Wolbachia endosymbionts and how they shape insect biology and disease control
Official title: The evolutionary genetics and genomics of Wolbachia effects on host physiology
Funded at University of Montana · NIH-11364224 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how tiny bacteria living inside insects influence their hosts and how this knowledge could improve mosquito control to reduce diseases like dengue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Montana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Missoula, United States) |
| Project start | August 4, 2017 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $370,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM124701-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11364224 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are regions or communities affected by mosquito-borne diseases where Wolbachia-based control strategies are being considered or deployed.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not involved in or affected by mosquito-borne disease prevention efforts may not directly benefit from this basic science work.
What this research studies
The project examines how endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria affect host biology and fitness across insect populations, with a focus on why Wolbachia prevalence varies. It aims to uncover the mechanisms driving this variation and how it impacts strategies to block pathogens in mosquitoes. By integrating evolutionary genetics and genomics, the work seeks to clarify how Wolbachia spread and persist in natural populations. The findings could inform biocontrol approaches that release Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes to reduce disease transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could enhance biocontrol methods that lower dengue risk by stabilizing Wolbachia in mosquito populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown Wolbachia can inhibit pathogen transmission in mosquitoes, supporting the potential for effective biocontrol approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Montana
Missoula, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooper, Brandon S. — University of Montana
- Study coordinator: Cooper, Brandon S.
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.