9.
- Quantitative PCR to analyze gene expression changes following agomir/antagomir treatment and pathogen infection.
- RNA interference and survival/longevity assays to assess functional roles.
Main Results:
- miR-11903a was confirmed to target and negatively regulate AeCLIPB9 expression.
- Opposite expression trends of miR-11903a and AeCLIPB9 were observed upon pathogen infection.
- Both miR-11903a and AeCLIPB9 were found to be essential for combating pathogens and influenced mosquito lifespan.
Conclusions:
- miR-11903a plays a significant role in regulating AeCLIPB9, contributing to mosquito innate immunity.
- The miR-11903a/AeCLIPB9 axis is crucial for pathogen defense and impacts mosquito longevity.
