Epigenetic switches in mosquito diapause and overwintering health
Official title: Epigenetic Regulation of Diapause in Culex pipiens: The Roles of H3K27me2/3 and H3K27ac
Funded at Baylor University · NIH-11359411 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in the mosquito Culex pipiens looks at how chemical tags on DNA-associated proteins control dormancy and survival through winter, which can influence how diseases like West Nile virus persist.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waco, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2018 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $516,916 |
| NIH project number | 2R15AI139861-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11359411 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to a specific patient population; findings relate to mosquito biology and potential public health implications.
✕Less likely to help
This research does not involve direct testing in people.
What this research studies
This project will map how specific chromatin marks influence gene networks that control diapause in Culex pipiens, using approaches that translate to understanding vector biology and pathogen persistence. Researchers will identify target genes associated with H3K27me2/3 and explore how H3K27ac interacts with these marks to shape diapause programs. They will test gene function with CRISPR-based tools and RNAi, and examine metabolic and stress-resistance changes in the mosquitoes. The work combines genome-wide profiling, single-cell analysis, and functional experiments to reveal how epigenetic regulation governs overwintering physiology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform strategies to disrupt mosquito overwintering and reduce the persistence of arboviruses like West Nile virus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that chromatin marks can regulate insect physiology, supporting the feasibility of the approach in mosquitoes.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor University
Waco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sim, Cheolho — Baylor University
- Study coordinator: Sim, Cheolho
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.