Last Updated: 27/05/2025
Comparative genomic analysis of specificity to mosquitoes in Metarhizium pingshaense basis for improved biological control
Objectives
The overall goal of this project is to produce mosquito pathogens that can effectively suppress vector-borne diseases, and to this end, the research team has engineered the mosquito pathogenic fungus Metarhizium pingshaense (Mp) to specifically deliver insecticidal proteins into mosquito blood. These genetically modified pathogens achieve fast kill at low spore dosages to block malaria transmission. The present challenge is to convert this promising strategy into a validated public health intervention by resolving outstanding issues related to the release of genetically modified organisms. Host specificity is a critical issue in any form of biological control, and a common critique is that introduced biocontrol agents may evolve to attack non target species.
Some strains of Metarhizium pingshaense are specific pathogen of mosquitoes, but the mechanisms that control specificity and virulence are poorly understood. This proposal will use comparative genomics to improve our understanding of M. pingshaense pathogenesis, virulence and specificity, and aid in the development of M. pingshaense for safe and reliable control of mosquito populations. Projecting forward, the most significant outcome of an application of the approach outlined in this proposal will be a reduction of human disease as a result of interrupting transmission of the target parasite.
Dec 2017 — Nov 2020
$152,000
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