A “map” of mosquito genes being developed by Keele researchers could pave the way for effective new control methods to protect human and animal health. 

Led by Dr Tim Harvey-Samuel in Keele’s School of Life Sciences, the researchers are working to develop the next generation of tools for controlling the disease-carrying Culex quinquefasciatus, otherwise known as the Southern House Mosquito. 

This species of tropical mosquito spreads several debilitating human diseases including West-Nile virus, lymphatic filariasis, and Rift-Valley Fever virus, and has also caused devastation to native forest bird populations in the Hawaiian islands through spreading avian malaria. 

The insect is also spreading to more countries around the world due to things like international trade and climate change, highlighting the urgent need to create new tools to control these invasive pests. 

Currently there are very few effective tools for controlling the Southern House Mosquito, and those we do have such as chemical insecticides are becoming less and less effective as insects evolve resistance to these chemicals.  

Gene drives are a form of genetically based control tool which have been suggested as an effective strategy for controlling Southern House Mosquitoes and other types of disease-carrying insects.  

They involve introducing specific genes in insects which, for example, reduce their ability to transmit a certain disease, with modified individuals then released into wild populations to spread the modified gene among the group. 

But currently there are major gaps in knowledge which prevent these tools from being used as effectively as possible, which is something Dr Harvey-Samuel's team hopes to address in their new study. 

Specifically, to know what genes they need to modify to build a gene drive (i.e. spread a gene), the researchers first need to know which genes are normally expressed in the reproductive cells of that species. 

For this study, the researchers will apply an advanced sequencing technology known as single-cell RNA sequencing, to produce a map of which genes are being turned on and off in these reproductive cells of Cx. quinquefasciatus, which are relevant to gene drive design. This information will then allow the team to design and test prototype gene drives in the laboratory. 

Dr Harvey-Samuels said: “Our aim is to develop highly effective gene drives in the globally important disease vector Cx. quinquefasciatus. If we can achieve this, it will open the door for versions of these technologies specially suited to pest control, which, if appropriate approvals were granted, we could trial in the field. Overall, our aim is to develop these tools to safeguard human health, increase the environmental sustainability of pest control and prevent further wildlife losses.” 

The research has been funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences in the latest round of grants issued through their Springboard programme.