Microbiome-Gut-Brain-Axis communication influences metabolic switch in the mosquitoAnopheles culicifacies

Abstract

AbstractPeriodic ingestion of a protein-rich blood meal by adult female mosquitoes causes a drastic metabolic change in their innate physiological status, which is referred to as ‘metabolic switch. Although the down-regulation of olfactory factors is key to restrain host-attraction, how the gut ‘metabolic switch’ modulates brain functions, and resilience physiological homeostasis remains unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that the protein-rich diet induces mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, possibly shifting the brain’s engagement to manage organismal homeostasis. A dynamic expression pattern of neuro-signaling and neuro-modulatory genes in both the brain and gut indicates an optimal brain-distant organ communication. Even after decapitation, significant modulation of the neuro-modulator receptor genes as well as quantitative estimation of neurotransmitters (NTs), together confer the gut’s ability to serve as a ‘second brain’. Finally, data on comparative metagenomic analysis and altered NTs dynamics of naïve and aseptic mosquitoes provide the initial evidence that gut-endosymbionts are key modulators for the synthesis of major neuroactive molecules. Conclusively, our data establish a new conceptual understanding of microbiome-gut-brain-axis communication in mosquitoes.Abstract FigureGraphical abstractHighlightsHighly proteinaceous blood meal uptake causes gut ‘metabolic switch’ activity in mosquitoes.Gut’s calling shifts the brain’s administrative function from external communication to inter-organ management.‘Gut’, as a ‘Second brain’ plays a crucial role in the maintenance of physiological homeostasis.Metabolic switch and proliferation of symbiotic bacteria establish microbiome-gut-brain axis communication in mosquitoes.