Significant Publications

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<title>pubmed: anthony a james</title>
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<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez</link>
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<title>Transgenic Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat/Cas9-Mediated Viral Gene Targeting for Antiviral Therapy of Bombyx mori Nucleopolyhedrovirus.</title>
<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28122981?dopt=Abstract</link>
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<![CDATA[<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"><a href="http://jvi.asm.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=28122981"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/http:-highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-standard-jvi_full_free.gif" border="0"/></a> <a href="http://jvi.asm.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=28122981"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/http:highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-standard-jvi_final.gif" border="0"/></a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/28122981/"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-corehtml-pmc-pmcgifs-pubmed-pmc.gif" border="0"/></a> </td><td align="right"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Link&LinkName=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=28122981">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
Transgenic Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat/Cas9-Mediated Viral Gene Targeting for Antiviral Therapy of Bombyx mori Nucleopolyhedrovirus.
J Virol. 2017 Apr 15;91(8):
Authors: Chen S, Hou C, Bi H, Wang Y, Xu J, Li M, James AA, Huang Y, Tan A
Abstract 
We developed a novel antiviral strategy by combining transposon-based transgenesis and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) system for the direct cleavage of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) genome DNA to promote virus clearance in silkworms. We demonstrate that transgenic silkworms constitutively expressing Cas9 and guide RNAs targeting the BmNPV immediate early-1 (ie-1) and me53 genes effectively induce target-specific cleavage and subsequent mutagenesis, especially large (∼7-kbp) segment deletions in BmNPV genomes, and thus exhibit robust suppression of BmNPV proliferation. Transgenic animals exhibited higher and inheritable resistance to BmNPV infection than wild-type animals. Our approach will not only contribute to modern sericulture but also shed light on future antiviral therapy.IMPORTANCE Pathogen genome targeting has shown its potential in antiviral research. However, transgenic CRISPR/Cas9 system-mediated viral genome targeting has not been reported as an antiviral strategy in a natural animal host of a virus. Our data provide an effective approach against BmNPV infection in a real-world biological system and demonstrate the potential of transgenic CRISPR/Cas9 systems in antiviral research in other species. 
PMID: 28122981 PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
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<author> Chen S, Hou C, Bi H, Wang Y, Xu J, Li M, James AA, Huang Y, Tan A</author>
<category>J Virol</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">PubMed:28122981</guid>
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<title>Bombyx mori P-element Somatic Inhibitor (BmPSI) Is a Key Auxiliary Factor for Silkworm Male Sex Determination.</title>
<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28103247?dopt=Abstract</link>
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<![CDATA[<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"><a href="http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1006576"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/http:-journals.plos.org-plosgenetics-resource-img-external-pgen_120x30.png" border="0"/></a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/28103247/"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-corehtml-pmc-pmcgifs-pubmed-pmc.gif" border="0"/></a> </td><td align="right"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Link&LinkName=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=28103247">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
Bombyx mori P-element Somatic Inhibitor (BmPSI) Is a Key Auxiliary Factor for Silkworm Male Sex Determination.
PLoS Genet. 2017 Jan;13(1):e1006576
Authors: Xu J, Chen S, Zeng B, James AA, Tan A, Huang Y
Abstract 
Manipulation of sex determination pathways in insects provides the basis for a wide spectrum of strategies to benefit agriculture and public health. Furthermore, insects display a remarkable diversity in the genetic pathways that lead to sex differentiation. The silkworm, Bombyx mori, has been cultivated by humans as a beneficial insect for over two millennia, and more recently as a model system for studying lepidopteran genetics and development. Previous studies have identified the B. mori Fem piRNA as the primary female determining factor and BmMasc as its downstream target, while the genetic scenario for male sex determination was still unclear. In the current study, we exploite the transgenic CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate a comprehensive set of knockout mutations in genes BmSxl, Bmtra2, BmImp, BmImpM, BmPSI and BmMasc, to investigate their roles in silkworm sex determination. Absence of Bmtra2 results in the complete depletion of Bmdsx transcripts, which is the conserved downstream factor in the sex determination pathway, and induces embryonic lethality. Loss of BmImp or BmImpM function does not affect the sexual differentiation. Mutations in BmPSI and BmMasc genes affect the splicing of Bmdsx and the female reproductive apparatus appeared in the male external genital. Intriguingly, we identify that BmPSI regulates expression of BmMasc, BmImpM and Bmdsx, supporting the conclusion that it acts as a key auxiliary factor in silkworm male sex determination. 
