Functions of small RNAs in mosquitoes

The role of small noncoding RNAs in regulating gene expression and as a consequence their connection with most cellular pathways is becoming increasingly recognized. In insects, the three major small noncoding RNAs, microRNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs and short interfering RNAs, are involved in a range of biological processes such as development, behaviour, dimorphism, immunity, host–pathogen interaction, antiviral responses and genome protection. In this chapter, we will review and discuss the latest findings pertaining the functions of these small RNAs in mosquito biology.