The authors write that the genome sequence of A. aegypti represents a "significant technical achievement" that will throw light on the interactions at the molecular level between the mosquitoes and the pathogens they spread.
For example, the researchers expect it will help identify the genetic code of the receptors in A. aegypti's gut that the dengue virus attaches to.
The researchers were able to compare the A. aegypti genome with that of Anopheles gambiae, the mosquito that transmits malaria.
Nene says scientists can now begin to address questions such as why does A. gambiae transmit the malaria pathogen and A. aegypti the yellow fever, dengue and chikungunya pathogens.
Genetic differences may also explain their blood feeding preferences, the kind of hosts they seek and individual abilities to transmit certain pathogens.
Nene's team also compared the A. aegypti genome with that of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and say the differences could shed light on which genes and gene activities are specific to mosquitoes. They hope this will allow them to identify potential target genes to use in mosquito control.
In addition, information about the genes that control sex determination means that mosquito sex ratios could be manipulated, which may be useful for population control.
Soource: SciDev.Net
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