Gene expression as age estimation marker in the larval stages of the forensic blowfly, Chrysomya albiceps, at different temperatures
Almutairi, Reem Alajmi, Fayeza Alotaibi, Ashraf Ahmed, Mohammed Alkuriji, Albandary Alrajeh, Dina Metwally, Rania Haddadi, Nasser Almeaiweed, Bassam . 2020
The blowfly Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae) has been known to breed in both animal and human
carcasses in different geographical regions and is considered an important post-mortem indicator in forensic
entomology. Determining the age of its larvae is an essential tool for the accurate determination of post-mortem
intervals (PMI). This study adopted a molecular-based approach for age determination of the immature stages of
the blowfly, C. albiceps, by evaluating the genes 15_2, 2014192, EcdR, AR, hsp90, and Actin, during larval
development at different temperatures. Targeted genes were amplified by real-time PCR (RT-PCR), and the
resulting amplicons were normalized against the two housekeeping genes, rp49 and 19_2. Data showed that the
expression profile of AR was constant throughout all larval developmental stages at all tested temperatures.
2014192 showed low expression levels throughout the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd larval stages. Hsp90 and EcdR showed
different expression profiles. The expression of 15_2 was low at the tested temperatures and was undetectable on
most days. Collectively, the results of this study indicate that larvae exhibit temperature-dependent and agespecific
up- and down-regulation in the expression profile of the targeted genes. This may indicate a possibility
to be utilized as age estimation markers for C. albiceps.
Aedes aegypti (Culicidae), the mosquito that causes yellow fever, is regarded as a significant vector for
many disease agents. The current study sought to learn more about mosquito mid-gut…