Accelerating the development of mating disruptors for disease-transmitting mosquito control
Lead Research Organisation:
IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
Abstract
STOP-MATING aims at building a research and innovation network to advance towards developing novel tools to target the mating behaviour of disease-transmitting mosquitoes for vector control. Challenges related to climate change and insecticide resistance are putting human populations at risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Novel strategies are required to tackle this public health challenge. In STOP-MATING we propose to use the mating systems of disease-transmitting mosquitoes as novel vector control targets. Although disrupting mosquito mating would have a clear impact on mosquito vector numbers, this mechanism is underexploited from a public health perspective. In STOP-MATING we bring together experts from academic and industrial partners with interdisciplinary expertise on bioinformatics, molecular neuroscience, genetic control, behaviour, biophysics, vector ecology and vector control to explore novel vector control approaches. Our objectives are to 1) identify molecular targets for mosquito mating disruption, 2) mutate those targets, 3) analyse associated behavioural effects and 4) explore their potential application into developing mating disruptors and gene drive systems for vector control. We also aim at exploiting the mating behaviour of mosquitoes to develop traps that mimic the environmental stimuli that they respond to during courtship behaviour. STOP-MATING approach is to merge knowledge from laboratory and field researchers to deliver real-world solutions, and to tackle different mosquito species of increasing public health relevance in Europe. Our innovative approaches have the potential to make great impact to reduce the health burden of mosquito-borne diseases.
| Description | Identification of target genes involved in mating behavior and neurotransmission |
| Organisation | Research Center for Animal Health |
| Country | Spain |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Our laboratory has contributed to this collaboration through our expertise in molecular engineering, providing intellectual input as well as access to specialised equipment and facilities required for genetic manipulation. In particular, we have undertaken the genetic knock-out of one of the candidate genes identified by our CISA/CSIC partners as potentially involved in mosquito mating behaviour. Using the molecular engineering capabilities available in our laboratory, we successfully generated a genetically modified Anopheles gambiae strain carrying this targeted knock-out. This strain has now been established in our facilities and will undergo further investigation to assess the phenotype associated with this genetic modification and to further elucidate the gene's role in mosquito mating behaviour. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners at CISA/CSIC have contributed to the collaboration through the identification of candidate genes potentially involved in mosquito mating behaviour. This was achieved through the analysis of transcriptomic datasets derived from Anopheles gambiae, with particular attention to gene expression profiles in male and female organs associated with mating, including the Johnston's organ. Their bioinformatic and analytical expertise enabled the prioritisation of candidate genes showing sex- or tissue-specific expression patterns, providing key targets for subsequent functional investigation in our laboratory. |
| Impact | This collaboration has resulted in the generation of a genetically modified strain of Anopheles gambiae carrying a targeted gene knock-out of a candidate gene implicated in mosquito mating behaviour. This strain will undergo validation and phenotypic assessment as part of the follow-up work arising from this collaboration. The collaboration is multi-disciplinary, combining expertise in molecular engineering and functional genetics (genetic manipulation and generation of modified mosquito lines) with bioinformatics and transcriptomics (analysis of gene expression datasets and identification of candidate genes associated with mating-related tissues and behaviours). |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Description | Training in Anopheles gambiae embryo microinjections |
| Organisation | University of Perugia |
| Country | Italy |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Our laboratory has extensive expertise in the genetic transformation of Anopheles gambiae, supported by well-established equipment and facilities. This expertise has been shared through detailed instruction and hands-on training provided by postdoctoral researchers and technical staff within the team, contributing to knowledge transfer and capacity building within the collaboration. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partner has contributed by bringing to our team specialised knowledge on aspects of Anopheles mosquito biology related to mating behaviour. Although this is not the primary focus of our current research, it is highly relevant, as mating is a prerequisite for reproduction. For a laboratory such as ours, which aims to target reproduction as part of genetic strategies to reduce mosquito populations, this perspective has been particularly valuable. The collaboration has therefore represented an important opportunity for knowledge exchange, broadening our understanding of reproductive biology in Anopheles mosquitoes. |
| Impact | As a result of the training provided by our laboratory, the partner representative has acquired the skills required to perform Anopheles gambiae embryo microinjections. This expertise will enable them to transfer this knowledge to their home laboratory and apply the procedure to other mosquito species, such as Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens, which are less explored from a genetic engineering perspective. |
| Start Year | 2025 |