The AalNix3&4 isoform is required and sufficient to convert Aedes albopictus females into males

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010280
• Publication Date: 2022-06-23T17:48:16Z
• Authors: Yijie Zhao; Binbin Jin; Peiwen Liu; Xiaolin Xiao; Lijun Cai; Zhensheng Xie; Ling Kong; Tong Liu; Wenqiang Yang; Yang Wu; Jinbao Gu; Zhijian Tu; Anthony A. James; Xiao-Guang Chen
• Keywords: Aedes albopictus; Sterile Insect Technique

Aedes albopictus is one of the most invasive insect species in world and an effective vector for many important arboviruses. We reported previously that Ae . Nix ( AalNix ) male-determining factor this species. However, whether alone sufficient to initiate male development unknown. Transgenic lines express each three isoforms from native promoter were obtained using piggyBac transformation. verified stable expression transgenic confirm isoform, AalNix3&4 , convert females into fertile males (pseudo-males) are indistinguishable wild-type males. also established a sex-converted female mosquito strain, -♂4-pseudo-male. The pseudo-male mosquitoes can fly mate normally with female, although their mating competitiveness lower than wild-type. This work further clarifies role sex determination pathway will facilitate control strategies rely on male-only releases such as SIT sex-ratio distortion.