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Microbiome and Genetics in Mosquito Attraction

This PhD project proposal investigates the contributions of the skin microbiome, genetics, and Plasmodium infection to human attractiveness to malaria mosquitoes. The research aims to analyze skin microbiome composition and its correlation with volatile organic compounds and mosquito attraction, both in the UK and in Gambia. The findings could enhance understanding of malaria transmission and lead to new mosquito control strategies.

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8 views2 pages

Microbiome and Genetics in Mosquito Attraction

This PhD project proposal investigates the contributions of the skin microbiome, genetics, and Plasmodium infection to human attractiveness to malaria mosquitoes. The research aims to analyze skin microbiome composition and its correlation with volatile organic compounds and mosquito attraction, both in the UK and in Gambia. The findings could enhance understanding of malaria transmission and lead to new mosquito control strategies.

Uploaded by

biotechshaff
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

PhD Project Proposal: Microbiomics and genetics of human attractiveness to

malaria mosquitoes

Research question:

What are the relative contributions of the skin microbiome, genetics and Plasmodium
infection in human attractiveness to mosquitoes?

Background:

Some people attract mosquitoes more than others due to differences in volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) emitted from the human skin (Logan et al. 2008). The production of
these volatiles is thought to be mainly influenced by bacteria living on the skin (Takken and
Verhulst 2017) as well as genetic differences between people (Fernández-Grandon et al.
2015). However, the mechanisms involved in the production of VOCs and the relative
contribution of the skin microbiome and of genetics remain to be investigated.

Attractiveness to biting insects is important in the medical context, since it directly impacts
the transmission of parasites by mosquitoes such as Plasmodium falciparum, the agent of
human malaria. Interestingly, people tend to become more attractive to mosquitoes when
infected with Plasmodium which could potentially increase the transmission of the parasite
to the mosquito vector (Busula et al. 2017). Whether this effect of the infection is mediated
by changes in the skin microbiome in infected people, and whether it interacts with the
host’s genetic factors, is not known.

The project will aim to decipher the respective roles and potential interactions between the
skin microbiome, human genetic factors and Plasmodium infection on attractiveness to
mosquitoes.

Methods:

During the project, I will analyse the skin microbiome composition of participants recruited
in the UK from whom attractiveness to malaria-transmitting mosquitoes and skin volatiles
have been characterised. I will use molecular biology techniques to extract the bacterial
DNA from the samples and prepare them for high-throughput sequencing. Using
bioinformatic tools I will analyse the sequences and determine the bacterial diversity
present in the samples to measure correlations with the production of VOCs and levels of
attractiveness to mosquitoes. I will also test whether the skin microbiome is influenced by
genetic factors by making use of the genomic data already available from the participants.

I will also conduct a similar study of the skin microbiome on a natural mosquito-human-
Plasmodium system. Field work will be carried in Gambia to collect microbiome samples and
will also involve volatile collection, chemical analysis of VOCs and behavioural assays using
mosquitoes in the lab. The effect of Plasmodium parasites will also be tested by checking
the infection status of the participants.

Impact:

The findings will help us understand parasite-mosquito-human interactions and their effect
on malaria epidemiology. It could also help the development of new ways to prevent
mosquito bites and protect human populations at risk of malaria infection. For example,
bacterium-derived volatiles could be exploited to develop a new generation of mosquito
repellents, or attractants for use as lures in traps for mosquito surveillance or control.

Skills and future career plans:


During my degree, I have developed several skills that I can use during the project, however,
I am also keen to gain new skills and experiences during this PhD. I acquired some
experience in microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology and next generation
sequencing while undertaking a [removed] Microbiology studentship at [removed] working on
the development of a molecular diagnostics approach to equine histoplasmosis. I thoroughly
enjoyed the lab environment and the responsibility that came with having my
own project. I am eager to build on those skills during the PhD project.

I have developed my knowledge of entomology through theory and practical modules based
at the [HEI removed]. Additionally, I have collaborated with [removed] to learn the RNA
interference (RNAi) technique which I needed for my honours project “RNAi of Mucin in
determining disease severity”. My honours project has given me the opportunity to apply the
skills I have learnt over the last two years and my summer project. It has also given me the
opportunity to work independently.

I have a major interest in infectious disease and disease control, gained through the
opportunities I have taken to study and work in the lab at [removed]. I have some knowledge
of designing and conducting experiments with mosquitoes from the vector biology module I
did last year, but this PhD project would give me the opportunity to develop the practical
components. I also have some experience of preparing DNA samples for high throughput
sequencing and metagenomics analysis.

