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Exploring the effect of human blood microRNAs on mosquito biology

Award Number: R21AI147020
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2019
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 12/31/2022

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Exploring the effect of human blood microRNAs on mosquito biology - PROJECT SUMMARY Small non-coding RNAs, in particular microRNAs, play significant roles in regulation of various biological processes and their dysregulation leads to disorders. Recently, their role in cell-cell and cross-species communications has also been revealed. Research has shown that a subset of stable microRNAs is present in high abundance in blood which may affect other tissues or microorganisms exposed to them. In this innovative project, we aim to explore the potential role of human blood circulating microRNAs taken up by mosquitoes in regulating expression of genes in the mosquitoes and their effect on replication of viruses that they transmit. As a model, we will use Aedes aegypti, a notorious vector of several arboviruses, and dengue virus as the second most important vector-borne pathogen. Our preliminary data shows that blood-derived microRNAs are stable in mosquitoes for hours, successfully pass the mosquito midgut into other tissues in the body cavity and importantly occur in biologically abundant numbers. In addition, our preliminary results show that at least one of the human blood microRNAs alter mosquito genes that are involved in mosquito immunity and reproduction. We hypothesize that (i) circulating human blood-derived miRNAs obtained through blood feeding are absorbed through the mosquito midgut and translocated into mosquito tissues, and (ii) the exchanged miRNAs play roles in mosquito biology and affect replication of viruses they transmit. To address these hypotheses, we aim 1) to analyze human blood miRNAs in Ae. aegypti biology, 2) to identify the target genes of blood miRNAs in Ae. aegypti and their effect on mosquito biology, and 3) determine the effect of inhibition of human blood miRNAs on mosquito-virus interactions. We anticipate that the outcomes will advance our understanding of the molecular events following blood uptake by mosquitoes, and build-up of essential knowledge in identification of potential target molecules for interfering in mosquito reproduction or virus replication.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2024	2020	THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND	THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND	ST LUCIA				AUS	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	2	11/15/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2022	2020	THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND	UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND	BRISBANE				AUS	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	2	5/25/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2020 ( Subtotal = $128,341 )
2020	2020	THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND	UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND	BRISBANE		4072		AUS	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	2	6/18/2020	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$128,341
														Subtotal = $128,341

Issue Date FY: 2019 ( Subtotal = $161,995 )
2019	2019	THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND	UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND	BRISBANE		4072		AUS	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	1	6/26/2019	NEW	$161,995
														Subtotal = $161,995

Grand Total All Awards = $290,336

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Exploring the effect of human blood microRNAs on mosquito biology

Award Number: R21AI147020

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2019

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 12/31/2022

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