The availability of genome sequencing data in combination with knowledge of
expressed genes via transcriptome and proteome data has greatly advanced our
understanding of arthropod vectors of disease. Not only have we gained insight
into vector biology, but also into their respective vector-pathogen
interactions. By combining the strengths of postgenomic databases and reverse
genetic approaches such as RNAi, the numbers of available drug and vaccine
targets, as well as number of transgenes for subsequent transgenic or
paratransgenic approaches, have expanded. These are now paving the way for in-
field control strategies of vectors and their pathogens. Basic scientific
questions, such as understanding the basic components of the vector RNAi
machinery, is vital, as this allows for the transfer of basic RNAi machinery
components into RNAi-deficient vectors, thereby expanding the genetic toolbox
of these RNAi-deficient vectors and pathogens. In this review, we focus on the
current knowledge of arthropod vector RNAi machinery and the impact of RNAi on
understanding vector biology and vector-pathogen interactions for which vector
genomic data is available on VectorBase