How mosquito gut bacteria affect egg production and malaria infection
Official title: The impact of the mosquito gut microbiota on regulation of egg formation and malaria infection
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-10826603 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the tiny bacteria in the stomachs of female mosquitoes affect their ability to lay eggs and how malaria parasites grow inside them, which could help us find new ways to control malaria by focusing on the mosquitoes' breeding habits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2024 |
| Project end | July 9, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI181492-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10826603 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in malaria-endemic regions, particularly those affected by malaria or at risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in malaria-endemic areas or who are not at risk of malaria infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of gut microbiota in female Anopheles mosquitoes and how it influences both egg formation and the development of malaria parasites. By examining the interactions between gut microbes and insulin signaling triggered by blood feeding, the study aims to understand how these factors affect the mosquito's reproductive physiology and the lifecycle of malaria parasites. The findings could lead to innovative strategies for controlling malaria by targeting mosquito populations through their reproductive processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new methods for reducing malaria transmission by controlling mosquito populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting mosquito reproductive physiology can be an effective strategy for malaria control, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phipps, Benjamin L — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Phipps, Benjamin L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut bacteria that may change how severe malaria becomes
This work looks at whether certain gut bacteria make malaria worse in children and could point to ways to lower the risk of severe malaria.
-
How gut bacteria affect immune responses to malaria vaccines
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect how well malaria vaccines work, especially for people in Africa, by using mice that have similar gut bacteria to those found in that region.
-
How gut bacteria influence the severity of malaria in children
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might influence how severe malaria can be in children, with the hope of finding new ways to help prevent and treat the disease.
-
The role of gut bacteria in malaria infections
This study is looking at how the bacteria in children's guts might affect how serious their malaria infections become, especially those caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, to help us understand if keeping their gut healthy can make a difference in their fight against malaria.
-
Gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease: how gut bugs relate to symptoms and progression
A multi-year study will look at gut bacteria and related markers in people with Parkinson’s disease to understand how the gut-brain connection may influence symptoms and progression.
-
Gut-Brain Axis in Parkinson’s Disease: biomarkers and procedures to track progression
A patient-focused program to study how gut health and the brain interact in Parkinson’s disease using biomarkers and clinical procedures.
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.