PRJNA223166
Aedes albopictus reproductive organs
The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is an important vector for pathogens affecting human health, including the organisms that cause dengue and Chikungunya viruses. It is also one of the world's fastest-spreading invasive animal species. For these reasons, it is of crucial importance to identify strategies for controlling the reproduction and spread of Ae. albopictus. During mating, seminal fluid proteins (Sfps) are transferred from males to females, and these Sfps modulate female behavior and physiology in ways that influence feeding and reproduction. Despite the known importance of Sfps on female reproductive behavior, the identity of Sfps in Ae. albopictus has not previously been reported. In this study we used transcriptomics and proteomics to identify 198 Sfps in Ae. albopictus. We discuss the potential functions of the Ae. albopictus Sfps in relation to female post-mating changes. Furthermore, we compare the sequences of these Sfps with proteins, including Sfps, reported for several other species, including the yellow fever mosquito Ae. aegypti and the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae. While only 72 (36.4%) of the Ae. albopictus Sfps have putative orthologs in Ae. aegypti, suggesting a low conservation of the complement of Sfps in the two species, we find no evidence for positive selection in the Sfps shared between the species, suggesting a high conservation of those Sfps shared by the two species. Our results provide important insights into the evolution and ecology of Ae. albopictus. They also pave the way for future studies to investigate the roles of individual Sfps on feeding and reproduction in this species. Such studies have the potential to inform strategies for managing the spread and rate of disease transmission of Ae. albopictus.