PMID: 28103247 PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
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<author> Xu J, Chen S, Zeng B, James AA, Tan A, Huang Y</author>
<category>PLoS Genet</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">PubMed:28103247</guid>
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<title>Sexually dimorphic traits in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, are regulated by doublesex.</title>
<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27867075?dopt=Abstract</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0965-1748(16)30192-8"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/http:--linkinghub.elsevier.com-ihub-images-PubMedLink.gif" border="0"/></a> </td><td align="right"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Link&LinkName=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=27867075">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
Sexually dimorphic traits in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, are regulated by doublesex.
Insect Biochem Mol Biol. 2017 Jan;80:42-51
Authors: Xu J, Zhan S, Chen S, Zeng B, Li Z, James AA, Tan A, Huang Y
Abstract 
The DM domain genes, doublesex (dsx) in insects, or their structural homologs, male abnormal 3 (mab-3) in nematodes and Dmrt1 (doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor 1) in mammals, are downstream regulators of the sex determination pathway that control sexually dimorphic development. Despite the functional importance of dsx and its potential applications in sterile insect technologies (SITs), the mechanisms by which it controls sexually dimorphic traits and the subsequent developmental gene networks in insects are poorly understood. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that insect dsx genes have sex-specific alternative splicing isoforms, whereas other taxa do not. We exploited genome editing and transgenesis technologies to induce mutations in either the male-specific isoform (dsx(M)) or common region (dsx(C)) of dsx in the somatic tissues of the lepidopteran model insect Bombyx mori. Disruptions of gene function produced either male-specific sexually-dimorphic defects or intersexual phenotypes; these results differ from those observed in other insects, including Drosophila melanogaster. Our data provide insights into the divergence of the insect sex determination pathways related to the most conserved downstream component dsx. 
PMID: 27867075 PubMed - in process
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<author> Xu J, Zhan S, Chen S, Zeng B, Li Z, James AA, Tan A, Huang Y</author>
<category>Insect Biochem Mol Biol</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">PubMed:27867075</guid>
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<title>rAed a 4: A New 67-kDa Aedes aegypti Mosquito Salivary Allergen for the Diagnosis of Mosquito Allergy.</title>
<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27603527?dopt=Abstract</link>
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<![CDATA[<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"><a href="https://www.karger.com?DOI=10.1159/000448587"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/http:--misc.karger.com-LinkOutIcons-sk_nlm_ft.gif" border="0"/></a> </td><td align="right"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Link&LinkName=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=27603527">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
rAed a 4: A New 67-kDa Aedes aegypti Mosquito Salivary Allergen for the Diagnosis of Mosquito Allergy.
Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2016;170(3):206-10
Authors: Peng Z, Caihe L, Beckett AN, Guan Q, James AA, Simons FE
Abstract 
BACKGROUND: Accurate diagnosis of mosquito allergy has been hampered by the laborious task of obtaining mosquito salivary allergens. We have previously studied 3 recombinant (r) Aedes aegypti mosquito salivary allergens: rAed a 1, rAed a 2 and rAed a 3. Here, we report the expression, purification, identification and evaluation of rAed a 4, a 67-kDa α-glucosidase. 
METHODS: rAed a 4 was expressed using a baculovirus/insect cell system, purified by a combination of anion- and cation-exchange chromatography, and identified by immunoblotting. A. aegypti saliva extract was prepared in our laboratory. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to measure rAed a 4-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG antibodies in sera from 13 individuals with a positive mosquito-bite test from a laboratory-reared mosquito. Sera from 18 individuals with a negative bite test served as controls. 
RESULTS: Purified rAed a 4 bound to the IgE in mosquito-allergic sera, as detected by ELISA and immunoblotting. The binding of rAed a 4 to IgE could be inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the addition of an A. aegypti extract. Mosquito-allergic individuals had significantly higher mean levels of rAed a 4-specific IgE and IgG than controls. Using the mean of the controls ± 2 SD as a cut-off level, 46% of the 13 allergic individuals had a positive IgE, while none of the controls was positive (p < 0.001). 
