Conserved microRNA miR-8 targets the wingless signaling pathway to regulate reproductive processes in the female mosquito, Aedes aegypti

Female mosquitoes require a blood meal for reproduction, providing the underlying mechanism for the spread of many devastating vector-borne diseases in humans. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms linked to mosquito blood-meal processes and reproductive events is of particular importance for devising innovative vector control strategies. We have uncovered that the conserved miRNA, miR-8, is an essential regulator of mosquito reproductive events. Two strategies to inhibit miR-8 function in vivo were employed for functional characterization: systemic antagomir depletion and spatiotemporal inhibition utilizing the miRNA sponge transgenic method in combination with the Gal4-UAS system. Depletion of miR-8 in the female mosquito results in defects in egg development and deposition. We have used a multi-algorithm approach for reliable miRNA target prediction in mosquito 3’UTRs, and have experimentally identified Secreted Wingless-interacting molecule (Swim) as an authentic target of miR-8 controlling reproductive processes in the female mosquito fat body. Here we report our findings concerning the role of miR-8 in the fat body of the female mosquito, Aedes aegypti.