How Wolbachia changes mosquito reproduction to reduce virus spread
The Epigenetics of Cytoplasmic Incompatibility
['FUNDING_R01'] · PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE · NIH-11318890
This project looks at how a natural bacterium called Wolbachia alters mosquito reproduction to help stop dengue, Zika, and similar viruses from spreading in at-risk communities.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11318890 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From your perspective, researchers are studying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in the lab to understand how Wolbachia bacteria modify sperm and eggs through a process called cytoplasmic incompatibility. They focus on bacterial proteins (CifA and CifB) that change sperm chromatin during development by altering the normal histone-to-protamine switch. The team uses molecular and genetic experiments in mosquitoes to trace the epigenetic changes that lead to embryo failure when infected males mate with uninfected females. The goal is to use that mechanistic knowledge to make mosquito-release strategies for population suppression or replacement more reliable at stopping arboviral transmission.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living in areas where Aedes aegypti transmit dengue, Zika, or chikungunya would be most likely to benefit or be part of community mosquito-release efforts.
Not a fit: People who do not live in regions with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes or who are not exposed to their bites are unlikely to see direct benefits from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve Wolbachia-based mosquito release programs and lead to fewer human cases of dengue, Zika, and other mosquito-borne viruses.
How similar studies have performed: Previous field releases of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes have lowered dengue transmission in several countries, but the precise molecular mechanisms behind cytoplasmic incompatibility are still being clarified.
Where this research is happening
UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES
- PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE — UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BORDENSTEIN, SETH R — PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE
- Study coordinator: BORDENSTEIN, SETH R
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.
Conditions: Arboviral infections, Arbovirus Infections, Arthropod-Born Viral Infection