CONCLUSIONS: Aed a 4 is a major allergen in mosquito saliva. Its recombinant form has the hydrolase function and can be used for the diagnosis of mosquito allergy. 
PMID: 27603527 PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
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<author> Peng Z, Caihe L, Beckett AN, Guan Q, James AA, Simons FE</author>
<category>Int Arch Allergy Immunol</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">PubMed:27603527</guid>
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<title>Functional analysis of Orco and odorant receptors in odor recognition in Aedes albopictus.</title>
<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27350348?dopt=Abstract</link>
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<![CDATA[<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"><a href="https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-016-1644-9"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:-www.biomedcentral.com-graphics-pubmed-BioMedCentral_free_1.png" border="0"/></a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/27350348/"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-corehtml-pmc-pmcgifs-pubmed-pmc.gif" border="0"/></a> </td><td align="right"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Link&LinkName=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=27350348">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
Functional analysis of Orco and odorant receptors in odor recognition in Aedes albopictus.
Parasit Vectors. 2016 06 27;9(1):363
Authors: Liu H, Liu T, Xie L, Wang X, Deng Y, Chen CH, James AA, Chen XG
Abstract 
BACKGROUND: Aedes albopictus is a globally invasive mosquito and a major vector of arboviruses, including dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. Olfactory-related behaviors, particularly host-seeking, offer opportunities to disrupt the disease-transmission process. A better understanding of odorant receptors (ORs) may assist in explaining host selection and location, and contribute to novel strategy of vector control. 
METHODS: Based on previous prediction of 158 putative odorant receptors by Ae. albopictus genome analysis, 29 AalORs were selected for tissue-specific expression profiles in the present study. AalOrco (AalOR7), AalOR10 and AalOR88, highly expressed in female olfactory tissues, were chosen for further structure predictions as well as functional validation including calcium imaging assay in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells and RNA interference assay in Ae. albopictus. We also conducted electrophysiological and behavioral assays in mosquitoes after RNA interference of the three genes to determine their roles in host-seeking. 
RESULTS: The results support previous conclusions that individual conventional (ORXs) and Orco can form heteromeric complexes to recognize odorants and respond to components of human volatiles in HEK293 cells. The reduction of AalOrco transcript levels led to a significant decrease in host-seeking and confusion in host preference. In contrast, AalOR10 and AalOR88 knockdown mosquitoes showed no significant behavioral differences compared with controls. The functions of conventional ORs at least AalOR10 and AalOR88 are abolished with inhibited expression of the Orco gene orthologs, along with the concomitant relevant olfactory behavior. 
CONCLUSIONS: Combining structural and functional data, we conclude that the product of the Orco gene in this mosquito is crucial for transmitting olfactory signaling and conventional ORs contribute directly to odorant recognition. Our results provide insight into the linkage between odorant receptors and host-seeking in this important vector species. 
PMID: 27350348 PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
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<author> Liu H, Liu T, Xie L, Wang X, Deng Y, Chen CH, James AA, Chen XG</author>
<category>Parasit Vectors</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">PubMed:27350348</guid>
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<title>CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knockout of the abdominal-A homeotic gene in the global pest, diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella).</title>
<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27318252?dopt=Abstract</link>
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<![CDATA[<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0965-1748(16)30081-9"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/http:--linkinghub.elsevier.com-ihub-images-PubMedLink.gif" border="0"/></a> </td><td align="right"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Link&LinkName=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=27318252">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knockout of the abdominal-A homeotic gene in the global pest, diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella).
