2023-08-12 22:09:00
The science of mosquito hearing is becoming a key area of interest for researchers aiming to control the spread of harmful diseases, such as malaria, dengue and yellow fever.
A new study has shown that by understanding and targeting the very mechanisms mosquitoes use to hear, we could have a powerful weapon against these disease-carrying insects.
Mosquito auditory receptors
A recent research collaboration between University College London and the University of Oldenburg has revealed details about the receptors in the ears of mosquitoes that modulate their hearing.
In the field of mosquito biology, the ability of a male mosquito to hear the female is paramount for reproduction. Understanding this auditory mechanism could be key to the development of new insecticides or techniques that disrupt their mating patterns, thereby controlling the spread of the diseases they carry.
This study, which was published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, focused on the role of a molecule called octopamine in mosquito hearing.
Purpose of the study
Through rigorous experiments and observations, researchers have identified the octopamine molecule as crucial not only for mosquitoes’ ability to hear, but also for detecting potential mates.
It is a well-documented fact that male mosquitoes rely on their acute auditory senses to detect the subtle buzz generated by female mosquitoes, especially within the dense, noisy swarms that materialize at dusk.
Amid the noise of hundreds of mosquitoes flying together, male mosquitoes must hone their hearing to detect the distinct flight tone of potential female mates. Yet the specifics of how male mosquitoes evolved to “sharpen their ears” for this purpose have remained shrouded in mystery until now.
What the researchers found
The researchers studied the gene expressions in the mosquito’s ear. Their findings revealed that during the swarm period, there is a pronounced spike in the expression of an octopamine receptor specifically in the ear of the male mosquito.
Additionally, octopamine has been shown to play a multifaceted role in mosquito hearing – it alters the frequency setting of the male ear, adjusts the stiffness of its sound receptor, and initiates other mechanical changes, all amplifying the detection of the female.
Interrupt mosquito mating
The implications of this discovery are immense. As the researchers have shown, the octopaminergic system in mosquito ears can be directly targeted by insecticides. This idea holds great promise since disrupting mosquito mating, a process critical to their survival, can effectively control mosquito populations that spread disease.
“Octopamine receptors are of particular interest because they are ideal for developing insecticides. We plan to exploit these findings to create novel molecules for mating disruptors specifically for malaria-carrying mosquitoes,” said co-lead author Dr Marta Andrés.
“By targeting mosquitoes’ hearing, which is essential for their reproduction, we have the potential to hinder the spread of mosquitoes. »
Implications of the study
Professor Joerg Albert, also co-lead author, reflected on the wider implications of this study: “The molecular and mechanistic complexity of mosquito hearing is truly staggering. By identifying the octopamine pathway, we have only just begun to understand this complex system.
“There is no doubt that new research in this area will offer deeper insights into the auditory functions of mosquitoes and present us with new strategies for controlling mosquito populations and mitigating human disease. »
Mosquito-borne diseases
Mosquito-borne diseases are diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. These diseases can be serious and even fatal. Here are some of the most common mosquito-borne diseases:
Malaria
Caused by Plasmodium parasites, malaria is widespread in many tropical and subtropical regions.
dengue fever
A viral illness that can cause severe flu-like symptoms and sometimes a more severe form called dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Virus Zika
Known to cause birth defects if contracted by a pregnant woman, the Zika virus can also lead to Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Chikungunya
This viral disease can cause severe joint pain and chronic symptoms.
Western du nil virus
Often mild but can lead to serious neurological diseases in some people.
Yellow fever
A viral disease that can cause jaundice, organ failure and death if left untreated.
Japanese encephalitis
A viral brain infection common in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific.
St. Louis encephalitis
Present mainly in the United States, this disease can lead to fever, headache, nausea and fatigue.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
A rare but serious viral infection that causes inflammation of the brain.
lymphatic filariasis
Also known as elephantiasis, this parasitic infection can lead to extreme swelling of the arms, legs, or genitals.
Preventing mosquito bites is key to controlling the spread of these diseases. This can be done by using insect repellent, mosquito nets and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. Vaccines and medications are also available for some of these diseases.
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