Functional analysis of AeSCP-2 using gene expression knockdown in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti

Insect Mol Biol. 2005 Jun;14(3):301-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2005.00560.x.

Abstract

The effect of gene expression knockdown was used to study the function of the sterol carrier protein-2 (AeSCP-2) in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Injection of small double stranded AeSCP-2 RNAs into mosquito larvae resulted in the knockdown of gene products. The lack of AeSCP-2 in larvae coincided with a reduction in accumulated cholesterol in pupae, supporting the hypothesis that AeSCP-2 may be involved in cholesterol uptake in mosquito larvae. Knockdown of AeSCP-2 caused a high mortality rate in developing adult and reduced egg viability. Results from this study indicate that AeSCP-2 is important for adult development and for the viability of the eggs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aedes / genetics
  • Aedes / metabolism
  • Aedes / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Carrier Proteins / physiology*
  • Cholesterol / metabolism
  • Gene Silencing
  • Insect Proteins / genetics
  • Insect Proteins / metabolism
  • Insect Proteins / physiology*
  • Larva / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • Ovum
  • Pupa / metabolism
  • Reproduction

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Insect Proteins
  • sterol carrier proteins
  • Cholesterol