scholarly journals Mating-regulated atrial proteases control reinsemination rates in Anopheles gambiae females

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscila Bascuñán ◽  
Paolo Gabrieli ◽  
Enzo Mameli ◽  
Flaminia Catteruccia
Keyword(s):  
Anopheles Gambiae ◽  
Serine Proteases ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Steroid Hormone ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Mating Plug ◽  
Microscopy Analysis ◽  
Mating Biology

AbstractAnopheles gambiae mosquitoes are the most important vectors of human malaria. The reproductive success of these mosquitoes relies on a single copulation event after which the majority of females become permanently refractory to further mating. This refractory behavior is at least partially mediated by the male-synthetized steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), which is packaged together with other seminal secretions into a gelatinous mating plug and transferred to the female atrium during mating. In this study, we show that two 20E-regulated chymotrypsin-like serine proteases specifically expressed in the reproductive tract of An. gambiae females play an important role in modulating the female susceptibility to mating. Silencing these proteases by RNA interference impairs correct plug processing and slows down the release of the steroid hormone 20E from the mating plug. In turn, depleting one of these proteases, the Mating Regulated Atrial Protease 1 (MatRAP1), reduces female refractoriness to further copulation, so that a significant proportion of females mate again. Microscopy analysis reveals that MatRAP1 is localized on a previously undetected peritrophic matrix-like structure surrounding the mating plug. These data provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms shaping the post-mating biology of these important malaria vectors.

scholarly journals Molecular evolution of a gene cluster of serine proteases expressed in the Anopheles gambiae female reproductive tract

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emiliano Mancini ◽  
Federica Tammaro ◽  
Francesco Baldini ◽  
Allegra Via ◽  
Domenico Raimondo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Evolution ◽  
Anopheles Gambiae ◽  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Serine Proteases ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Gambiae Female

scholarly journals The Krüppel-like factors in female reproductive system pathologies

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. R89-R101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosalia C M Simmen ◽  
Melissa E Heard ◽  
Angela M Simmen ◽  
Maria Theresa M Montales ◽  
Meera Marji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Receptors ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Steroid Hormone ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Nuclear Proteins ◽  
Female Reproductive System ◽  
Binding Partners ◽  
Regulatory Circuits ◽  
Estrogen And Progesterone Receptor

Female reproductive tract pathologies arise largely from dysregulation of estrogen and progesterone receptor signaling, leading to aberrant cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. The signaling pathways orchestrated by these nuclear receptors are complex, require the participation of many nuclear proteins serving as key binding partners or targets, and involve a range of paracrine and autocrine regulatory circuits. The members of the Krüppel-like factor (KLF) family of transcription factors are ubiquitously expressed in reproductive tissues and have been increasingly implicated as critical co-regulators and integrators of steroid hormone actions. Herein, we explore the involvement of KLF family members in uterine pathology, describe their currently known molecular mechanisms, and discuss their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention.

scholarly journals Insecticide resistance status of malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) of southwest Burkina Faso and residual efficacy of indoor residual spraying with microencapsulated pirimiphos-methyl insecticide

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieudonné Diloma Soma ◽  
Barnabas Zogo ◽  
Domonbabele François de Sales Hien ◽  
Aristide Sawdetuo Hien ◽  
Didier Alexandre Kaboré ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insecticide Resistance ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Anopheles Gambiae ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Residual Activity ◽  
Indoor Residual Spraying ◽  
Susceptible Strain ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Pirimiphos Methyl ◽  
Residual Efficacy

Abstract Background The rapid spread of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors and the rebound in malaria cases observed recently in some endemic areas underscore the urgent need to evaluate and deploy new effective control interventions. A randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted with the aim to investigate the benefit of deploying complementary strategies, including indoor residual spraying (IRS) with pirimiphos-methyl in addition to long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in Diébougou, southwest Burkina Faso. Methods We measured the susceptibility of the Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) population from Diébougou to conventional insecticides. We further monitored the efficacy and residual activity of pirimiphos-methyl on both cement and mud walls using a laboratory susceptible strain (Kisumu) and the local An. gambiae (s.l.) population. Results An. gambiae (s.l.) from Diébougou was resistant to DDT, pyrethroids (deltamethrin, permethrin and alphacypermethrin) and bendiocarb but showed susceptibility to organophosphates (pirimiphos-methyl and chlorpyrimiphos-methyl). A mixed-effect generalized linear model predicted that pirimiphos-methyl applied on cement or mud walls was effective for 210 days against the laboratory susceptible strain and 247 days against the local population. The residual efficacy of pirimiphos-methyl against the local population on walls made of mud was similar to that of cement (OR = 0.792, [0.55–1.12], Tukey’s test p-value = 0.19). Conclusions If data on malaria transmission and malaria cases (as measured trough the RCT) are consistent with data on residual activity of pirimiphos-methyl regardless of the type of wall, one round of IRS with pirimiphos-methyl would have the potential to control malaria in a context of multi-resistant An. gambiae (s.l.) for at least 7 months.

