Tessarolo, C. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2026

Tracking kdr Alleles Associated with Pyrethroid Resistance in Aedes albopictus across Italy: A Nationwide Genotypic Dataset by MosqIRIT Network.

This data paper presents a curated, georeferenced dataset of the frequencies of the two main target site mutations (V1016G and F1534C) associated with resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in Aedes albopictus in Italy. Populations were collected in 102 out 107 Italian provinces between 2023 and 2025. Specimens were sampled by members of the Mosquito Insecticide Resistance Italian Network (MosqIRIT) as part of RN2 activities within the INF-ACT project. Genotyping was performed on 3,517 individuals by specific allele-specific PCR assays. Each record includes metadata on sampling site, administrative location, developmental stage, collection method, and mutation-specific genotype frequencies. To support spatial analysis modelling effort, the dataset integrates geographic, eco-climatic, and demographic data. This resource will support mosquito control programs, pyrethroid resistance monitoring and managing, as well as ecological modelling, and is compliant with the FAIR data program.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2025

Targeting Neuromuscular Junction Regeneration is a Therapeutic Strategy in ALS

Instability and denervation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) are early events in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), likely reflecting a progressive decline in the regenerative capacity of motor neurons (MNs) and their environment. To investigate this, we evaluated NMJ regeneration throughout disease progression in SOD1G93A mice following reversible axon terminal degeneration induced by -Latrotoxin. In parallel, we monitored the expression of CXCR4, a GPCR upregulated during axonal regeneration, and tested whether its pharmacological activation could mitigate ALS- related functional decline. We found that NMJ regenerative capacity is largely preserved during pre- and early symptomatic stages, and remains active in subsets of NMJs even at later stages. CXCR4 is expressed at axon terminals from early disease stages, declining only at end stage. Its expression is conserved across ALS models, including SOD1G93A pigs, hiPSC-derived MN with ALS mutations, and biopsies from sporadic ALS patients. CXCR4 stimulation improved motor function, NMJ innervation, MN survival, and respiratory performance in ALS mice, and axon outgrowth in iPSC-derived MN. These findings identify the NMJ and CXCR4 as viable therapeutic targets in ALS.

neuroscience↗