What is AEG12, recently seen in the news?a)A mosquito proteinb)Exoplan...
A mosquito protein, called AEG12, strongly inhibits the family of viruses that cause yellow fever, dengue, West Nile, and Zika, and also weakly inhibits coronaviruses, according to scientists at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and their collaborators.
- The researchers found that AEG12 works by destabilising the viral envelope, breaking its protective covering. The protein does not affect viruses that do not have an envelope.
- At the molecular level, AEG12 rips out the lipids (the fat-like portions of the membrane that hold the virus together).
- The findings, however, could lead to therapeutics against viruses that affect millions of people around the world.
- While the researchers demonstrated that AEG12 was most effective against flaviviruses — the family of viruses to which Zika, West Nile, and others belong — they felt it is possible AEG12 could be effective against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.
- But, it will take years of bioengineering to make AEG12 a viable therapy for Covid-19.
What is AEG12, recently seen in the news?a)A mosquito proteinb)Exoplan...
AEG12: Mosquito Protein
Introduction:
AEG12 is a mosquito protein that has recently been in the news due to its potential role in preventing the spread of dengue fever, Zika virus, and other mosquito-borne diseases.
What is AEG12:
AEG12 is a protein found in the salivary glands of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are known to transmit diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and yellow fever.
Research:
Recent research conducted by scientists at the University of California, Riverside, has shown that AEG12 has the potential to act as a natural insecticide, killing the mosquitoes that carry these diseases.
How it Works:
According to the researchers, AEG12 works by disrupting the function of a key protein in the mosquito's nervous system, leading to paralysis and death. The protein is specific to mosquitoes and does not affect other insects or animals.
Potential Benefits:
If further research confirms the efficacy of AEG12 as an insecticide, it could be a valuable tool in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases. Unlike traditional insecticides, which can have harmful effects on the environment and other organisms, AEG12 is a natural protein that is specific to mosquitoes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, AEG12 is a mosquito protein that has the potential to act as a natural insecticide and prevent the spread of dengue fever, Zika virus, and other mosquito-borne diseases. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety, but it could be a valuable tool in the fight against these diseases.