Dietary L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) augments cuticular melanization in <i>Anopheles</i> mosquitos while reducing their lifespan and malaria parasite burden.

ABSTRACT: L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), a naturally occurring tyrosine derivative, is prevalent in environments that include mosquito habitats, potentially serving as part of their diet. Given its role as a precursor for melanin synthesis we investigate the effect of dietary L-DOPA on mosquito physiology and immunity to Plasmodium falciparum and Cryptococcus neoformans infection. Dietary L-DOPA is incorporated into mosquito melanin via a non-canonical pathway and has a profound transcriptional effect associated with enhanced immunity, increased pigmentation, and reduced lifespan. Increased melanization results in an enhanced capacity to absorb electromagnetic radiation that affects mosquito temperatures. Bacteria in the mosquito microbiome act as sources of dopamine, a substra

SUBMITTER: Camacho E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11956902 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature