Molecular cloning and functional characterizations of transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1) in Aedes albopictus

Aedes albopictus is a potent vector of major arboviruses that cause serious health burdens and economic losses in worldwide. To facilitate the exploration of potential mosquito repellents, the Ae. albopictus TRPA1 (AalTRPA1) gene was cloned and investigated its molecular characteristics by bioinformatics techniques and the function using electrophysiological and RNAi techniques. In vitro expression and electrophysiological analysis of Xenopus oocytes showed that high temperature and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) could activate the AalTRPA1 channel. After interfering with this gene, Ae. albopictus was insensitive to temperature changes, was more easily hurt and shot down by noxious heat; it was also insensitive to catnip, and the effect of repellent was poor. We firstly identified the molecular characterization of AalTRPA1 subfamily genes and their key role in temperature and irritant perception in Ae. albopictus, and then the AalTRPA1 has the potential to develop a new mosquito repellent target against Ae. albopictus.