Insect Biochem Mol Biol. 2016 Aug;75:98-106
Authors: Huang Y, Chen Y, Zeng B, Wang Y, James AA, Gurr GM, Yang G, Lin X, Huang Y, You M
Abstract 
The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), is a worldwide agricultural pest that has developed resistance to multiple classes of insecticides. Genetics-based approaches show promise as alternative pest management approaches but require functional studies to identify suitable gene targets. Here we use the CRISPR/Cas9 system to target a gene, abdominal-A, which has an important role in determining the identity and functionality of abdominal segments. We report that P. xylostella abdominal-A (Pxabd-A) has two structurally-similar splice isoforms (A and B) that differ only in the length of exon II, with 15 additional nucleotides in isoform A. Pxabd-A transcripts were detected in all developmental stages, and particularly in pupae and adults. CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis of Pxabd-A exon I produced 91% chimeric mutants following injection of 448 eggs. Phenotypes with abnormal prolegs and malformed segments were visible in hatched larvae and unhatched embryos, and various defects were inherited by the next generation (G1). Genotyping of mutants demonstrated several mutations at the Pxabd-A genomic locus. The results indicate that a series of insertions and deletions were induced in the Pxabd-A locus, not only in G0 survivors but also in G1 individuals, and this provides a foundation for genome editing. Our study demonstrates the utility of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for targeting genes in an agricultural pest and therefore provides a foundation the development of novel pest management tools. 
PMID: 27318252 PubMed - in process
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<author> Huang Y, Chen Y, Zeng B, Wang Y, James AA, Gurr GM, Yang G, Lin X, Huang Y, You M</author>
<category>Insect Biochem Mol Biol</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">PubMed:27318252</guid>
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<title>Endogenously-expressed NH2-terminus of circumsporozoite protein interferes with sporozoite invasion of mosquito salivary glands.</title>
<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26964736?dopt=Abstract</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"><a href="https://malariajournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12936-016-1207-8"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:-www.biomedcentral.com-graphics-pubmed-BioMedCentral_free_1.png" border="0"/></a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/26964736/"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-corehtml-pmc-pmcgifs-pubmed-pmc.gif" border="0"/></a> </td><td align="right"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Link&LinkName=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=26964736">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
Endogenously-expressed NH2-terminus of circumsporozoite protein interferes with sporozoite invasion of mosquito salivary glands.
Malar J. 2016 Mar 10;15:153
Authors: Kojin BB, Costa-da-Silva AL, Maciel C, Henriques DA, Carvalho DO, Martin K, Marinotti O, James AA, Bonaldo MC, Capurro ML
Abstract 
BACKGROUND: The circumsporozoite protein is the most abundant polypeptide expressed by sporozoites, the malaria parasite stage capable of infecting humans. Sporozoite invasion of mosquito salivary glands prior to transmission is likely mediated by a receptor/ligand-like interaction of the parasites with the target tissues, and the amino (NH2)-terminal portion of CSP is involved in this interaction but not the TSR region on the carboxyl (C)-terminus. Peptides based on the NH2-terminal domain could compete with the parasites for the salivary gland receptors and thus inhibit penetration. 
METHODS: Peptides based on the NH2-terminus and TSR domains of the CSP from avian or human malaria parasites, Plasmodium gallinaceum and Plasmodium falciparum, respectively, were expressed endogenously in mosquito haemolymph using a transient (Sindbis virus-mediated) or stable (piggyBac-mediated transgenesis) system. 
RESULTS: Transient endogenous expression of partial NH2-terminus peptide from P. falciparum CSP in P. gallinaceum-infected Aedes aegypti resulted in a reduced number of sporozoites in the salivary glands. When a transgenic approach was used to express a partial CSP NH2-terminal domain from P. gallinaceum the number of sporozoites in the salivary glands did not show a difference when compared to controls. However, a significant difference could be observed when mosquitoes with a lower infection were analysed. The same result could not be observed with mosquitoes endogenously expressing peptides based on the TSR domain from either P. gallinaceum or P. falciparum. 
CONCLUSION: These results support the conclusion that CSP partial NH2-terminal domain can be endogenously expressed to promote a competition for the receptor used by sporozoites to invade salivary glands, and they could be used to block this interaction and reduce parasite transmission. The same effect cannot be obtained with peptides based on the TSR domain. 
