Mosquitoes in the Culex genus are principal vectors of encephalitis viruses and lymphatic filariasis worms. Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex pipiens are major vectors of the West Nile virus, which is now the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental US.
Project Overview
This collaborative project aims to identify and investigate the function of the genetic elements in the male-determining locus of Culex quinquefasciatus. Our work will help gain insights into the molecular mechanisms by which the male-determining locus controls sex determination and other aspects of male biology in mosquitoes and facilitate the creation of novel methods to control mosquito-borne diseases.