Dataset Information

Neurogenetic identification of mosquito sensory neurons.

ABSTRACT: Anopheles mosquitoes, as vectors for the malaria parasite, are a global threat to human health. To find and bite a human, they utilize neurons within their sensory appendages. However, the identity and quantification of sensory appendage neurons are lacking. Here we use a neurogenetic approach to label all neurons in Anopheles coluzzii mosquitoes. We utilize the homology assisted CRISPR knock-in (HACK) approach to generate a T2A-QF2^w knock-in of the synaptic gene bruchpilot. We use a membrane-targeted GFP reporter to visualize the neurons in the brain and to quantify neurons in all major chemosensory appendages (antenna, maxillary palp, labella, tarsi, and ovipositor). By comparing labeling of brp>GFP and Orco>GFP mosquitoes, we predict the extent of neurons expressing ionotropic receptors (IRs) or other chemosensory receptors. This work introduces a valuable genetic tool for the functional analysis of Anopheles mosquito neurobiology and initiates characterization of the sensory neurons that guide mosquito behavior.

SUBMITTER: Konopka JK

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10172775 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Neurogenetic identification of mosquito sensory neurons.

Konopka Joanna K JK Task Darya D Poinapen Danny D Potter Christopher J CJ

iScience 20230418 5

Anopheles mosquitoes, as vectors for the malaria parasite, are a global threat to human health. To find and bite a human, they utilize neurons within their sensory appendages. However, the identity and quantification of sensory appendage neurons are lacking. Here we use a neurogenetic approach to label all neurons in Anopheles coluzzii mosquitoes. We utilize the homology assisted CRISPR knock-in (HACK) approach to generate a T2A-QF2w knock-in of the synapti ...[more]

PMID: 37182106

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Neurogenetic identification of mosquito sensory neurons.

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Neurogenetic identification of mosquito sensory neurons.

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