How chikungunya and Aedes mosquitoes evolve together
Exploring the coevolutionary potential of chikungunya virus and its Aedes mosquito vectors
This project looks at how chikungunya virus and the mosquitoes that spread it change over time to help protect people in areas where the disease occurs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11326675 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will expose mosquito populations to chikungunya and compare their changes over many generations to mosquitoes exposed to dengue. They will scan the mosquito genomes to find genetic differences linked to resistance or susceptibility to the viruses. Top candidate genes will be edited using CRISPR-Cas9 to confirm whether those genes control infection. The work aims to identify mosquito traits that could be targeted to reduce virus transmission to people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living in or traveling to chikungunya-affected regions who care about improved mosquito control or who might later take part in related public-health studies would be most relevant to follow this work.
Not a fit: Individuals already suffering long-term joint damage from a past chikungunya infection are unlikely to get direct clinical benefit from this basic mosquito-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new mosquito-targeted strategies that lower chikungunya spread and reduce human illness including chronic joint problems.
How similar studies have performed: Past studies have shown chikungunya can adapt to different Aedes species and a few viral and mosquito genetic factors have been identified, but combining experimental evolution with CRISPR validation is a newer, promising approach.
Where this research is happening
University Park, United States
- Pennsylvania State University, the — University Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgraw, Elizabeth Ann — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Mcgraw, Elizabeth Ann
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.