Molecular and cellular studies of mosquito odorant receptors and olfactory-driven larval behavior
Xia, Yuanfeng
:
2008-11-10
Abstract
This thesis is concerned with the study of olfactory systems in both larval and adult mosquitoes. In this dissertation I cloned the first odorant receptor from mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus and localized the receptor proteins to the olfactory organs of the mosquito. By utilizing a sensitive behavioral assay, I also identified a range of odorant-specific responses that are dependent on the integrity of the Anopheles gambiae larval antennae. Parallel molecular studies further identified a subset of odorant receptors localized to larval antennae and these receptors could confer responses to all behaviorally active compounds when expressed in xenopus oocytes. My research may ultimately enhance the development of vector control strategies, targeting olfactory pathways in both larval and adult mosquitoes to reduce the catastrophic effects of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Files in this item
This item appears in the following collection(s):
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Owens, Ann Marie Deer (Vanderbilt News Service, 2005-06-30)
-
Brown, Lisa D.; Shapiro, Lillian L. M.; Thompson, Grayson A.; Estevez-Lao, Tania Y.; Hillyer, Julian F. (Ecology and Evolution, 2019-05)Larval and adult mosquitoes mount immune responses against pathogens that invade their hemocoel. Although it has been suggested that a correlation exists between immune processes across insect life stages, the influence ...
-
King, Jonas Glenn (2012-09-27)Department: Biological SciencesTraversal of the hemocoel, avoiding or surviving interactions with the insect’s innate immune system, invasion of the female mosquito’s salivary glands, and injection into the vertebrate host, are necessary steps for disease ...