Investigating how tRNA modifications affect blood feeding and reproduction in insects
Official title: tRNA modifications as critical components of insect blood feeding and reproduction
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-10810772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny molecules called transfer RNAs (tRNAs) change in blood-feeding insects like mosquitoes when they eat and reproduce, to see how these changes help them survive and thrive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | March 16, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $243,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176098-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10810772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the ecological and health impacts of blood-feeding insects, particularly those affected by insect-borne diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by insect-borne diseases or have no interest in entomological research may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and their chemical modifications in blood-feeding insects, such as mosquitoes. By examining these modifications during blood feeding and reproduction, the study aims to characterize the tRNA profiles in different insect species. The research will analyze how these modifications influence protein synthesis and stress tolerance, which are critical for the insects' survival and reproductive success. The findings could provide insights into the biological processes that govern insect behavior and physiology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for controlling insect populations that are vectors for diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been limited studies on tRNA modifications in insects, this research aims to explore a relatively novel area that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Benoit, Josh B. — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Benoit, Josh B.
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.