PMID: 26964736 PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
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<author> Kojin BB, Costa-da-Silva AL, Maciel C, Henriques DA, Carvalho DO, Martin K, Marinotti O, James AA, Bonaldo MC, Capurro ML</author>
<category>Malar J</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">PubMed:26964736</guid>
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<title>Highly efficient Cas9-mediated gene drive for population modification of the malaria vector mosquito Anopheles stephensi.</title>
<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26598698?dopt=Abstract</link>
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<![CDATA[<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"><a href="http://www.pnas.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=26598698"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/http:-highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-pnas_full_free.gif" border="0"/></a> <a href="http://www.pnas.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=26598698"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/http:highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-pnas_full_free.gif" border="0"/></a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/26598698/"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-corehtml-pmc-pmcgifs-pubmed-pmc.gif" border="0"/></a> </td><td align="right"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Link&LinkName=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=26598698">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
Highly efficient Cas9-mediated gene drive for population modification of the malaria vector mosquito Anopheles stephensi.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015 Dec 08;112(49):E6736-43
Authors: Gantz VM, Jasinskiene N, Tatarenkova O, Fazekas A, Macias VM, Bier E, James AA
Abstract 
Genetic engineering technologies can be used both to create transgenic mosquitoes carrying antipathogen effector genes targeting human malaria parasites and to generate gene-drive systems capable of introgressing the genes throughout wild vector populations. We developed a highly effective autonomous Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9)-mediated gene-drive system in the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi, adapted from the mutagenic chain reaction (MCR). This specific system results in progeny of males and females derived from transgenic males exhibiting a high frequency of germ-line gene conversion consistent with homology-directed repair (HDR). This system copies an ∼ 17-kb construct from its site of insertion to its homologous chromosome in a faithful, site-specific manner. Dual anti-Plasmodium falciparum effector genes, a marker gene, and the autonomous gene-drive components are introgressed into ∼ 99.5% of the progeny following outcrosses of transgenic lines to wild-type mosquitoes. The effector genes remain transcriptionally inducible upon blood feeding. In contrast to the efficient conversion in individuals expressing Cas9 only in the germ line, males and females derived from transgenic females, which are expected to have drive component molecules in the egg, produce progeny with a high frequency of mutations in the targeted genome sequence, resulting in near-Mendelian inheritance ratios of the transgene. Such mutant alleles result presumably from nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) events before the segregation of somatic and germ-line lineages early in development. These data support the design of this system to be active strictly within the germ line. Strains based on this technology could sustain control and elimination as part of the malaria eradication agenda. 
PMID: 26598698 PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
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<author> Gantz VM, Jasinskiene N, Tatarenkova O, Fazekas A, Macias VM, Bier E, James AA</author>
<category>Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">PubMed:26598698</guid>
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<title>Genome sequence of the Asian Tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, reveals insights into its biology, genetics, and evolution.</title>
<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26483478?dopt=Abstract</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"><a href="http://www.pnas.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=26483478"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/http:-highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-pnas_full_free.gif" border="0"/></a> <a href="http://www.pnas.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=26483478"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/http:highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-pnas_full_free.gif" border="0"/></a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/26483478/"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-corehtml-pmc-pmcgifs-pubmed-pmc.gif" border="0"/></a> </td><td align="right"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Link&LinkName=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=26483478">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
Genome sequence of the Asian Tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, reveals insights into its biology, genetics, and evolution.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015 Nov 03;112(44):E5907-15
Authors: Chen XG, Jiang X, Gu J, Xu M, Wu Y, Deng Y, Zhang C, Bonizzoni M, Dermauw W, Vontas J, Armbruster P, Huang X, Yang Y, Zhang H, He W, Peng H, Liu Y, Wu K, Chen J, Lirakis M, Topalis P, Van Leeuwen T, Hall AB, Jiang X, Thorpe C, Mueller RL, Sun C, Waterhouse RM, Yan G, Tu ZJ, Fang X, James AA
Abstract 
The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is a highly successful invasive species that transmits a number of human viral diseases, including dengue and Chikungunya fevers. This species has a large genome with significant population-based size variation. The complete genome sequence was determined for the Foshan strain, an established laboratory colony derived from wild mosquitoes from southeastern China, a region within the historical range of the origin of the species. The genome comprises 1,967 Mb, the largest mosquito genome sequenced to date, and its size results principally from an abundance of repetitive DNA classes. In addition, expansions of the numbers of members in gene families involved in insecticide-resistance mechanisms, diapause, sex determination, immunity, and olfaction also contribute to the larger size. Portions of integrated flavivirus-like genomes support a shared evolutionary history of association of these viruses with their vector. The large genome repertory may contribute to the adaptability and success of Ae. albopictus as an invasive species. 
