Generation of Cas9 Knock-In Culex quinquefasciatus Mosquito Cells.

Abstract

Background/objectives: Culex species mosquitoes are globally distributed and transmit several pathogens that impact animal and public health, including West Nile virus, Usutu virus, and Plasmodium relictum. Despite their relevance, Culex species are less widely studied than Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes. To expand the genetic tools used to study Culex mosquitoes, we previously developed an optimized plasmid for transient Cas9 and single-guide RNA (sgRNA) expression in Culex quinquefasciatus cells to generate gene knockouts. Here, we established a monoclonal cell line that consistently expresses Cas9 and can be used for screens to determine gene function or antiviral activity.

Methods: We used this system to perform the successful gene editing of seven genes and subsequent testing for potential antiviral effects, using a simple single-guide RNA (sgRNA) transfection and subsequent virus infection.

Results: We were able to show antiviral effects for the Cx. quinquefasciatus genes dicer-2, argonaute-2b, vago, piwi5, piwi6a, and cullin4a. In comparison to the RNAi-mediated gene silencing of dicer-2, argonaute-2b, and piwi5, our Cas9/sgRNA approach showed an enhanced ability to detect antiviral effects.

Conclusions: We propose that this cell line offers a new tool for studying gene function in Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes that avoids the use of RNAi. This short study also serves as a proof-of-concept for future gene knock-ins in these cells. Our cell line expands the molecular resources available for vector competence research and will support the design of future research strategies to reduce the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.