Thesis Projects
“Analysing the effect of different transfection reagents and dsRNA to mosquito developmental stages.”
“Introducing a gene knockdown by delivering dsRNA through attractive target sugar baits (ATSB) to adult Aedes albopictus.”
- other project ideas can be discussed with the project leader Dr. Antje Steinbrink
Background:
Mosquitos are hematophagous insects, transmitting several pathogens like Plasmodium spp., dengue-, Zika- or chikungunya viruses. