Hidden microproteins in the Aedes mosquito
Official title: The "hidden" proteins in Aedes aegypti
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11440771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are exploring tiny, often overlooked proteins in Aedes aegypti that could reveal new ways to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $208,641 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI202145-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11440771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patient enrollment; this is a basic science study in mosquitoes.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation or benefit is expected.
What this research studies
This project looks at the tiny proteins produced by Aedes aegypti and how they influence the mosquito’s biology and ability to spread viruses. By using modern sequencing methods to identify these microproteins, scientists aim to uncover new biological targets that could lead to better control strategies. The findings could inform future interventions to reduce dengue, Zika, and other illnesses carried by mosquitoes. The work focuses on how these small proteins function in mosquito tissues and metabolism, which may reveal critical vulnerabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new targets for interventions to reduce mosquito transmission of dengue and other viruses.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies using omics and ribosome profiling have expanded knowledge of microproteins and shown they can play important roles in biology.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tu, Zhijian Jake — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Tu, Zhijian Jake
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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.