Identify molecules sensitive to CO2 in insects

Carbone dioxide (CO ₂ ) emitted by plants or humans helps insects identify their location and locate food sources. So the CO2 we emit when breathing allows mosquitoes to find us even in complete darkness. The researchers identified the fruit fly and the CO ₂ -sensitive mosquito species.

CO2-activated neurons have been discovered in insects, but the mechanism that allows these cells to detect CO ₂ remains a mystery. The team led by Dr. Leslie Vosshall of Rockefeller University (USA) has identified two molecules that both Gr21a and Gr63a proteins are necessary and sufficient to help fruit flies detect CO ₂ .

The researchers found two similar proteins in the Anophele mosquito (Anopheles gambiae) that transmit malaria. Dr. Vosshall hopes this finding will help find a new substance capable of inhibiting these molecules to repel insects, allowing prevention of diseases like malaria transmitted from an insect's sting. .