Biology subjects

Tandon, G.

Publications and source records attributed to Tandon, G..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Male Age and Sexual Maturity: Lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor influences sperm quality and reproduction in Anopheles culicifacies

Elucidating the biological and molecular mechanisms that govern male fertility and mating behavior in mosquitoes is critical for optimizing genetic and sterile insect technique-based vector control strategies. Here, we examined age-related changes in male reproductive capacity in Anopheles culicifacies, using female egg output as an indirect indicator of male fertility. Our results demonstrated that male reproductive age follows a non-linear pattern of fertility. Morphometric analysis from emergence to day 13 post-eclosion revealed a strong correlation between seminal vesicle capacity and female fecundity, suggesting that age-dependent gonadal development directly influences reproductive potential. At the molecular level, we identified AcLITAF6 as a key regulator of male reproductive homeostasis. RNAi-mediated knockdown of AcLITAF6 impaired apoptosis-associated and phagocytic clearance, reduced sperm viability, and decreased female productive outcomes. Conclusively, we reveal a previously unrecognized role of LITAF in sperm quality control and male reproductive fitness, highlighting AcLITAF6 as a potential target for mosquito population suppression strategies.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Modulation of repopulating microglia in multiple sclerosis models with implications for neuroprotection

Microglia play a critical role in central nervous system (CNS) pathologies including multiple sclerosis (MS), and their modulation offers therapeutic potential especially during progressive disease courses. Using cell culture and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models, we investigated microglial dynamics during depletion and repopulation (MGrepo) and their modulation using siponimod (sipo), an established CNS penetrating MS medication. Repopulating microglia exhibited a transient reactive state (CD86, MHC-II, Il1b, Tnf). Sipo modulated microglia populations, increasing CD163+, CD206+, and CX3CR1+ while reducing CD86+MHC-II+ cells accompanied by a reduction of neuronal damage. Proteomic spinal cord analysis revealed protein expression alterations by MGrepo and sipo linked to inflammation, myelination, and neuronal structural organization, supported by RNA sequencing of the spinal cord. The neuroinflammation attenuating role of sipo could be linked to cell maintenance and myelin formation associated processes. These findings highlight the capacity of pharmacological interventions to modulate microglia, offering new insights into therapeutic strategies targeting microglial activity in neuroinflammatory diseases.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2025

Sensory Appendage Protein triggers alarm to pyrethroid in Indian malarial vector Anopheles culicifacies

Sensory appendage proteins (SAPs) serve as molecular arms of odorant-binding protein family members and mediate chemical communication from the external to the internal environment of the insect body. We recently reported that SAP members might have an important role in blood-feeding and/or insecticide resistance-associated behavioral physiologies, but the mechanism remains unclear. Here we show how SAP contributes (i) to the host attraction during navigation for blood-feeding, and (ii) triggers an alert via integrated actions of eyes and peripheral sensory organs to circumvent the toxic effect of insecticide in the susceptible strain of An. culicifacies. Among the six identified SAP members, AcSAP1 and AcSAP2 are abundantly expressed in the olfactory and legs, and their expression is significantly modulated at night in naive adult female mosquitoes. We noticed that AcSAP1 silencing significantly impairs the host-attraction properties of the mosquitoes. Its strong binding affinity to the synthetic pyrethroid prompted us to evaluate the AcSAP1 response to insecticide exposure. Confocal microscopy and molecular profiling data reveal a heightened modulation in the expression of AcSAP1 in eyes, and other peripheral sensory organs including the olfactory (****p<0.00001), legs (**p < 0.004), wings (***p < 0.0004). These findings collectively suggest a crucial role of AcSAP1 in facilitating mosquito navigation, and/or insecticide avoidance. Unraveling the basis of SAP interactions with peripheral sensory systems could pave the way for the development of novel vector control tools.

animal behavior and cognition↗