Dr. Osvaldo Marinotti Email address – [email protected] Google Scholar Pubmed ResearchGate ORCID ID |
Mosquito Genomics
The sequenced mosquito genomes present opportunities to improve vector control by revealing new strategies to control pathogen transmission and new gene targets for insecticides and insect repellents. However, a key question to be answered by vector biologists is how to explore this sequenced information in the pursuit of these goals. The analysis of gene expression patterns and the linking of those genes to their biological functions are basic and fundamental steps toward using sequenced data for controlling disease transmission. Our studies utilize DNA microarray platforms and RNA-Seq approaches to identify and characterize genes expressed during the adult life of mosquitoes. Publicly available databases containing analyses of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles darlingi and Anopheles aquasalis genes, categorized by their descriptions, functions and levels of expression have been developed.
Genetic modification of mosquitoes
Present mosquito control methods are not sufficiently effective in preventing disease (Malaria, dengue, filariasis, etc.) transmission. Mosquitoes made resistant to pathogens through genetic engineering are proposed as a basis for developing strategies to control disease transmission. Transgenic approaches that introduce exogenous antipathogen effector genes into mosquito genomes require cis-acting regulatory DNA to control tissue-, stage-, and sex-specific transgene expression. Our efforts are focused in defining cis-acting promoter elements and transcription factors that will provide precise control of transgene expression in mosquitoes. We have created genetically engineered mosquitoes with a reduced capacity to transmit malaria and dengue.
The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an environmentally friendly, species-specific population control method used for
area-wide control of several insect pests. We created transgenic Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi displaying female-specific flightless phenotype. These mosquitoes may be used to reduce mosquito vector populations and consequently help curb the transmission of dengue fever and malaria respectively. The flightless females are sterile, die quickly in the wild, and are expected to reduce mosquito population and consequently dengue transmission.
The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an environmentally friendly, species-specific population control method used for
area-wide control of several insect pests. We created transgenic Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi displaying female-specific flightless phenotype. These mosquitoes may be used to reduce mosquito vector populations and consequently help curb the transmission of dengue fever and malaria respectively. The flightless females are sterile, die quickly in the wild, and are expected to reduce mosquito population and consequently dengue transmission.
Mosquito taxonomySpecies identification of malaria vectors (anopheline mosquitoes), can be problematic because many of them belong to complexes of morphologically similar species. Often these species differ in their ecology, behavior and vectorial importance. The application of DNA-based diagnostics has been proven useful for distinguishing between such species. We sequenced the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) of ribosomal DNA from several species of Anopheles captured in the Amazon Basin and other regions in Brazil. The ITS2 sequence database proved to be a useful tool for species identification and, potentially, to solve taxonomic problems.
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Mosquito olfaction
An effective approach to controlling malaria transmission is to reduce the frequency of the interaction between female mosquitoes and their human hosts. Since the insect chemo-sensory system mediates host localization and feeding behavior, its individual molecular components are targets for insect control methods. Our laboratory investigates the mechanisms of odorant recognition in the malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, and correlates specific odor stimuli with quantifiable physiological and behavioral responses. Data from our and other laboratories demonstrated that Odorant Binding Proteins are critical for the olfactory response in Anopheles gambiae, thus making them a preferred targets for manipulating odor perception and developing novel and efficient mosquito repellents.
An effective approach to controlling malaria transmission is to reduce the frequency of the interaction between female mosquitoes and their human hosts. Since the insect chemo-sensory system mediates host localization and feeding behavior, its individual molecular components are targets for insect control methods. Our laboratory investigates the mechanisms of odorant recognition in the malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, and correlates specific odor stimuli with quantifiable physiological and behavioral responses. Data from our and other laboratories demonstrated that Odorant Binding Proteins are critical for the olfactory response in Anopheles gambiae, thus making them a preferred targets for manipulating odor perception and developing novel and efficient mosquito repellents.
last updated 1/1/2014