Hematophagy Generates a Convergent Genomic Signature in Mosquitoes and Sandflies
Blood feeding (hematophagy) is widespread across Diptera (true flies), yet the underlying genetic basis remains poorly understood. Using phylogenomics, we show that four gene families associated with neuromodulation, immune responses, embryonic development, and iron metabolism have undergone independent expansions within mosquitoes and sandflies. Our findings illuminate the underlying genetic basis for blood-feeding adaptations in these important disease vectors.
Authors
- Charalambos P. Kyriacou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4889-7606)
- Roberto Feuda (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0857-1732)
- Ezio Rosato (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7297-4697)
- Julien Devilliers (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1470-2108)
- Ben Warren (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7871-0091)
Institutions
- University of Leicester (GB)
- Genomics (United Kingdom) (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Genome Biology and Evolution
- Published
- 2025-03-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evaf044
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.67
Funders
- University of Leicester