Developing gene drive systems to make mosquitoes resistant to Zika virus
Optimization of low-threshold Cas9-based gene drive systems to introduce Zika virus resistance in Aedes aegypti
This study is working on special mosquitoes that can resist the Zika virus and other similar viruses, with the hope that these modified mosquitoes will help reduce the number of virus-carrying mosquitoes in areas where these diseases are a problem.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10667935 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating genetically modified mosquitoes that can resist Zika virus and potentially other arboviruses like chikungunya and dengue. By using advanced gene drive technology, the project aims to spread a gene that provides virus resistance throughout mosquito populations, which could help control the spread of these diseases. The approach involves engineering a specific gene that targets the Zika virus and ensuring it is inherited by future generations of mosquitoes, thereby reducing the overall population of virus-carrying mosquitoes in affected areas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals living in tropical regions where Zika and other arboviral diseases are prevalent.
Not a fit: Patients living in non-tropical regions or those who are not at risk of arboviral infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of Zika virus and other related diseases in human populations.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using genetically modified organisms for disease control, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Franz, Alexander W E — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Franz, Alexander W E
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 below.