miRNA-GABA influences female Aedes aegypti reproduction by modulating midgut homeostasis
Summary: Aedes aegypti’s exceptional reproductive capacity drives the global proliferation of vector-borne diseases, including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, while its hematophagous digestion supplies essential energy to catalyze critical reproductive processes. Our study reveals a significant micro...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Cell Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211124725005479 |
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| Summary: | Summary: Aedes aegypti’s exceptional reproductive capacity drives the global proliferation of vector-borne diseases, including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, while its hematophagous digestion supplies essential energy to catalyze critical reproductive processes. Our study reveals a significant microRNA (miRNA)-mediated mechanism. We demonstrate that miRNA-7 (miR-7) regulates γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the midgut, thereby maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Comprehensive small RNA sequencing identifies miR-7 as a key regulatory molecule sensitive to blood meal digestion kinetics. Mechanistically, miR-7 directly targets glutamate decarboxylase to modulate the glutamate-GABA metabolic balance in the midgut. Concomitantly, female mosquitoes exhibit compromised midgut protease activity, disrupted fat body lipid storage, and diminished fecundity. This study delineates a hierarchical regulatory framework wherein miR-7-GABA modulates the efficiency of blood meal digestion and ultimately governs reproductive fitness. |
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| ISSN: | 2211-1247 |