Limited influence of the microbiome on the transcriptional profile of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes



Hyde, Josephine, Correa, Maria A, Hughes, Grant L, Steven, Blaire and Brackney, Doug E
(2020) Limited influence of the microbiome on the transcriptional profile of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Scientific Reports, 10 (1). 10880-.

Access the full-text of this item by clicking on the Open Access link.
[img] Text
Limited influence of the microbiome on the transcriptional profile of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.pdf - Published version

Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

The microbiome is an assemblage of microorganisms living in association with a multicellular host. Numerous studies have identified a role for the microbiome in host physiology, development, immunity, and behaviour. The generation of axenic (germ-free) and gnotobiotic model systems has been vital to dissecting the role of the microbiome in host biology. We have previously reported the generation of axenic Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary vector of several human pathogenic viruses, including dengue virus and Zika virus. In order to better understand the influence of the microbiome on mosquitoes, we examined the transcriptomes of axenic and conventionally reared Ae. aegypti before and after a blood meal. Our results suggest that the microbiome has a much lower effect on the mosquito's gene expression than previously thought with only 170 genes influenced by the axenic state, while in contrast, blood meal status influenced 809 genes. The pattern of expression influenced by the microbiome is consistent with transient changes similar to infection rather than sweeping physiological changes. While the microbiome does seem to affect some pathways such as immune function and metabolism, our data suggest the microbiome is primarily serving a nutritional role in development with only minor effects in the adult.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: microbiome, transcriptomics
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 09 Sep 2020 15:34
Last Modified: 18 Jan 2023 23:34
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67811-y
Open Access URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-67811-y
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3100561