Last Updated: 20/07/2015
Targeting the reproductive biology of the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae: from laboratory studies to field applications
Objectives
The experimental activities will be divided across three objectives:
- to unravel the role of the MAGs in shaping mosquito fertility and behaviour, by performing a combination of transcriptional and functional studies that will reveal the multifaceted activities of these tissues.
- to focus on the identification of the male and female factors responsible for sperm viability and function. Results obtained in both objectives will be validated in field mosquitoes.
- to perform screens aimed at the identification of inhibitors of mosquito reproductive success.
This study will reveal as yet unknown molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive success in mosquitoes, considerably increasing our knowledge beyond the state-of-the-art and critically contributing with innovative tools and ideas to the fight against malaria.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH), United States
Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes are the major vectors of malaria, a disease with devastating consequences for human health. Novel methods for controlling the natural vector populations are urgently needed, given the evolution of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes and the lack of novel insecticides.
Understanding the processes at the bases of mosquito biology may help to roll back malaria. In this proposal, the research team will target mosquito reproduction, a major determinant of the An. gambiae vectorial capacity. This will be achieved at two levels:
(i) fundamental research, to provide a deeper knowledge of the processes regulating reproduction in this species, and
(ii) applied research, to identify novel targets and to develop innovative approaches for the control of natural populations. We will focus our analysis on three major players of mosquito reproduction: male accessory glands (MAGs), sperm, and spermatheca, in both laboratory and field settings.
Targeting the reproductive biology of the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae
Jan 2011 — Dec 2015
$2M
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