Aedes aegypti glutamate-gated chloride channel (AaGluCl)

The Aedes aegypti glutamate-gated chloride channel (AaGluCl) is a member of the Cys-loop superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels, which are found in invertebrates but absent in vertebrates (Wolstenholme, 2012). It functions as a primary mediator of fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the mosquito's nervous system by facilitating the influx of chloride ions into neurons upon activation by L-glutamate (Meyers et al., 2015). This influx leads to membrane hyperpolarization, which is critical for the regulation of motor coordination, sensory integration, and feeding behaviors (Atif et al., 2020). Because of its absence in humans, AaGluCl is a major target for various insecticides and antiparasitic agents used to control mosquito populations and prevent the transmission of diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Yellow Fever (Meyers et al., 2015). Macrocyclic lactones, including ivermectin, act as potent allosteric agonists that lock the channel in an open state, causing persistent chloride influx (Cully et al., 1994). This results in irreversible flaccid paralysis and death of the insect, making the channel a cornerstone of vector control strategies (Atif et al., 2020).

Other names

Glutamate-gated chloride channelGluClAaGluCl receptorAedes aegypti GluClAa-GluCl-alpha

Positive allosteric modulation and activation of the channel, leading to an uncontrolled influx of chloride ions, neuronal hyperpolarization, and subsequent flaccid paralysis (Cully et al., 1994; Atif et al., 2020).