Objective In this project I aim to generate the first synthetic species of mosquitoes derived from Anopheles gambiae, the main vector of malaria, and also from Aedes albopictus, a vector of several viral diseases, that has recently invaded Europe. The experimental generation of artificial species will prove invaluable to shed light on major biological questions concerning reproductive isolation. Furthermore, I propose a novel strategy to reduce the incidence of disease transmitted by these vectors based on the release of synthetic strains. Mathematical modelling indicates this to be a highly effective way to simultaneously suppress and replace a wild disease transmitting vector population with disease-refractory insects.In Objective 1, I will identify genes that constitute the natural reproductive barriers in mosquitoes by analyzing the genetic makeup of progeny arising from crosses of related mosquito species. Such genes can be drawn upon for the construction of artificial barriers and help to reveal the mechanisms underlying speciation in mosquitoes.In Objective 2, I will introduce, into the mosquito genome, artificial reproductive barriers that cause post-zygotic lethality in hybrids but that will not otherwise affect the mating propensity of parent and synthetic species. I propose a generalizable approach for the construction of artificial species barriers utilizing synthetic transcriptional activators.In Objective 3, synthetic strains will be transformed with genes that interfere with the replication of malaria or viral pathogens and their transmission to humans and tested in cage experiments to validate their efficacy for vector control.To carry out these experimental activities I will utilize cutting-edge next generation genetic mapping and site-specific genome-editing technologies. Knowledge arising from the development of synthetic mosquito strains will be applicable to beneficial species with a range of applications in biosafety, agriculture and biotechnology. Fields of science medical and health scienceshealth sciencesinfectious diseasesmalarianatural sciencesbiological scienceszoologyentomologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomesnatural sciencesbiological scienceszoologyinvertebrate zoologynatural sciencesmathematicsapplied mathematicsmathematical model Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-LS9 - ERC Starting Grant - Applied life sciences and biotechnology Call for proposal ERC-2013-StG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE EU contribution € 1 497 606,00 Address SOUTH KENSINGTON CAMPUS EXHIBITION ROAD SW7 2AZ LONDON United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — West Westminster Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Brooke Alasya (Ms.) Principal investigator Nikolai Windbichler (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE United Kingdom EU contribution € 1 497 606,00 Address SOUTH KENSINGTON CAMPUS EXHIBITION ROAD SW7 2AZ LONDON See on map Region London Inner London — West Westminster Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Brooke Alasya (Ms.) Principal investigator Nikolai Windbichler (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
