Jason L. Rasgon

Infectious transgenesis in arthropods

The paper introduces GEValT, a method for heritable CRISPR gene editing in arthropods via oral viral transduction, enabling efficient gene knock-out and knock-in.

Virome profiling of Culex tarsalis through small RNA-seq: A challenge of suboptimal samples

This study uses small RNA-seq to analyze the virome of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes despite suboptimal sample conditions, identifying seven viruses and their small RNA profiles.

Hologenomic structure of bacterial and fungal community composition in the West Nile virus vector Culex tarsalis

This study examines the hologenomic structure of bacterial and fungal communities in Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, finding geographic and environmental influences on microbiome composition and partial correlation with host genetics.

In situ architecture of the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis

This study uses cryo-electron tomography to reveal the nanoscale architecture of Wolbachia pipientis structures involved in host manipulation and maternal inheritance.

Expression of endogenous Anopheles gambiae microRNAs using an Anopheles gambiae densovirus (AgDNV) intronic expression system

This paper develops an AgDNV intronic expression system to deliver microRNAs in Anopheles gambiae, showing variable miRNA target gene regulation.

Effect of prolonged dehydration stress on the vector competence of Aedes aegypti for Mayaro virus

This study examines how prolonged dehydration stress affects Mayaro virus infection and vector competence in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, finding that dehydration alters viral dissemination dynamics.

Multiple bouts of blood feeding in mosquitoes allow prolonged survival and are predicted to increase viral transmission during drought

This study shows that repeated blood feeding during drought increases mosquito survival and viral transmission potential by enhancing activity and CO2 sensing.

Revisiting the paradigm of anhematophagy in male mosquitoes

This study challenges the assumption that male mosquitoes exclusively feed on plant sugars by showing they can take blood under dehydration/starvation and transmit pathogens.

Gene editing in the Chagas disease vector Rhodnius prolixus by Cas9-mediated ReMOT Control

This paper demonstrates successful gene editing in Rhodnius prolixus using ReMOT Control and DIPA-CRISPR methods, achieving mutations in eye and cuticle color genes.

Function and evolution of aquaporin IsAQP1 in the Lyme disease vector Ixodes scapularis

This study identifies and functionally characterizes IsAQP1, an aquaporin in Ixodes scapularis, showing it is a water channel with low glycerol permeability and salivary gland-specific expression.

Identification of microRNAs in the West Nile virus vector Culex tarsalis

The paper identifies and validates 106 miRNAs in Culex tarsalis mosquitoes using small RNA sequencing and experimental validation.

Novel genome assemblies and Evolutionary Dynamics of North American Anopheles mosquitoes

This study presents novel genome assemblies for four North American Anopheles mosquito species and identifies genes under positive selection that may contribute to their vectorial capacity.

An integrated mosquito small RNA genomics resource reveals dynamic evolution and host responses to viruses and transposons.

The paper develops an integrated resource to analyze small RNA profiles in mosquitoes, revealing evolutionary dynamics and host responses to viruses and transposons.

Whole genome assembly of Culex tarsalis

The paper assembles and annotates a reference genome for Culex tarsalis, identifies genetic clusters, and estimates divergence time from Culex quinquefasciatus.

Actin bundles play different role in shaping scale as compare to bristle in mosquito Aedes aegypti.

This study shows that actin bundles have different roles in shaping mosquito scales versus bristles, with actin bundles required for bristle elongation and scale width formation.

Germline mutagenesis of Nasonia vitripennis through ovarian delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein

The paper develops a method to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein into Nasonia vitripennis ovaries for germline gene editing using ReMOT or BAPC, achieving efficient somatic and germline editing.

CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing in the silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)

This paper develops a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing protocol for Bemisia tabaci by injecting adult females instead of embryos, enabling efficient heritable genome editing.

Cas9-mediated gene-editing in the malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi by ReMOT Control

The paper adapts ReMOT Control to edit genes in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, achieving editing efficiency comparable to embryo injections.

Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) Is Involved In The Zika Virus Cellular Infection Process

This study investigates the role of Hsp70 in ZIKV infection, showing that Hsp70 facilitates viral entry and production.

Dehydration Bouts Prompt Increased Activity And Blood Feeding By Mosquitoes

This study shows dehydration increases blood feeding and activity in mosquitoes, likely to obtain water, and may enhance disease transmission.