Understanding how Aedes aegypti mosquitoes sense their environment
Official title: Defining the larval repertoire of Aedes aegypti somatosensory neurons
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11036593 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at special nerve cells in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that help them sense things like temperature and movement, aiming to better understand how these cells work and how they might affect mosquito behavior and disease spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $75,418 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AI188419-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036593 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals living in areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, particularly those under 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in regions impacted by Aedes aegypti or who are not at risk for mosquito-borne diseases may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the somatosensory neurons in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are crucial for their ability to perceive temperature, touch, and movement. By examining the morphology and gene expression of these neurons, the study aims to create a detailed map of their diversity and function. The approach combines advanced RNA sequencing and high-resolution imaging techniques to analyze how different types of neurons contribute to sensory modalities. This knowledge could enhance our understanding of mosquito behavior and their role in disease transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for controlling mosquito populations and reducing the spread of diseases they transmit.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding sensory mechanisms in insects, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parrish, Jay Z — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Parrish, Jay Z
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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.