The molecular and cellular basis of olfactory-driven behavior inAnopheles gambiaelarvae

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Abstract
The mosquitoAnopheles gambiaeis the principal Afrotropical vector for human malaria. A central component of its vectorial capacity is the ability to maintain sufficient populations of adults. During both adult and preadult (larval) stages, the mosquitoes depend on the ability to recognize and respond to chemical cues that mediate feeding and survival. In this study, we used a behavioral assay to identify a range of odorant-specific responses ofAn. gambiaelarvae that are dependent on the integrity of the larval antennae. Parallel molecular analyses have identified a subset of theAn. gambiaeodorant receptors (AgOrs) that are localized to discrete neurons within the larval antennae and facilitate odor-evoked responses inXenopusoocytes that are consistent with the larval behavioral spectrum. These studies shed light on chemosensory-driven behaviors and represent molecular and cellular characterization of olfactory processes in mosquito larvae. These advances may ultimately enhance the development of vector control strategies, targeting olfactory pathways in larval-stage mosquitoes to reduce the catastrophic effects of malaria and other diseases.

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