Understanding Mosquito Sex for Disease Control
Sex determination and the sex-determining locus in aedine mosquitoes
['FUNDING_R01'] · VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV · NIH-11120980
This research explores how male and female mosquitoes develop to help find new ways to control diseases like dengue and Zika.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11120980 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Mosquitoes are crucial for spreading diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. This project focuses on understanding how male and female mosquitoes are determined, specifically looking at a 'male-determining factor' called Nix in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. By learning how this factor works and how it influences mosquito development, scientists hope to develop new strategies to control mosquito populations. This foundational knowledge could lead to innovative methods for preventing mosquito-borne illnesses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation or recruitment.
Not a fit: Patients seeking direct treatment for mosquito-borne diseases will not receive immediate benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new methods for controlling mosquito populations, thereby reducing the spread of serious diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific male-determining factor Nix is a recent discovery, the broader concept of targeting mosquito biology for population control has been explored in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES
- VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV — BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TU, ZHIJIAN JAKE — VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV
- Study coordinator: TU, ZHIJIAN JAKE
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 below.