Cationic Amino Acid Transport in Mosquitoes

项目简介/摘要本研究的主要目的是研究登革热主要传播媒介埃及伊蚊（Aedes aegypti）脂肪体中阳离子氨基酸（AA）转运系统的分子特征。为适应其独特的生活方式，成蚊的脂肪体组织具有对AA感测和运输系统，这对繁殖至关重要。蚊子的营养状况影响着这个系统。在吸血后，阳离子AAs在脂肪体质膜上的运输对于蚊子的繁殖是必不可少的。在脊椎动物中，阳离子AAs通过溶质载体家族7 （SLC7）蛋白进行易位。我们已经确定了SLC7家族的一个转运体作为蚊子阳离子AA - l -组氨酸的转运体；然而，对其他阳离子原子酸的输运机制尚未有全面的研究。因此，阳离子AA转运体，其底物特异性和转运动力学尚未确定。为了解决这个问题，我们将使用焦磷酸测序，反向遗传学和电生理技术的组合。本研究对蚊媒中AA的传播具有重要意义。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Project Summary/Abstract The main goal of the proposed study is the molecular characterization of the cationic amino acid (AA) translocation system in the fat body of the Yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti, the principle vector for Dengue fever. As an adaption to their unique life style, the fat body tissue of adult mosquitoes houses an AA sensing and transport system which is essential for reproduction. The nutritional status of mosquitoes affects this system. The transport of cationic AAs over the fat body plasma membrane after a blood meal is indispensable for mosquito reproduction. In vertebrates cationic AAs are translocated by proteins of the Solute Carrier Family 7 (SLC7). We have identified one transporter of the SLC7 family as a transporter for the cationic AA L-histidine in mosquitoes; however, there has been no comprehensive investigation into the transport mechanisms of the other cationic AAs so far. Consequently, cationic AA transporters, their substrate specificities, and transport kinetics have not been identified. To address this problem we will use a combination of pyrosequencing, reverse genetics, and electrophysiological techniques. The proposed work will achieve a significant gain of knowledge in the field of AA transport in vector mosquitoes. . PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Project Narrative The proposed work will prove significant for human health through the identification and characterization of essential and mosquito/insect-specific transporters that present high-value targets for the development of insecticidal substances.