Targeting piRNA to create sterile ticks
Official title: Manipulating PIWI-interacting RNA to generate sterile ticks
Funded at University of Southern Mississippi · NIH-11355296 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing a way to make ticks infertile by disrupting a gene pathway called piRNA that protects germ cells, which could reduce tick populations and disease risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern Mississippi NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hattiesburg, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $150,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AI199321-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11355296 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patient participation for this basic research grant.
✕Less likely to help
This project does not involve direct patient participation.
What this research studies
This project focuses on breaking the piRNA pathway in ticks to cause sterility and potentially lower their ability to transmit pathogens. The approach involves reducing Piwi protein activity, which normally keeps transposable elements under control in reproductive cells. The study will characterize a molecular signature of Piwi knockdown and observe resulting effects on fertility and vector capacity in ticks. If successful, this work could lay the groundwork for a new sterile insect technology approach to controlling tick populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to a novel method to reduce tick populations and disease transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in invertebrates suggests piRNA disruption can affect fertility, supporting the potential for this strategy in ticks.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karim, Shahid — University of Southern Mississippi
- Study coordinator: Karim, Shahid
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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.