Mosquito-specific microRNA-1174 targets serine hydroxymethyltransferase to control key functions in the gut
Autor(es): Liu, Shiping; Lucas, Keira J.; Roy, Sourav; Ha, Jisu; Raikhel, Alexander S.
Resumo: Lineage-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) may contribute to functions specific to hematophagous mosquitoes and, as such, have potential for contributing to the development of future mosquito control approaches. Here we report that the mosquito- and gut-specific miRNA, miR-1174, is required for proper sugar absorption, fluid excretion, blood intake, and, consequently, egg maturation and survival in female mosquitoes. miR-1174 is highly expressed and localized in the posterior midgut, the blood-digesting portion of the mosquito alimentary canal. Depletion of miR-1174 results in severe defects in sugar absorption and blood intake. We identified serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is a direct miR-1174 target. The adverse phenotypes caused by miR-1174 silencing were rescued by SHMT RNA interference. Our results suggest that miR-1174 is essential for fine-tuning the SHMT transcript to levels necessary for normal mosquito gut functions.
Palavras-Chave: Insect disease vector; Antagomir
Imprenta: Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences of The United States of America, v. 111, n. 40, p. 14460-14465, 2014
Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1073/pnas.1416278111
Descritores: Aedes aegypti - RNA ; Aedes aegypti - Public health
Data de publicação: 2014
