Improving methods to find important genetic elements in disease-carrying insects
Official title: Generating better-targeted training data for computational enhancer discovery in vector insects
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11115771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to find important genetic switches in insects that spread diseases, using computer tools to learn from fruit flies, which could help us understand how these insects resist insecticides and spread germs, making it easier to control diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | June 13, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $79,253 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI182642-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in regions affected by vector-borne diseases, such as malaria or dengue fever.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in areas impacted by vector-borne diseases may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the discovery of genetic regulatory elements known as enhancers in vector insects, which are responsible for transmitting diseases. By utilizing a computational method called SCRMshaw, the team aims to identify these enhancers more efficiently, using existing data from well-characterized enhancers in fruit flies. This approach could lead to a better understanding of how these insects develop resistance to insecticides and transmit pathogens, ultimately informing strategies for disease control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for controlling disease-carrying insects, potentially reducing the incidence of diseases they transmit.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using computational methods for enhancer discovery in model organisms, suggesting potential for similar advancements in vector insects.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halfon, Marc S — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Halfon, Marc S
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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.