Browsing by Author "Wijewardana, Chanuka Nisalanka"

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    Pou2f3 modulates mosquito host-seeking behavior by regulating skin microbiota and their production of volatiles: Implications for eco-friendly pest control strategies
    (ACS Publications, 2025-06-26) Wang, Hui; Ruixi, Qian; Wang, Yuxiang; Li, Lanxi; Wu, Wenxuan; Chen, Yunxuan; Li, Wenqing; Wijewardana, Chanuka Nisalanka; Zhou, Yinghui; Padde, John Roberts; Wang, Yuxiang; Hou, Min; Xu, Zhipeng; Ji, MinJun; Chen, Lu; Chen, Lin
    Skin microbiota-derived volatile metabolites are critical for mosquito host-seeking and disease transmission. Similar volatile organic compounds (VOCs)-mediated mechanisms may apply to agricultural pests (e.g., aphids, whiteflies). We demonstrate that Pou2f3, a skin-enriched transcription factor, regulates β-defensin1 expression, shaping microbiota composition and volatile production. Pou2f3-deficient mice exhibited increased Staphylococcus abundance and elevated 1-methoxy-2-propanol levels, enhancing attraction in Culex and Aedes mosquitoes. This VOC, alongside other microbiota-derived compounds, could inspire targeted attractants for eco-friendly pest control via species-specific lures in integrated pest management (IPM). By bridging medical entomology and agricultural chemistry, this work advances sustainable solutions against vector-borne diseases and agricultural pests through precision chemical ecology strategies.