Understanding how bacteria affect fruit fly reproduction and disease transmission
Official title: Functional genetic basis of Wolbachia-Drosophila endosymbiosis
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-11022198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a type of bacteria called Wolbachia affects fruit flies and their ability to pass it on to their offspring, which could help us learn more about controlling diseases that can spread to humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,724 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM157189-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022198 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals affected by diseases transmitted by insect vectors, such as dengue or Zika virus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by vector-borne diseases or do not have any connection to insect-related health issues may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the Wolbachia bacteria and fruit flies, focusing on how these bacteria are passed from one generation of flies to the next. By studying the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms involved, the researchers aim to uncover how Wolbachia influences the flies' reproductive traits and their ability to suppress viruses that can be transmitted to humans. The study employs both laboratory experiments with fruit fly models and genetic analysis to explore these interactions. Patients may benefit indirectly through improved understanding of disease transmission and potential new strategies for controlling vector populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative methods for controlling disease transmission by manipulating bacterial symbionts in insect populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using Wolbachia to control disease transmission in insect populations, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Russell, Shelbi Lianne — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Russell, Shelbi Lianne
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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.