Recombinant expression of shRNA targeting gat in microalgae for controlling Aedes albopictus

Abstract:

Objective To explore the technical feasibility of using transgenic microalgae to control Aedes that transmit diseases such as dengue fever.Methods Taking the neurotransmitter transporter gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor gene (gat) of Aedes as a target, we constructed a shRNA-expressing vector and then transferred the vector into Chlamydomonas reinhardtiii CC124 and Chlorella vulgaris HOC5 through electroporation. The recombinant microalgae were used to feed the larvae and adults of Aedes albopictus.Results The transgenic algae delayed the larval development and had obvious lethal effects on the larvae and adults of A. albopictus, causing the mortality rates of 75.56% and 58.67%, respectively. The expression level of gat in the larvae was significantly down-regulated.Conclusion Deploying gat-shRNA transgenic microalgae in enclosed water environments to suppress mosquito populations in the vicinity is technically feasible. This strategy provides a new perspective on using biological methods to control mosquitoes and block the transmission of severe infectious diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus disease.