Locomotion-related protein Hikaru genki (AaHig)

Locomotion-related protein Hikaru genki (AaHig) is a secreted neural factor in the mosquito Aedes aegypti that plays a critical dual role in behavior and innate immunity. As a homolog of the Drosophila Hikaru genki protein, it is localized within the synaptic cleft of the mosquito central nervous system, where it is essential for the proper development of neural circuits and the maintenance of normal locomotor activity, such as flight and jumping. Beyond its developmental function, AaHig serves as a potent antiviral restriction factor that protects the mosquito brain from lethal flavivirus infections. It functions by directly binding to a conserved motif in the envelope (E) proteins of viruses such as Dengue (DENV) and Japanese Encephalitis (JEV), thereby interrupting endocytic viral entry into neural cells. Because its absence leads to neural damage and significantly reduced mosquito lifespan, AaHig is a significant target for research into vector control and the molecular mechanisms of disease tolerance in mosquitoes.

Other names

AaHigHigAAEL004725Aedes aegypti locomotion-related proteinHikaru-genki protein

Binds directly to the viral envelope proteins of flaviviruses to block endocytic entry into host neurons; additionally regulates synaptic organization to support locomotor behavior.