Abundances of transfer RNA modifications and transcriptional levels for tRNA-modifying enzymes are sex-specific in mosquitoes

As carriers of multiple human diseases, understanding the mechanisms behind mosquito reproduction may have implications for remediation strategies. Transfer RNA (tRNA) acts as the adapter molecule of amino acids and are key components in protein synthesis and a critical factor in the function of tRNAs is chemical modifications. Here, we provide an assessment of tRNA modifications between sexes for three mosquito species and examine correlated transcript levels underlying key proteins involved in tRNA modification. Thirty-three tRNA modifications were detected among mosquito species and most of these modifications are higher in females compared to males. Analysis of previous male and female RNAseq datasets indicated a similar increase in tRNA modifying enzymes in females, supporting our observed female enrichment of tRNA modifications. Tissues-specific expressional studies revealed high transcript levels for tRNA modifying enzymes in the ovaries for Aedes aegypti, but not male reproductive tissues. These studies suggest that tRNA modifications may be critical to reproduction in mosquitoes, representing a potential novel target for control.