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Protocol for Dengue Infections in Mosquitoes A. aegypti and Infection Phenotype Determination
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Maltase 1 regulates DENV2 infection and life history in Aedes aegypti

Man-Jin Li1, Jin Cheng1, Ya-Ming Zou1

  • 1The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China.

Insect Science
|July 22, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Maltase 1 (MAL1) is crucial for mosquito sugar metabolism. Knocking out MAL1 in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes significantly suppressed dengue virus (DENV2) replication and altered mosquito development and survival.

Area of Science:

  • Arthropod-borne virus research
  • Molecular entomology
  • Carbohydrate metabolism in insects

Background:

  • Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit critical arboviruses like dengue.
  • Maltase 1 (MAL1) is vital for glucose release from maltose in carbohydrate metabolism.
  • The role of MAL1 in arthropod viral infections remains unstudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of Maltase 1 (MAL1) in Aedes aegypti.
  • To determine MAL1's involvement in regulating arbovirus replication and mosquito life cycle.

Main Methods:

  • CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was employed to create a MAL1 knockout (KO) Aedes aegypti strain.
  • Viral replication, transmission, and mosquito developmental/survival rates were assessed in MAL1 KO mosquitoes post-DENV2 infection.

Main Results:

  • Absence of MAL1 significantly inhibited DENV2 replication and transmission in mosquitoes.
  • MAL1 deficiency reduced mosquito hatching and pupation rates but increased emergence rates.
  • MAL1 knockout extended male mosquito survival while shortening female survival.

Conclusions:

  • Maltase 1 plays a significant role in arbovirus replication and transmission within Aedes aegypti.
  • MAL1 impacts multiple stages of the Aedes aegypti life cycle, including development and survival.
Keywords:
Aedes aegyptiCRISPR/Cas9Dengue virusMaltase 1insect immunity

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