DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaf044 ISSN: 1759-6653
Hematophagy generates a convergent genomic signature in mosquitoes and sandflies
Julien Devilliers, Ben Warren, Ezio Rosato, Charalambos P Kyriacou, Roberto FeudaAbstract
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.