Abstract:

Insect vectors rely on a multitude of receptors to respond to their sensory environment. Advancements in genetic engineering in insects now enable detailed investigations into the function of sensory-related genes and their associated neurons. In this chapter, we review the major advancements in genetic methods that have been used to investigate the sensory biology of mosquitoes. We cover two major kinds of genetic manipulations in mosquitoes: (1) the introduction of new genetic elements, and (2) the targeted mutation of a gene. For the introduction of new genetic material, we discuss transposon and ΦC31-mediated transgenesis, how screening or drug-selectable markers allow for transgene identification, and the adoption of sophisticated genetic binary expression systems to investigate sensory functions. For targeted mutations in mosquitoes, we discuss homing endonucleases, and the development of CRISPR/Cas9 strategies. This chapter serves as a guide to the genetic methods being applied to investigate mosquito sensory biology.