Molecular genetics of how Aedes mosquitoes taste and decide to bite
Official title: Molecular genetics of gustatory detection in Aedes aegypti
Funded at University of California Santa Barbara · NIH-11447767 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how the taste sense in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes works to help create better repellents that prevent bites.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2006 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $481,810 |
| NIH project number | 2R01DC007864-21 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447767 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal Candidates: communities in mosquito-endemic areas and individuals interested in contributing to public health research through future participation in related studies.
✕Less likely to help
People not exposed to Aedes aegypti or not interested in revolved projects on taste mechanisms may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project examines the molecular basis of taste in the mosquito species Aedes aegypti to understand how they decide to bite. Researchers will use lab assays and live mosquito experiments to uncover the taste receptors and signaling pathways involved. The goal is to reveal how a repellent like IR007 blocks biting by interfering with gustatory cues, with the aim of guiding the development of longer-lasting, safer repellents. The findings could lead to new strategies to reduce transmission of diseases carried by mosquitoes. The work is conducted at UC Santa Barbara under the guidance of Dr. Craig Montell and collaborators.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could pave the way for more effective mosquito repellents that provide longer protection and reduce disease transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Similar work in vector biology has advanced understanding of sensory perception in mosquitoes, supporting the potential for translational repellent development.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Montell, Craig — University of California Santa Barbara
- Study coordinator: Montell, Craig
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.