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…
Research into the biological and molecular factors influencing male fertility and mating behavior in mosquitoes is essential for enhancing genetic and sterile insect technique-based vector control methods. In this study, the focus was on age-related variations in male reproductive performance in Anopheles culicifacies mosquitoes, with female egg production serving as a proxy for male fertility. The findings indicate that male reproductive age does not follow a linear fertility pattern, but rather a non-linear trend.
Through morphometric analysis, researchers found a significant correlation between seminal vesicle capacity and female fecundity, suggesting that age-dependent gonadal development directly impacts reproductive potential. At the molecular level, they identified AcLITAF6 as a crucial regulator of male reproductive homeostasis. By using RNA interference (RNAi) to knockdown AcLITAF6, the study observed adverse effects on apoptosis-associated and phagocytic clearance, decreased sperm viability, and reduced female productive outcomes.
The study concludes that AcLITAF6 plays a previously unrecognized role in sperm quality control and male reproductive fitness, making it a potential target for mosquito population suppression strategies.
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