Reactive oxygen species-producing genes regulate mosquito midgut bacteria colonization, transcriptomic changes and...

Area of Science:

• Insect immunology
• Microbiome research
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Mosquito midguts utilize Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) for bacterial control and cell regeneration.
• The distinct roles of NOX (NADPH oxidase) and DUOX (Dual Oxidase) enzymes in this process remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate the functional and mechanistic roles of Nox and Duox genes in mosquito midgut immunity.
• To investigate their impact on eliminating Erwinia carotovora 15 (ECC15) and maintaining gut microbiome composition.

Main Methods:

• RNA interference (RNAi) mediated knockdown of Nox and Duox genes.
• Colony-forming unit (CFU) counting and 16S rRNA sequencing for microbiome analysis.
• RNA-sequencing for transcriptomic changes and immunostaining for cell regeneration assessment.

Main Results:

• Nox, but not Duox, is essential for eliminating ECC15 and suppressing rare microbial species.
• Nox influences more gene responses, particularly heat shock protein and AMP pathways, compared to Duox.
• Nox knockdown significantly impairs ECC15-induced cell regeneration, while Duox is linked to metalloexopeptidase activity.

Conclusions:

• Nox and Duox play distinct roles in mosquito midgut defense and homeostasis.
• Nox is critical for pathogen clearance and gut tissue repair, while Duox may have a more specialized role in regulating specific microbial activities.