{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Vector Signals","title":"Zika Virus Alters Human Skin to Attract Mosquito Vectors (January 2025)","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/47b082db\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1199,"description":"Detailed Briefing Document: Zika Virus Modulation of Human Fibroblasts Enhances Transmission SuccessSource: Mozūraitis, R., Cirksena, K., Raftari, M., et al. (2025). Zika virus modulates human fibroblasts to enhance transmission success in a controlled lab-setting. Communications Biology, 8(1), 754. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-07543-9Date of Briefing: Received - 02 July 2024 | Accepted - 14 January 2025 | Published - 30 January 2025\n1. Executive Summary:This study investigates how Zika virus (ZIKV) infection of human dermal fibroblasts alters the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and how these changes impact the host-seeking and feeding behavior of its mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti. The researchers demonstrate that ZIKV infection leads to significant alterations in the VOC profile of infected fibroblasts at both the invasion and transmission stages. These altered VOCs enhance the attraction of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, increase their blood meal size, and even positively influence mosquito fecundity and survival. Furthermore, the study utilizes transcriptomic and proteomic meta-analyses to reveal that ZIKV infection modulates the expression of genes and proteins involved in lipid metabolism and transport in human host cells, potentially driving the observed changes in VOC production. The findings suggest that ZIKV actively manipulates its vertebrate host to promote its transmission by enhancing the attractiveness and feeding efficiency of its mosquito vector.2. Main Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:ZIKV alters the VOC profile of infected human dermal fibroblasts:The study found significant differences in the VOCs released by human dermal fibroblasts when infected with ZIKV compared to uninfected cells.At the invasion stage of ZIKV infection, fourteen VOCs were significantly increased, with the largest increase observed for 2,4-dimethyl-1-heptane. Five VOCs were significantly decreased.At the transmission stage, all eight significantly altered VOCs...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/qJYlR2Phxe3IMx6KHnsmKp1D71DIqj8LuYMSrDKo9Jc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS82MDgx/MDIyNmJkNWU5YmIz/NzJhZDVmZjYyOGZi/NTgxMi53ZWJw.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}