PMID: 26483478 PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
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<author> Chen XG, Jiang X, Gu J, Xu M, Wu Y, Deng Y, Zhang C, Bonizzoni M, Dermauw W, Vontas J, Armbruster P, Huang X, Yang Y, Zhang H, He W, Peng H, Liu Y, Wu K, Chen J, Lirakis M, Topalis P, Van Leeuwen T, Hall AB, Jiang X, Thorpe C, Mueller RL, Sun C, Waterhouse RM, Yan G, Tu ZJ, Fang X, James AA</author>
<category>Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">PubMed:26483478</guid>
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<title>BIOSAFETY. Safeguarding gene drive experiments in the laboratory.</title>
<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26229113?dopt=Abstract</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"><a href="http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=26229113"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/http:-highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-sci_full.gif" border="0"/></a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/26229113/"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-corehtml-pmc-pmcgifs-pubmed-pmc-MS.gif" border="0"/></a> </td><td align="right"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Link&LinkName=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=26229113">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
BIOSAFETY. Safeguarding gene drive experiments in the laboratory.
Science. 2015 Aug 28;349(6251):927-9
Authors: Akbari OS, Bellen HJ, Bier E, Bullock SL, Burt A, Church GM, Cook KR, Duchek P, Edwards OR, Esvelt KM, Gantz VM, Golic KG, Gratz SJ, Harrison MM, Hayes KR, James AA, Kaufman TC, Knoblich J, Malik HS, Matthews KA, O'Connor-Giles KM, Parks AL, Perrimon N, Port F, Russell S, Ueda R, Wildonger J
PMID: 26229113 PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
]]></description>
<author> Akbari OS, Bellen HJ, Bier E, Bullock SL, Burt A, Church GM, Cook KR, Duchek P, Edwards OR, Esvelt KM, Gantz VM, Golic KG, Gratz SJ, Harrison MM, Hayes KR, James AA, Kaufman TC, Knoblich J, Malik HS, Matthews KA, O'Connor-Giles KM, Parks AL, Perrimon N, Port F, Russell S, Ueda R, Wildonger J</author>
<category>Science</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">PubMed:26229113</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>MiR-2 family targets awd and fng to regulate wing morphogenesis in Bombyx mori.</title>
<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26037405?dopt=Abstract</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"><a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15476286.2015.1048957"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/http:-www.tandfonline.com-templates-jsp_style2-_tandf-images-tandf100x25.gif" border="0"/></a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/26037405/"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:--www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-corehtml-pmc-pmcgifs-pubmed-pmc.gif" border="0"/></a> </td><td align="right"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Link&LinkName=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=26037405">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
MiR-2 family targets awd and fng to regulate wing morphogenesis in Bombyx mori.
RNA Biol. 2015;12(7):742-8
Authors: Ling L, Ge X, Li Z, Zeng B, Xu J, Chen X, Shang P, James AA, Huang Y, Tan A
Abstract 
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators that target specific mRNAs for repression and thus play key roles in many biological processes, including insect wing morphogenesis. miR-2 is an invertebrate-specific miRNA family that has been predicted in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to be involved in regulating the Notch signaling pathway. We show here that miR-2 plays a critical role in wing morphogenesis in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, a lepidopteran model insect. Transgenic over-expression of a miR-2 cluster using a Gal4/UAS system results in deformed adult wings, supporting the conclusion that miR-2 regulates functions essential for normal wing morphogenesis. Two genes, abnormal wing disc (awd) and fringe (fng), which are positive regulators in Notch signaling, are identified as miR-2 targets and validated by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The relative abundance of both awd and fng expression products was reduced significantly in transgenic animals, implicating them in the abnormal wing phenotype. Furthermore, somatic mutagenesis analysis of awd and fng using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and knock-out mutants also resulted in deformed wings similar to those observed in the miR-2 overexpression transgenic animals. The critical role of miR-2 in Bombyx wing morphogenesis may provide a potential target in future lepidopteran pest control. 
