Abstract
Midgut Epithelial Dynamics Are Central to Mosquitoes' Physiology and Fitness, and to the Transmission of Vector-Borne Disease.
Highlights
Hematophagous mosquitoes vector many important human diseases, and a detailed understanding of their physiology is crucial for designing efficient vector-control strategies
We propose that the ability to effect proliferative repair may be important for preserving midgut barrier integrity, with potential knock-on effects for mosquito survival and, vectorial capacity
We propose that midgut epithelial dynamics may play an important role in determining the rate of pathogen transmission by: (a) adapting epithelial composition according to hormonal and/or nutritional cues to optimize the exploitation of blood meals, thereby maximizing fecundity (b) setting the natural limits of mosquito lifespan (c) suppressing and killing pathogens as they traverse the midgut barrier and (d) promoting the survival of infected mosquitoes via repair mechanisms which help the mosquito to tolerate pathogenmediated damage
Summary
Hematophagous mosquitoes vector many important human diseases, and a detailed understanding of their physiology is crucial for designing efficient vector-control strategies. A recent single-cell RNAseq study of Ae. aegypti midguts, before and after a blood meal, demonstrated that blood-feeding stimulates an increase in the proportion of putative ISCs/EBs as well as ECs and “EC-like” cells, providing further evidence for a proliferative response (Cui and Franz, 2020). In Drosophila, the aging of the gut epithelium, with associated dysplasia and loss of barrier integrity, is believed to be an important intrinsic limiting factor in the lifespan of the insect (Biteau et al, 2008; Rera et al, 2012) This aging is accelerated by the presence of the microbiota, which increases the rate of epithelial turnover (Buchon et al, 2009a), and pathogenic microbes can drive even more rapid turnover of the gut epithelium (Buchon et al, 2009b). Considering that the female mosquito midgut is subjected to all the ordinary stresses of aging and to the rigors of blood-feeding - periods of intense mechanical strain accompanied by the rapid proliferation of gut microbes – we posit that the midgut may set the limits of mosquito longevity and, by extension, vectorial capacity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
