Rockefeller University Scientists Unveil the World’s First Complete Cellular Atlas of the Mosquito

Rockefeller University scientists created the first complete cellular atlas of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, mapping over 367,000 nuclei across 19 tissues to reveal genetic secrets behind disease transmission. Credit: Alexandra DeFoe

Rockefeller University researchers have mapped every single cell in the Aedes aegypti mosquito—the world’s deadliest insect—in an unprecedented effort to decode its biology. Published in Cell, the Mosquito Cell Atlas charts more than 367,000 nuclei across 19 different tissues, offering a high-resolution genetic portrait from antenna to leg.

What makes a mosquito so deadly—and how can we finally stop it? That’s the question Dr. Leslie Vosshall, head of Rockefeller University’s Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior, and her international team set out to answer. Working with collaborators from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and scientists worldwide, they created the first-ever whole-body cellular atlas of Aedes aegypti, the notorious carrier of yellow fever, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.

“This is a comprehensive snapshot of what every cell in the mosquito is doing as far as expressing genes,” says Dr. Vosshall, who has studied the species for nearly two decades. “It’s a real achievement because we profiled so many different types of tissues in both males and females.” According to Rockefeller University, the dataset is freely available to scientists and even curious members of the public.

The Mosquito Cell Atlas is already revealing hidden biological secrets. The study uncovered 69 cell types across 14 major cell categories, many previously unknown. It also highlighted surprising similarities between male and female mosquitoes, despite their differing roles—females bite and transmit disease, while males mostly feed on nectar. “We wanted to fill that gap and understand both sexes at the same level of detail,” explains Dr. Nadav Shai, senior scientist in the Vosshall lab and at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), the team examined mosquito tissues across five key biological systems—major body segments, host sensing, viral infection, reproduction, and the central nervous system. The result, reported Cell, is the most detailed gene expression map ever produced for an insect of medical importance. “We believe this enormous dataset will really move mosquito biology forward,” says Dr. Shai. “It’s a great tool for vector biologists to take whatever interests them and just run with their own line of research.”

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One of the most striking findings? The mosquito’s sensory superpowers. Polymodal sensory neurons—cells that can detect multiple environmental cues like temperature, taste, and smell—turned up in nearly every tissue. Previously, scientists thought these neurons were confined to the antennae and mouthparts. “Now we know they’re everywhere, even in the legs,” says Dr. Shai. “That helps explain how mosquitoes so efficiently find hosts, locate sugar sources, and even identify water to lay eggs.”

The researchers also discovered that female mosquito brains undergo dramatic genetic rewiring after a blood meal. Within hours, hundreds of genes switch on or off, transforming behavior completely. “After feeding, females lose all interest in humans,” says Dr. Vosshall. “Their brains essentially shift focus to egg production.” Surprisingly, these changes occurred mostly in glial cells, which make up less than 10 percent of the mosquito brain, rather than in neurons, which dominate. “That was a big surprise,” adds Dr. Shai. “It shows glia play a much larger role in behavior than we thought.”

The atlas also challenges assumptions about sexual dimorphism—the biological differences between male and female organisms. “We expected a tale of two genomes,” says Dr. Vosshall, “but most cells looked remarkably similar.” Only small clusters of sex-specific cells stood out, including one mysterious group found exclusively in the male antenna, marked by the expression of a single gene not seen in females. Its function remains unknown.

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Ultimately, the Mosquito Cell Atlas is more than just a scientific milestone—it’s a launchpad for discovery. “This is a global resource open to everyone,” says Dr. Vosshall. “We’re excited to see what the community will uncover next.” According to Rockefeller University, the project began in 2021 and has already inspired multiple follow-up studies around the world.