United States
Deciphering the mosquito's visual capabilities
The research program characterizes the cellular mechanisms responsible for the specialized visual features and proficiencies of mosquitoes. Gene editing technologies are used to eliminate specific components of their visual system. The impact of these genetic alterations is monitored through the full spectrum of assays ranging from cellular neurodegeneration to behavioral deficits.
While the research program is lab-based at the University of Notre Dame, the findings have implications for today's global health challenges.
Research Focus
-
Genetics and Genomics
One way to study certain diseases is through genetics - the study of heredity and the variation of individual inherited genes in an organism. At the EIGH, this means studying how organisms can inherit and spread certain diseases. Additionally, by analyzing the entire structure, function, and evolution of an organism's genes, researchers may identify ways to prevent a disease from genetically passing disease traits.
-
Molecular Biology and Microbiology
Researchers at the EIGH use microbiology, which encompasses the study of an entire microorganism, and molecular biology, or the interactivity between molecules within a cell of an organism, to better understand disease and improve global health.
-
Vector-borne Diseases
Vector-borne disease research is a historic strength of the EIGH. Our researchers study multiple parts of the vector-borne disease lifecycle, such as how the parasites, viruses, and bacteria cause these kinds of diseases, how the vectors spread these diseases, and how to improve prevention methods in tropical and subtropical areas, which have the highest burden of vector-borne illnesses.
Who’s Involved
EIGH Faculty
Additional Information
Publications
Metoxen, A.J., Leming, M.T., Hu, X., Whaley, M.A., & O'Tousa, J.E. Light-driven processes control both rhodopsin maturation and recycling in mosquito photoreceptors.
Rocha, M., Kimler, K.J., Leming, M.T., Hu, X., Whaley, M.A., and O’Tousa, J.E. Expression and light-triggered movement of rhodopsins in the larval visual system of mosquitoes.
Other Research in United States
- Lead poisoning prevention initiative
- Sand fly genome project
- Role of Doulas in Health Disparities
- Rapid and Multi-Target Virus Isolation, Detection and Quantification for Point-of-Care Applications
- Investigating Patient Cognitive Load and Stress Levels During Postpartum Discharge
- Postpartum Complications: Women’s Knowledge and Impact of Post-Birth Discharge Education
- Improving Human Papilloma Virus-Vaccination Rates
- Vaccine Mapper
- Insecticide discovery
- The cell biology and pathogenesis of cryptococcal disease
- Community-based participatory research with AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist
- Bacterial Pathogenicity in Catheter-Associated Infections
- Developing Genomic Tools for Combating Chagas Disease
- Effect of COVID-19 on exercise routines