Understanding how mosquitoes smell to improve disease control
Official title: Molecular and functional characterization of olfactory pathways in the arbovirus vector mosquito Aedes aegypti
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11132254 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which can spread diseases like dengue and Zika, use their sense of smell to find people, with the goal of creating better repellents and traps to help keep you safe from these pesky bugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $79,085 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI175490-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132254 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are prevalent and are at risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in regions affected by Aedes aegypti or who are not at risk for mosquito-borne diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the olfactory pathways of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is known to transmit diseases like dengue and Zika. By characterizing the molecular and functional properties of the mosquito's odor-sensing neurons, the research aims to identify how these mosquitoes detect humans and other targets. The approach involves advanced techniques such as CRISPR to manipulate and study the receptors involved in smell. This knowledge could lead to the development of more effective repellents and traps to reduce mosquito-borne diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative strategies for controlling mosquito populations and reducing the spread of deadly diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in manipulating mosquito olfactory systems to improve control measures, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcbride, Carolyn Sarah — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Mcbride, Carolyn Sarah
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.