Abstract Title
The Effects of Abscisic Acid on Anopheles stephensi Mosquito reproduction
Additional Funding Sources
The project described was supported by the Research Experience for Undergraduates Program Site: Molecular and organismal evolution at the University of Idaho under Award No. 1757826.
Abstract
Millions of malaria cases are reported every year despite significant global efforts focused on elimination. Accordingly, effective vaccines, novel therapeutics, and novel strategies for vector control are needed to support these efforts. Previous studies from our lab using mouse infection models and cultured Plasmodium falciparum have shown that the ancient isoprenoid stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA) can reduce malarial parasitemia, host-to-mosquito transmission and parasite sporogony. ABA is synthesized by the mevalonate pathway, which also controls the synthesis of juvenile hormone (JH), a major regulator of insect development, metamorphosis and reproduction. The rate of JH synthesis is also controlled by isoprenoids, which are formed as intermediates and products of the mevalonate pathway. Based on these facts, we hypothesized that, in addition to the effects on mosquito-parasite interactions, ABA might alter lifetime fecundity in mosquitoes. We will present data on the effects of ABA on JH levels and fecundity of adult female Anopheles stephensi, an aggressive malaria vector that has recently invaded Sri Lanka and Djibouti, where it has been linked to a recent resurgence of severe falciparum.
The Effects of Abscisic Acid on Anopheles stephensi Mosquito reproduction
Millions of malaria cases are reported every year despite significant global efforts focused on elimination. Accordingly, effective vaccines, novel therapeutics, and novel strategies for vector control are needed to support these efforts. Previous studies from our lab using mouse infection models and cultured Plasmodium falciparum have shown that the ancient isoprenoid stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA) can reduce malarial parasitemia, host-to-mosquito transmission and parasite sporogony. ABA is synthesized by the mevalonate pathway, which also controls the synthesis of juvenile hormone (JH), a major regulator of insect development, metamorphosis and reproduction. The rate of JH synthesis is also controlled by isoprenoids, which are formed as intermediates and products of the mevalonate pathway. Based on these facts, we hypothesized that, in addition to the effects on mosquito-parasite interactions, ABA might alter lifetime fecundity in mosquitoes. We will present data on the effects of ABA on JH levels and fecundity of adult female Anopheles stephensi, an aggressive malaria vector that has recently invaded Sri Lanka and Djibouti, where it has been linked to a recent resurgence of severe falciparum.
Comments
W55