scholarly journals Anopheles gambiae Genome Conservation as a Resource for Rational Gene Drive Target Site Selection

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
Nace Kranjc ◽  
Andrea Crisanti ◽  
Tony Nolan ◽  
Federica Bernardini
Keyword(s):  
Anopheles Gambiae ◽  
Data Storage ◽  
Genomic Variation ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Anopheles Coluzzii ◽  
Structural Constraints ◽  
Gene Drive ◽  
Genetic Traits ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Insight Into

The increase in molecular tools for the genetic engineering of insect pests and disease vectors, such as Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria, has led to an unprecedented investigation of the genomic landscape of these organisms. The understanding of genome variability in wild mosquito populations is of primary importance for vector control strategies. This is particularly the case for gene drive systems, which look to introduce genetic traits into a population by targeting specific genomic regions. Gene drive targets with functional or structural constraints are highly desirable as they are less likely to tolerate mutations that prevent targeting by the gene drive and consequent failure of the technology. In this study we describe a bioinformatic pipeline that allows the analysis of whole genome data for the identification of highly conserved regions that can point at potential functional or structural constraints. The analysis was conducted across the genomes of 22 insect species separated by more than hundred million years of evolution and includes the observed genomic variation within field caught samples of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii, the two most dominant malaria vectors. This study offers insight into the level of conservation at a genome-wide scale as well as at per base-pair resolution. The results of this analysis are gathered in a data storage system that allows for flexible extraction and bioinformatic manipulation. Furthermore, it represents a valuable resource that could provide insight into population structure and dynamics of the species in the complex and benefit the development and implementation of genetic strategies to tackle malaria.

scholarly journals The regulatory genome of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae: integrating chromatin accessibility and gene expression

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
José L Ruiz ◽  
Lisa C Ranford-Cartwright ◽  
Elena Gómez-Díaz
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Transcriptional Regulation ◽  
Anopheles Gambiae ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Chromatin Accessibility ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Mosquito Vector ◽  
Human Malaria

Abstract Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes are primary human malaria vectors, but we know very little about their mechanisms of transcriptional regulation. We profiled chromatin accessibility by the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin by sequencing (ATAC-seq) in laboratory-reared A. gambiae mosquitoes experimentally infected with the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. By integrating ATAC-seq, RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data, we showed a positive correlation between accessibility at promoters and introns, gene expression and active histone marks. By comparing expression and chromatin structure patterns in different tissues, we were able to infer cis-regulatory elements controlling tissue-specific gene expression and to predict the in vivo binding sites of relevant transcription factors. The ATAC-seq assay also allowed the precise mapping of active regulatory regions, including novel transcription start sites and enhancers that were annotated to mosquito immune-related genes. Not only is this study important for advancing our understanding of mechanisms of transcriptional regulation in the mosquito vector of human malaria, but the information we produced also has great potential for developing new mosquito-control and anti-malaria strategies.

scholarly journals Human biting rhythm of Anopheles gambiae Giles, 1902 (Diptera: Culicidae) and sleeping behaviour of pregnant women in a lagoon area in Southern Benin

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Armel Djènontin ◽  
Aziz Bouraima ◽  
Christophe Soares ◽  
Seun Egbinola ◽  
Gilles Cottrell
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Anopheles Gambiae ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Allelic Frequency ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Mosquito Nets ◽  
Anopheles Gambiae Giles ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Southern Benin

Abstract Objective In the framework of EVALMOUS study aiming to assess the use and effectiveness of mosquito nets by pregnant women and other members of their household in a lagoon area in southern Benin, the behaviour of pregnant women relative to the time they go to bed using the net were recorded. Malaria vectors biting rhythm, Plasmodium falciparum infection and insecticide resistance genes in malaria vectors were also determined. Results Overall, 3848 females of Anopheles gambiae s. l were collected and 280 pregnant women responded to the survey. Almost all Anopheles gambiae s. l. tested were Anopheles coluzzi Coetzee and Wilkerson 2013 (Diptera: Culicidae). The CSP index in malaria vector was 1.85% and the allelic frequency of kdr gene was 74.4%. Around 90% of bites and Plasmodium falciparum Welch, 1897 (Haemosporida: Plasmodiidae) transmission occurred between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., which coincides with the period when more than 80% of pregnant women were under bednet. Despite a slight early evening and early morning biting activity of malaria vectors in the study area, the good use of nets might remain a useful protection tool against mosquito biting and malaria transmission.

