Project Title: Anopheles funestus gene flow studies and rearing methods
Project Description: This project will investigate the key biological features, including genetic diversity, reproductive barriers and genetic flow patterns among members of the An. funestus group, focusing primarily on An. funestus s.s. The research team will also develop processes for successful colonization and mass-rearing of An funestus. In line with ongoing efforts to develop effective gene-drive strategies for malaria elimination, this project will support the development and potential deployment of future transgenes for An. funestus population suppression... This project will investigate the key biological features, including genetic diversity, reproductive barriers and genetic flow patterns among members of the An. funestus group, focusing primarily on An. funestus s.s. The research team will also develop processes for successful colonization and mass-rearing of An funestus. In line with ongoing efforts to develop effective gene-drive strategies for malaria elimination, this project will support the development and potential deployment of future transgenes for An. funestus population suppression or modification. Working in a team of experts from different institutions, they will consolidate the complementary expertise in ecology, molecular genetics, mathematical modelling and medical entomology to fill the current gaps, thereby dramatically improving our understanding of An Funestus. The findings are primarily aimed at supporting high impact interventions, including future use of 'gene-drives' for suppression or modification of malaria vectors in Africa.
Principal Investigator : Fredros Okumu
Department Name : EHES
Time frame: (2017-09-13) - (2020-03-30)
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) (Normal)
External Collaborating Partners
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
The University Court of the University of Glasgow
Keele University