Controlling urban malaria mosquitoes using gene silencing technology
Official title: Silencing Anopheles stephensi
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10988279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new, eco-friendly ways to control the Anopheles stephensi mosquito, which spreads malaria in cities, by using a special technology that targets its genes, and the goal is to help reduce mosquito numbers and lower the risk of malaria for people living in urban areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | November 16, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,181 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180409-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988279 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research are individuals living in urban areas at risk of malaria transmission.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in rural areas or regions where Anopheles stephensi is not present may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative methods to control Anopheles stephensi, a mosquito that spreads malaria in urban areas. The approach involves using eco-friendly RNA interference (RNAi) technology delivered through yeast to target and silence specific genes in these mosquitoes. By testing various formulations and delivery methods, the research aims to create effective insecticides that can reduce mosquito populations and ultimately lower the risk of malaria transmission in cities. Patients living in urban areas where malaria is a threat may benefit from the outcomes of this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of malaria in urban populations, improving public health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using RNAi technology for pest control, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scheel, Molly Duman — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Scheel, Molly Duman
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.