Molecular and cellular studies of mosquito odorant receptors and olfactory-driven larval behavior

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with the study of olfactory systems in both larval and adult mosquitoes. In this dissertation I cloned the first odorant receptor from mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus and localized the receptor proteins to the olfactory organs of the mosquito. By utilizing a sensitive behavioral assay, I also identified a range of odorant-specific responses that are dependent on the integrity of the Anopheles gambiae larval antennae. Parallel molecular studies further identified a subset of odorant receptors localized to larval antennae and these receptors could confer responses to all behaviorally active compounds when expressed in xenopus oocytes. My research may ultimately enhance the development of vector control strategies, targeting olfactory pathways in both larval and adult mosquitoes to reduce the catastrophic effects of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.