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Mosquito Gap Junctions: Molecular Biology, Physiology, and Potential for Insecticide Development

ACS Symposium Series, ISSN: 1947-5918, Vol: 1264, Page: 91-110
2017
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Book Chapter Description

Mosquitoes are the most dangerous animals on the planet due to the pathogens they transmit to humans. For many mosquito-borne diseases we do not have effective vaccines or therapeutics and instead must control the mosquito vectors to prevent transmission of the diseases. However, mosquitoes are developing resistance to insecticides currently used in vector control (e.g., pyrethroids), making the development of new insecticides a necessity. Here we review the molecular biology and physiology of intercellular channels, known as gap junctions, in dipteran insects and discuss their potential as targets for mosquitocide development. Gap junctions allow for direct communication between adjacent cells. All animals possess gap junctions, but they are comprised of evolutionarily distinct families of proteins in vertebrates (connexins) vs. invertebrates (innexins). Gap junctions play key roles in a diverse range of physiological functions ranging from embryogenesis to reproduction. In Drosophila melanogaster, gap junctions are integral to development, allow for cell coupling in electrical synapses, and are involved in functional gonad formation and gamete production. Recent work by our group and others in mosquitoes has found key roles of gap junctions in reproduction, immunity, excretion, and larval and adult survival. Thus, gap junctions play integral roles in mosquito biology and if their function can be disrupted with selective chemical and/or genetic inhibitors then they may provide excellent targets for mosquitocide development.

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