tRNA expression and modifications as critical components in the biology of blood-feeding arthropods

Alterations to the proteome are necessary for physiological processes in blood-feeding arthropods. To account for this, transfer RNA (tRNA) levels and chemical modifications are utilized for protein synthesis. Here, we discuss an overview of tRNA regulation in blood-feeding systems. This topic expands to host-microbial interactions as tRNA modifications require micronutrients acquired from symbionts and diet. Lastly, modifications are likely involved in the molecular dynamics between vectors and pathogens, which may impact transmission to vertebrate hosts. The tRNA levels and their modifications likely play crucial roles in the tripartite interaction between mosquitoes, their microbiome, and transmissable pathogens, providing a novel target to suppress the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.