Homologs of Human Dengue-Resistance Genes, confer antiviral resistance in mosquitoes.
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Authors
Kang, Seokyoung
Issue Date
2023-03-24
Type
Other
Language
en_US
Keywords
Dengue Virus , Aedes aegypti homologs , Public health
Alternative Title
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is transmitted by mosquitoes and is a major public health concern. Our understanding of the molecular interaction of DENV with mosquito host cells is limited and we propose to expand upon the recent results from a genome-scale, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based study that identified mammalian host proteins associated with resistance to dengue/West Nile virus (DENV/WNV) infection. The study identified 22 human DENV/WNV resistance genes (DVR) and we hypothesized that a subset would be functionally conserved in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, imparting cellular defense against flaviviruses in this species. We identified 12 homologs of 22 human DVR genes in the Ae. aegypti genome and identified that silencing of the two candidates, AeFKBP1 and AeATCAY, homologs of human FKBP1 B and ATCAY were associated with viral increase. Depletion of AeFKBP1 or AeATCAY in vivo increased viral dissemination through the mosquito at 14 days postinfection. Our results demonstrated that AeFKBP1 and AeATCAY mediate resistance to DENV akin to what has been described for their homologs in humans. AeFKBP1 and AeATCAY provide a rare opportunity to elucidate a DENV-resistance mechanism that may be evolutionarily conserved between humans and Ae. aegypti.
Description
UB RISE 2023, Natural Science and Mathematics, College of Science and Society, University of Bridgeport.