scholarly journals Cell signalling by reactive lipid species: new concepts and molecular mechanisms

2012 ◽  
Vol 442 (3) ◽  
pp. 453-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashlee Higdon ◽  
Anne R. Diers ◽  
Joo Yeun Oh ◽  
Aimee Landar ◽  
Victor M. Darley-Usmar
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Redox Regulation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Chemical Reactivity ◽  
Cell Signalling ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Covalent Modification ◽  
Lipid Species ◽  
Electrophilic Stress ◽  
Cellular Antioxidants

The process of lipid peroxidation is widespread in biology and is mediated through both enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways. A significant proportion of the oxidized lipid products are electrophilic in nature, the RLS (reactive lipid species), and react with cellular nucleophiles such as the amino acids cysteine, lysine and histidine. Cell signalling by electrophiles appears to be limited to the modification of cysteine residues in proteins, whereas non-specific toxic effects involve modification of other nucleophiles. RLS have been found to participate in several physiological pathways including resolution of inflammation, cell death and induction of cellular antioxidants through the modification of specific signalling proteins. The covalent modification of proteins endows some unique features to this signalling mechanism which we have termed the ‘covalent advantage’. For example, covalent modification of signalling proteins allows for the accumulation of a signal over time. The activation of cell signalling pathways by electrophiles is hierarchical and depends on a complex interaction of factors such as the intrinsic chemical reactivity of the electrophile, the intracellular domain to which it is exposed and steric factors. This introduces the concept of electrophilic signalling domains in which the production of the lipid electrophile is in close proximity to the thiol-containing signalling protein. In addition, we propose that the role of glutathione and associated enzymes is to insulate the signalling domain from uncontrolled electrophilic stress. The persistence of the signal is in turn regulated by the proteasomal pathway which may itself be subject to redox regulation by RLS. Cell death mediated by RLS is associated with bioenergetic dysfunction, and the damaged proteins are probably removed by the lysosome-autophagy pathway.

scholarly journals Type II transmembrane serine proteases as potential targets for cancer therapy

2016 ◽  
Vol 397 (9) ◽  
pp. 815-826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew S. Murray ◽  
Fausto A. Varela ◽  
Karin List
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Serine Proteases ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Inflammatory Cells ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Neoplastic Progression ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Proinflammatory Mediators ◽  
Transmembrane Serine Protease

Abstract Carcinogenesis is accompanied by increased protein and activity levels of extracellular cell-surface proteases that are capable of modifying the tumor microenvironment by directly cleaving the extracellular matrix, as well as activating growth factors and proinflammatory mediators involved in proliferation and invasion of cancer cells, and recruitment of inflammatory cells. These complex processes ultimately potentiate neoplastic progression leading to local tumor cell invasion, entry into the vasculature, and metastasis to distal sites. Several members of the type II transmembrane serine protease (TTSP) family have been shown to play critical roles in cancer progression. In this review the knowledge collected over the past two decades about the molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-cancerous properties of selected TTSPs will be summarized. Furthermore, we will discuss how these insights may facilitate the translation into clinical settings in the future by specifically targeting TTSPs as part of novel cancer treatment regimens.

Exposure of Gambian children to Anopheles gambiae malaria vectors in an irrigated rice production area

1995 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. W. LINDSAY ◽  
J. R. M. ARMSTRONG SCHELLENBERG ◽  
H. A. ZEILER ◽  
R. J. DALY ◽  
F. M. SALUM ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anopheles Gambiae ◽  
Rice Production ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Irrigated Rice ◽  
Production Area

scholarly journals quick-to-court, a Drosophila Mutant With Elevated Levels of Sexual Behavior, Is Defective in a Predicted Coiled-Coil Protein

Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 154 (4) ◽  
pp. 1627-1637
Author(s):  
Peter Gaines ◽  
Laurie Tompkins ◽  
Craig T Woodard ◽  
John R Carlson
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Coiled Coil ◽  
Virgin Female ◽  
Male Courtship ◽  
Male Reproductive Tract ◽  
New Gene ◽  
Olfactory Organs ◽  
Drosophila Mutant

Abstract Remarkably little is known about the molecular mechanisms that drive sexual behavior. We have identified a new gene, quick-to-court (qtc), whose mutations cause males to show high levels of male-male courtship. qtc males also show a novel phenotype: when placed in the presence of a virgin female, they begin courtship abnormally quickly. qtc mutations are striking in their specificity, in that many aspects of male sexual behavior are normal. We have cloned the qtc gene and found that it encodes a predicted coiled-coil protein and is expressed in the olfactory organs, central nervous system, and male reproductive tract.

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