Elucidating female-specific differentiation genes in the mosquito, Aedes aegypti
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Date
2023-08-03
Authors
Heschuk, Daniel
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Abstract
Insects account for the vast majority of sexually reproducing animals described and
demonstrate significant diversity and complexity in sex-developmental pathways. While only a
small number of insect species have had sex-development pathways characterized, orthologues
of the master regulator of sex-differentiation, Doublesex (Dsx), have been identified in all insects
studied. Using alternative splicing to produce distinct, functional male-specific and femalespecific
isoforms, Dsx guides differential gene expression patterns through its activity as a
transcription factor. Notably, while male and female specific isoforms contain identical DNAbinding
domains, it is expected that sex-specific differences in gene expression are the result of
different binding partners at the isoform specific oligomerization domains.
The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphisms,
largely due to the females’ specific need to obtain blood meals. Because of these distinct
dimorphic features and its threat to human health, research into Ae. aegypti sex development is
of interest to developmental biologists and in the context of public health. Despite numerous
studies on Ae. aegypti sex development, little is known about the isoform-specific binding
partners of AaeDsx. Using protein pulldown and mass spectrometry techniques, this project
examined the distinct binding partners of the two female-specific DSX isoforms with the specific
aims of improving our understanding of insect sex development and discovering new gene
targets for female lethality. A subset of 12 genes identified in the mass spectrometry assay were
further subjected to RNA interference assays where female-specific developmental impacts were
assessed. Data from this project may be applied to improve sex-sorting of mosquitoes in sterile
insect technique approaches.
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Keywords
doublesex, developmental biology, sterile insect technique, sex development