Dynamic expression of genes encoding subunits of inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels in the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti.
Inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels play fundamental roles in neuromuscular, epithelial, and endocrine function in mammals. Recent research in insects suggests that Kir channels play critical roles in the development, immune function, and excretory physiology of fruit flies and/or mosquitoes. Moreover, our group has demonstrated that mosquito Kir channels may serve as valuable targets for the development of novel insecticides. Here we characterize the molecular expression of 5 mRNAs encoding Kir channel subunits in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti: Kir1, Kir2A-c, Kir2B, Kir2B', and Kir3. We demonstrate that 1) Kir mRNA expression is dynamic in whole mosquitoes, Malpighian tubules, and the midgut during development from 4th instar larvae to adult females, 2) Kir2B and Kir3 mRNA levels are reduced in 4th instar larvae when reared in water containing an elevated concentration (50mM) of KCl, but not NaCl, and 3) Kir mRNAs are differentially expressed in the Malpighian tubules, midgut, and ovaries within 24h after blood feeding. Furthermore, we provide the first characterization of Kir mRNA expression in the anal papillae of 4th instar larval mosquitoes, which indicates that Kir2A-c is the most abundant. Altogether, the data provide the first comprehensive characterization of Kir mRNA expression in Ae. aegypti and offer insights into the putative physiological roles of Kir subunits in this important disease vector.
College of Plant Protection, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China; Department of Entomology, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, United States.
Zhongxia
Z
Yang
Department of Entomology, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, United States.
Bethanie-Michelle
BM
Statler
Department of Entomology, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, United States.
Travis L
TL
Calkins
Department of Entomology, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, United States.
Edna
E
Alfaro
Department of Entomology, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, United States.
Carlos J
CJ
Esquivel
Department of Entomology, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, United States; Department of Chemistry, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, United States.
Matthew F
MF
Rouhier
Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.
Jerod S
JS
Denton
Department of Entomology, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, United States. Electronic address: piermarini.1@osu.edu.
Peter M
PM
Piermarini
D000330:Aedes / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001769:Blood / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000187:drug effects; D007814:Larva / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D011188:Potassium / Q000494:pharmacology; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / Q000235:genetics*; D021122:Protein Subunits / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012964:Sodium / Q000494:pharmacology; D015004:Yellow Fever / Q000635:transmission*
D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D021122:Protein Subunits; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium
Aedes aegypti; Anal papillae; Blood feeding; Developmental expression; Malpighian tubules; Midgut; Ovaries; Potassium channel