Journal of Mosquito Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 135-146 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 140 interplay between mating and blood feeding, directly influences their ability to sustain pathogen development and transmission (Mitchell and Catteruccia, 2017). Environmental factors experienced during the larval stage can also have significant carry-over effects on adult mosquito traits, thereby affecting their vectorial capacity (Moller-Jacobs et al., 2014). The genetic and genomic plasticity of mosquitoes, as evidenced by the dynamic evolutionary profiles of Anopheles species, further contributes to variations in vectorial capacity across different mosquito populations (Neafsey et al., 2014). Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for developing effective strategies to control mosquito-borne diseases. 6 Molecular Tools and Techniques in Studying Mosquito-Pathogen Interactions 6.1 Genomic and transcriptomic approaches Genomic and transcriptomic approaches have significantly advanced our understanding of mosquito-pathogen interactions. These techniques involve sequencing and analyzing the entire genome or transcriptome of mosquitoes to identify genes and pathways involved in pathogen transmission and mosquito biology. For instance, the development of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has enabled precise genome editing in various mosquito species, facilitating the study of gene function and the identification of potential targets for vector control (Dong et al., 2015; Wang et al., 2022). Transcriptomic analyses, on the other hand, provide insights into gene expression changes in response to pathogen infection, helping to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying mosquito-pathogen interactions. 6.2 Proteomics and metabolomics Proteomics and metabolomics are powerful tools for studying the protein and metabolite profiles of mosquitoes, respectively. These approaches can reveal changes in protein expression and metabolic pathways in response to pathogen infection (Hegde et al., 2019), providing a deeper understanding of the molecular interactions between mosquitoes and pathogens. For example, proteomic studies can identify proteins involved in immune responses, while metabolomic analyses can uncover alterations in metabolic pathways that may affect mosquito fitness and pathogen transmission (Torres et al., 2022). Although specific studies on proteomics and metabolomics in mosquito-pathogen interactions were not highlighted in the provided papers, these techniques are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of these interactions. 6.3 Functional genomics and CRISPR-Cas9 applications Functional genomics aims to understand the roles of genes and their interactions within the genome. The CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionized functional genomics by enabling precise and efficient gene editing. This technology has been successfully applied to various mosquito species to study gene function and develop genetic control strategies. For instance, CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to disrupt genes involved in olfactory-driven behaviors in Anopheles sinensis, impairing their ability to locate and discriminate human hosts (Wang et al., 2022). Additionally, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing has been employed to investigate the role of symbiotic bacteria in mosquito biology and pathogen transmission (Macias et al., 2019). The development of transgenic mosquito lines expressing Cas9 in the germline has further improved the efficiency of genome modifications, facilitating high-throughput reverse genetic screens and the development of gene drives for population control (Hammond et al., 2015). These advancements highlight the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in uncovering the molecular mechanisms of mosquito-pathogen interactions and developing innovative vector control strategies. 7 Case Study: Molecular Interactions in Specific Mosquito-Pathogen Systems 7.1 Case study: dengue virus and aedes mosquitoes The interaction between Dengue virus (DENV) andAedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, is a critical area of study due to the significant public health impact of dengue fever. Research has shown that specific interactions between host genotypes and pathogen genotypes (G×G interactions) can be mapped to discrete loci in the mosquito genome, indicating that certain genetic factors in mosquitoes influence their susceptibility to DENV infection. Additionally, the presence of insect-specific viruses, such as Phasi Charoen-like virus (PCLV), in Aedes aegypti can modulate the replication of DENV, although persistent PCLV infections do not significantly impact DENV replication (Fredericks et al., 2019). The bacteriumWolbachia, when introduced into Aedes aegypti, has
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