Identifying mosquito brain neurons that control blood-feeding behavior
Official title: Identification of mosquito brain neurons that drive blood-feeding behavior
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10906181 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in mosquitoes make them want to bite humans, and it could help us find new ways to stop mosquitoes from spreading diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $435,000 |
| NIH project number | 5DP2AI177891-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906181 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals living in areas heavily affected by mosquito-borne diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in regions where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent may not see direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to uncover the specific neurons in mosquito brains that drive their attraction to humans and their blood-feeding behavior. By utilizing advanced genetic and sequencing techniques, the researchers will analyze how these neurons respond to human-derived cues like heat and carbon dioxide. The study will create a detailed atlas of neuron types in the mosquito brain, allowing for targeted genetic manipulation to determine which neurons are essential for blood feeding. This innovative approach could lead to new methods for controlling mosquito behavior and reducing disease transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel strategies for preventing mosquito-borne diseases by disrupting their blood-feeding behavior.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting specific neurons in mosquitoes is innovative, similar genetic manipulation strategies have shown promise in other insect studies, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sorrells, Trevor — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Sorrells, Trevor
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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.