Biology subjects

Morinaga, G.

Publications and source records attributed to Morinaga, G..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

A Way Through the Trees: Molecular Phylogenies Consistently Recover Two Clades of Aedes Mosquitoes

Phylogenetic analyses of molecular data have been critical in resolving deep and shallow relationships across the tree of life. Such analyses have provided clarity where traditional morphological analyses may not have, and have been instrumental in a range of evolutionary, systematic, and taxonomic studies for providing clarity to evolutionary relationships. One such case where evolutionary relationships are poorly understood is in the mosquito genus Aedes. Although this medically important genus of insects has received significant study, the majority of research has focused on those relatively few species that are invasive and transmit pathogens which cause disease. As a result, evolutionary relationships between Aedes mosquitoes are poorly understood, and the classification of the genus has been contentious, with numerous taxonomic changes over the last two decades being undertaken and reversed based entirely on analyses of somewhat limited morphological data. As a result, we conducted a literature review of molecular phylogenies and evaluated classificatory hypotheses under a framework based on observations of frequently occurring relationships among mosquito genera and subgenera. We found that molecular phylogenies consistently reflect two distinct clades of Aedes mosquitoes, each with other Aedini genera within them. We discuss these results in the context of ongoing debates over Aedes nomenclature. Our review demonstrates the ability for molecular phylogenies to aid in resolving long-standing debates on nomenclature. HighlightsO_LIThe genus Aedes, in the tribe Aedini, contains many of the worlds most important disease vector mosquitoes, such as the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. C_LIO_LIThe phylogeny of the genus Aedes remains contentious, leading to repeated and often confusing changes in taxonomy and nomenclature. C_LIO_LINo comprehensive molecular phylogenies of the genus Aedes have been published the, but Aedes species have been included in many phylogenetic analyses. C_LIO_LIMolecular phylogenies demonstrate consistent results: There are two major clades of Aedes mosquitoes, neither of which are monophyletic. C_LI Graphical Abstract

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2025

From macro to micro: De novo genomes of Aedes mosquitoes enable comparative genomics among close and distant relatives

The yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) is an organism of high medical importance because it is the primary vector for diseases such as yellow fever, Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. Its medical importance has made it a subject of numerous efforts to understand their biology. One such effort, was the development of a high-quality reference genome (AaegL5). However, this reference genome was sourced from a highly inbred laboratory strain with unknown geographic origin. Thus, the reference is not representative of a wild mosquito, let alone one from its native range in sub-Saharan Africa. To better understand the genetic architecture of Ae. aegypti and their sister species, we developed two de novo chromosome-scale genomes with sequences sourced from single individuals: one of Ae. aegypti formosus (Aaf) from Burkina Faso and one of Ae. mascarensis (Am) from Mauritius. Both genomes exhibit high contiguity and gene completeness, comparable to AaegL5. While Aaf exhibits high degree of synteny to AaegL5, it also exhibits several large inversions. We further conducted comparative genomic analyses using our genomes and other publicly available culicid reference genomes to find extensive chromosomal rearrangements between major lineages. Overrepresentation analysis of expanded genes in Aaf, AaegL5, and Am revealed that while the overarching category of genes that have expanded are similar, the specific genes that have expanded differ. Our findings elucidate novel insights into chromosome evolution at both microevolutionary and macroevolutionary scales. The genomic resources we present are additions to the arsenal of biologists in understanding mosquito biology and genome evolution. SignificanceAedes aegypti is a major arboviral disease vector found throughout the tropics and sub-tropics. Its subspecies differ ecologically, as native sub-Saharan African form feeds on mammals generally and inhabit both sylvatic and domestic areas and the global invasive form preferentially feeds on humans and lives primarily domestic areas. Their medical importance has prompted the development of a high-quality reference genome, but it was sourced from an inbred laboratory strain of unknown origin. Here, we leveraged PacBio HiFi sequencing and HiC sequencing to develop the first de novo genome of Ae. aegypti sampled its native range in Burkina Faso. We also present a de novo genome of Ae. mascarensis, its sister species. Our genomes are comparably contiguous and complete to the reference genome. Comparative genomic analysis using our genomes and other culicid reference genomes reveal extensive chromosomal rearrangements.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2024

First record of Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) in Alberta: Expanding distributions and ecotype patterns in a western Canadian province

Culex pipiens is an invasive mosquito found in temperate regions globally. It is considered among the most important disease vectors worldwide and is responsible for transmission of a range of pathogens, including West Nile virus, avian malaria, Saint Louis encephalitis, and filarial worms. Throughout its northern temperate range, this mosquito is found in two ecotypes: form pipiens and form molestus. In Canada, this mosquito was previously thought restricted to the Pacific coast of British Columbia and the eastern provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. Through routine mosquito surveillance and targeted trapping for Cx. pipiens, we detected this mosquito in two Albertan municipalities earlier than suggested by species distribution modelling based on climate change data. We confirmed the identity of putative Cx. pipiens specimens using DNA sequencing and found that form pipiens was the most common ecotype found in Alberta. Further, we compared the frequency of ecotypes in Alberta to elsewhere in North America and found a general trend of increased form pipiens in more northern latitudes, similar to previously reported results. We discuss our findings in context of vector-borne disease activity in Canada, particularly West Nile virus.

ecology↗