PMID: 26037405 PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
]]></description>
<author> Ling L, Ge X, Li Z, Zeng B, Xu J, Chen X, Shang P, James AA, Huang Y, Tan A</author>
<category>RNA Biol</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">PubMed:26037405</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Protein phosphorylation during Plasmodium berghei gametogenesis.</title>
<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26008612?dopt=Abstract</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0014-4894(15)00146-0"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/http:-linkinghub.elsevier.com-ihub-images-PubMedLink.gif" border="0"/></a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/26008612/"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-corehtml-pmc-pmcgifs-pubmed-pmc-MS.gif" border="0"/></a> </td><td align="right"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Link&LinkName=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=26008612">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
Protein phosphorylation during Plasmodium berghei gametogenesis.
Exp Parasitol. 2015 Sep;156:49-60
Authors: Alonso-Morales A, González-López L, Cázares-Raga FE, Cortés-Martínez L, Torres-Monzón JA, Gallegos-Pérez JL, Rodríguez MH, James AA, Hernández-Hernández Fde L
Abstract 
Plasmodium gametogenesis within the mosquito midgut is a complex differentiation process involving signaling mediated by phosphorylation, which modulate metabolic routes and protein synthesis required to complete this development. However, the mechanisms leading to gametogenesis activation are poorly understood. We analyzed protein phosphorylation during Plasmodium berghei gametogenesis in vitro in serum-free medium using bidimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) combined with immunoblotting (IB) and antibodies specific to phosphorylated serine, threonine and tyrosine. Approximately 75 protein exhibited phosphorylation changes, of which 23 were identified by mass spectrometry. These included components of the cytoskeleton, heat shock proteins, and proteins involved in DNA synthesis and signaling pathways among others. Novel phosphorylation events support a role for these proteins during gametogenesis. The phosphorylation sites of six of the identified proteins, HSP70, WD40 repeat protein msi1, enolase, actin-1 and two isoforms of large subunit of ribonucleoside reductase were investigated using TiO2 phosphopeptides enrichment and tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, transient exposure to hydroxyurea, an inhibitor of ribonucleoside reductase, impaired male gametocytes exflagellation in a dose-dependent manner, and provides a resource for functional studies. 
PMID: 26008612 PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
]]></description>
<author> Alonso-Morales A, González-López L, Cázares-Raga FE, Cortés-Martínez L, Torres-Monzón JA, Gallegos-Pérez JL, Rodríguez MH, James AA, Hernández-Hernández Fde L</author>
<category>Exp Parasitol</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">PubMed:26008612</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Molecular epidemiology of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria among Duffy-positive and Duffy-negative populations in Ethiopia.</title>
<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25884875?dopt=Abstract</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"><a href="https://malariajournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12936-015-0596-4"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:-www.biomedcentral.com-graphics-pubmed-BioMedCentral_free_1.png" border="0"/></a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/25884875/"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-corehtml-pmc-pmcgifs-pubmed-pmc.gif" border="0"/></a> </td><td align="right"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Link&LinkName=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=25884875">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
Molecular epidemiology of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria among Duffy-positive and Duffy-negative populations in Ethiopia.
Malar J. 2015 Feb 19;14:84
Authors: Lo E, Yewhalaw D, Zhong D, Zemene E, Degefa T, Tushune K, Ha M, Lee MC, James AA, Yan G
Abstract 
BACKGROUND: Malaria is the most prevalent communicable disease in Ethiopia, with 75% of the country's landmass classified as endemic for malaria. Accurate information on the distribution and clinical prevalence of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria in endemic areas, as well as in Duffy-negative populations, is essential to develop integrated control strategies. 
METHODS: A total of 390 and 416 community and clinical samples, respectively, representing different localities and age groups across Ethiopia were examined. Malaria prevalence was estimated using nested PCR of the 18S rRNA region. Parasite gene copy number was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic samples, as well as between children/adolescents and adults from the local community. An approximately 500-bp segment of the human DARC gene was amplified and sequenced to identify Duffy genotype at the -33rd nucleotide position for all the clinical and community samples. 
RESULTS: Plasmodium vivax prevalence was higher in the south while P. falciparum was higher in the north. The prevalence of P. vivax and P. falciparum malaria is the highest in children compared to adolescents and adults. Four P. vivax infections were detected among the Duffy-negative samples. Samples from asymptomatic individuals show a significantly lower parasite gene copy number than those from symptomatic infections for P. vivax and P. falciparum. 