My aim is to become an independent researcher in academia in the future, working in the


field of infectious disease, this project would give me the opportunity to develop the skills I
need for this career path.

References:
Busula, A. O., N. O. Verhulst, T. Bousema, W. Takken, and J. G. de Boer. 2017.
Mechanisms
of Plasmodium-Enhanced Attraction of Mosquito Vectors. Trends Parasitol. xx:1–13.
Elsevier
Ltd.
Fernández-Grandon, G. M., S. A. Gezan, J. A. L. Armour, J. A. Pickett, and J. G. Logan.
2015.
Heritability of attractiveness to mosquitoes. PLoS One 10:1–10.
Logan, J. G., M. A. Birkett, S. J. Clark, S. Powers, N. J. Seal, L. J. Wadhams, A. J. Mordue,
and
J. A. Pickett. 2008. Identification of human-derived volatile chemicals that interfere with
attraction of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. J. Chem. Ecol. 34:308–322.
Takken, W., and N. O. Verhulst. 2017. Chemical signaling in mosquito–host interactions: the
role of human skin microbiota. Curr. Opin. Insect Sci. 20:68–74. Elsevier Inc.

Common questions

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VOCs play a key role in human-mosquito interactions as chemical signals that mosquitoes use to locate their hosts. The skin microbiome contributes significantly to VOC production by metabolizing skin constituents, thereby modifying the chemical profile of human odor. This microbial activity influences individual variability in mosquito attraction .

The study's findings could inform public health policies by identifying novel targets for mosquito repellents or attractants, thereby improving vector control strategies. Recognizing the genetic and microbiome factors in attractiveness could lead to more personalized interventions. Policy adjustments could include developing educational programs around mosquito-borne disease risks related to infection and population-based surveillance enhancements .

The researcher aims to develop skills in microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and high-throughput sequencing alongside gaining practical experience in field studies and vector biology. These skills align with their career objectives to become an independent researcher in infectious disease, focusing on disease control and epidemiology .

Research on human-mosquito interactions can contribute to malaria control strategies by identifying the roles of skin microbiome and genetics in mosquito attraction, which could lead to the development of new repellents or attractants. By understanding how Plasmodium infections modulate attractiveness, strategies can be devised to disrupt the transmission cycle. Moreover, bacterium-derived volatiles may be utilized to create effective mosquito traps for surveillance and population control .

The investigation will utilize molecular biology techniques to extract and sequence bacterial DNA from skin samples, followed by bioinformatic analysis to determine bacterial diversity and its correlation with VOC production and mosquito attractiveness. Field work in Gambia will involve collecting microbiome samples and analyzing VOCs and mosquito behavior. Expected outcomes include identifying specific microbial profiles or VOCs linked to heightened mosquito attraction .

Plasmodium infection could enhance human attractiveness to mosquitoes by altering the skin microbiome and VOCs, making infected individuals more appealing to the vectors. This enhanced attractiveness can increase the rate of parasite transmission to mosquitoes, thereby facilitating the spread of malaria. Thus, understanding these mechanisms could be critical in designing interventions to break the transmission cycle .

Human attractiveness to malaria mosquitoes is influenced primarily by the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the skin, which are affected by both the skin microbiome and genetic differences between individuals. Additionally, Plasmodium infection may alter these VOCs, increasing attractiveness. The interaction between these factors includes potential modifications of the skin microbiome due to genetic factors and changes induced by Plasmodium infections, suggesting a complex interplay that enhances mosquito attraction .

Studying the interaction between genetics and Plasmodium infection is significant as it can reveal how genetic predispositions may amplify or mitigate the attractiveness to mosquitoes. This understanding can lead to personalized approaches in malaria prevention and control, considering individual genetic makeup's potential influence on infection risks and mosquito interactions .

Challenges include the complexity of genetic-environment interactions, the variability in environmental factors, and the limited understanding of the genetic basis of VOC production. These can be addressed by using large, diverse sample sizes, integrating genomic and environmental data, and employing advanced molecular techniques to pinpoint genetic markers associated with increased mosquito attraction .

While changes in the skin microbiome are significant in predicting increased attractiveness due to their role in VOC production, additional factors such as genetic variations and Plasmodium infections also play crucial roles. These factors can influence microbial composition and VOC emission, suggesting a multifaceted model of attraction .

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