Sex Determining Genes in Mosquitoes Could Help Fight Dengue Fever
May 27, 2015| |
Researchers at the Fralin Life Science Institute at Virginia Tech have identified a gene responsible for sex determination in mosquitoes that transmit yellow fever, dengue, and chikungunya viruses. The researchers identified a male-determining genetic switch called Nix in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that underlies the difference between males and females. These master switches often reside in genomic black holes, which is why none had been found in mosquitoes or other insects before.
Only female mosquitoes bite because they need blood for developing eggs, and researchers believe that a higher ratio of males could reduce disease transmission. The study will help develop mosquito control strategies by converting females into harmless males or selectively eliminating deadly females.
Zhijian Jake Tu, Virginia Tech professor and affiliate at the Fralin Life Science Institute, said, "Nix provides us with exciting opportunities to harness mosquito sex in the fight against infectious diseases because maleness is the ultimate disease-refractory trait."
For more information, read the news article at the Virginia Tech website.
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