CONCLUSIONS: Geographical and age differences influence the distribution of P. vivax and P. falciparum malaria in Ethiopia. These findings offer evidence-based guidelines in targeting malaria control efforts in the country. 
PMID: 25884875 PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
]]></description>
<author> Lo E, Yewhalaw D, Zhong D, Zemene E, Degefa T, Tushune K, Ha M, Lee MC, James AA, Yan G</author>
<category>Malar J</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">PubMed:25884875</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Maternal germline-specific genes in the Asian malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi: characterization and application for disease control.</title>
<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25480960?dopt=Abstract</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"><a href="http://www.g3journal.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=25480960"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/http:-highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-ggg.gif" border="0"/></a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/25480960/"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-corehtml-pmc-pmcgifs-pubmed-pmc.gif" border="0"/></a> </td><td align="right"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Link&LinkName=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=25480960">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
Maternal germline-specific genes in the Asian malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi: characterization and application for disease control.
G3 (Bethesda). 2014 Dec 05;5(2):157-66
Authors: Biedler JK, Qi Y, Pledger D, James AA, Tu Z
Abstract 
Anopheles stephensi is a principal vector of urban malaria on the Indian subcontinent and an emerging model for molecular and genetic studies of mosquito biology. To enhance our understanding of female mosquito reproduction, and to develop new tools for basic research and for genetic strategies to control mosquito-borne infectious diseases, we identified 79 genes that displayed previtellogenic germline-specific expression based on RNA-Seq data generated from 11 life stage-specific and sex-specific samples. Analysis of this gene set provided insights into the biology and evolution of female reproduction. Promoters from two of these candidates, vitellogenin receptor and nanos, were used in independent transgenic cassettes for the expression of artificial microRNAs against suspected mosquito maternal-effect genes, discontinuous actin hexagon and myd88. We show these promoters have early germline-specific expression and demonstrate 73% and 42% knockdown of myd88 and discontinuous actin hexagon mRNA in ovaries 48 hr after blood meal, respectively. Additionally, we demonstrate maternal-specific delivery of mRNA and protein to progeny embryos. We discuss the application of this system of maternal delivery of mRNA/miRNA/protein in research on mosquito reproduction and embryonic development, and for the development of a gene drive system based on maternal-effect dominant embryonic arrest. 
PMID: 25480960 PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
]]></description>
<author> Biedler JK, Qi Y, Pledger D, James AA, Tu Z</author>
<category>G3 (Bethesda)</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">PubMed:25480960</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Site-specific, TALENs-mediated transformation of Bombyx mori.</title>
<link>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25460511?dopt=Abstract</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0965-1748(14)00169-6"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/http:-linkinghub.elsevier.com-ihub-images-PubMedLink.gif" border="0"/></a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/25460511/"><img src="//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-corehtml-pmc-pmcgifs-pubmed-pmc-MS.gif" border="0"/></a> </td><td align="right"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Link&LinkName=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=25460511">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
Site-specific, TALENs-mediated transformation of Bombyx mori.
Insect Biochem Mol Biol. 2014 Dec;55:26-30
Authors: Wang Y, Tan A, Xu J, Li Z, Zeng B, Ling L, You L, Chen Y, James AA, Huang Y
Abstract 
Transposon-based genetic transformation has facilitated insect functional genomics and new strategies of pest management. However, there is a need for alternative, site-specific approaches to overcome limitations of random integration (and associated position-effects) and potential instability of inserted transgenes. Here we describe a transposon-free, site-specific genetic transformation system mediated by transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, a lepidopteran model insect. We successfully established a site-specific transgenic system with comparable transformation efficiency to transposon-based genetic transformation through microinjection of TALENs mRNA targeting the BmBLOS2 locus and a linearizable donor plasmid encoding an expression cassette of the DsRed2 red fluorescent protein. This system provides a valuable approach for insect transgenesis and will enable future functional gene analysis and generate novel applications in agricultural and medical insect pest-management technologies. 
PMID: 25460511 PubMed
]]></description>
<author> Wang Y, Tan A, Xu J, Li Z, Zeng B, Ling L, You L, Chen Y, James AA, Huang Y</author>
<category>Insect Biochem Mol Biol</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">PubMed:25460511</guid>
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