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  • Suppression of the gene encoding PDZ domain-containing protein decreases cold tolerance and overwintering survival of the mosquito, Culex pipiens (Culicidae: Diptera)
Title: Suppression of the gene encoding PDZ domain-containing protein decreases cold tolerance and overwintering survival of the mosquito, Culex pipiens (Culicidae: Diptera)
Abstract In diapausing mosquitoes, cold tolerance and prolonged lifespan are important features that are crucial for overwintering success. In the mosquito Culex pipiens, we suggest that PDZ domain-containing protein (PDZ) (post synaptic density protein [PSD95], drosophila disc large tumor suppressor [Dlg1], and zonula occludens-1 protein [zo-1]) domain-containing protein is involved with these diapause features for overwintering survival in Culex mosquitoes. The expression level of pdz was significantly higher in diapausing adult females in the early stage in comparison to their nondiapausing counterparts. Suppression of the gene that encodes PDZ by RNA interference significantly decreased actin accumulation in the midgut of early-stage adult diapausing females. Inhibition of pdz also significantly reduced the survivability of diapausing females which indicates that this protein could play a key role in preserving the midgut tissues during early diapause.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1944214
PAR ID:
10416146
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
Oxford University Press
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of Medical Entomology
Volume:
60
Issue:
4
ISSN:
0022-2585
Format(s):
Medium: X Size: p. 690-697
Size(s):
p. 690-697
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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