Why certain viruses don't get along in mosquitoes. The molecular mechanism. The overall goal of this project is to obtain an understanding of how certain insect-only viruses make mosquitoes incapable

Description

Why certain viruses don't get along in mosquitoes. The molecular mechanism. The overall goal of this project is to obtain an understanding of how certain insect-only viruses make mosquitoes incapable of transmitting diseases. These viruses, called insect-specific flaviviruses, can be employed as biocontrol agents for mosquito-borne human and veterinary diseases. However as it is currently unknown how exactly they affect mosquitoes, the safety and efficacy of their use can't be predicted. The proposed project will dissect the very intricate mechanisms of interactions between insect-specific flaviviruses and mosquitoes and explain how exactly they prevent disease transmission. It should generate novel fundamental knowledge, implement innovative methodologies and provide training for students and junior scientist. . Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 3107 - Microbiology. Lead: A/Prof Andrii Slonchak