BACKGROUNDMosquito vector control requires novel approaches. Blood‐feeding female mosquitoes not only sustain their reproduction, but also facilitate pathogen dissemination. Therefore, studying female mosquito reproduction and targeting genes or proteins related to reproduction could lead to an alternative method of vector control. Herein, we focused on the role of MD‐2‐related lipid‐recognition protein‐like (ML) in the reproduction of female mosquitoes [Culex pipiens pallens (Diptera: Culicidae)].RESULTSCpML was predominantly expressed in female mosquito ovaries. Injection of a small interfering RNA targeting CpML resulted in reduced ovary size, and a decrease in the number of follicles and egg rafts. Knocking down CpML disrupted lipid metabolism by increasing triglyceride levels in ovaries. Knockdown of CpML resulted in a decrease in CpVg expression in the ovaries, which in turn increased the expression of CpDGAT1 within the ovaries, ultimately leading to an increase in triglyceride content.CONCLUSIONOur research found that knocking down CpML impaired reproduction in Culex mosquitoes by increasing triglyceride levels in the ovaries. This study presents strong evidence that CpML is vital for female reproductive success, serving a key role in regulating lipid metabolism in C. p. pallens, and thereby enhancing our understanding of insect development and reproduction. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

中文翻译：

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MD-2 相关脂质识别蛋白样通过影响脂质代谢参与蚊子的繁殖

背景 Mosquito 矢量控制需要新颖的方法。吸血的雌性蚊子不仅维持其繁殖，而且还促进病原体的传播。因此，研究雌性蚊子的繁殖和靶向与繁殖相关的基因或蛋白质可能会导致另一种媒介控制方法。在此，我们专注于 MD-2 相关脂质识别蛋白样 （ML） 在雌性蚊子 [Culex pipiens pallens （Diptera： Culicidae）] 繁殖中的作用。结果 CpML 主要在雌性蚊子卵巢中表达。注射靶向 CpML 的小干扰 RNA 导致卵巢大小减小，卵泡和卵筏数量减少。敲低 CpML 通过增加卵巢中的甘油三酯水平来破坏脂质代谢。敲低 CpML 导致卵巢中 CpVg 表达降低，进而增加卵巢内 CpDGAT1 的表达，最终导致甘油三酯含量增加。结论我们的研究发现，敲除 CpML 会增加卵巢中甘油三酯的水平，从而损害库蚊的繁殖。这项研究提供了强有力的证据表明，CpML 对雌性生殖成功至关重要，在调节 C. p. pallens 的脂质代谢中起关键作用，从而增强我们对昆虫发育和繁殖的理解。© 2025 化工学会.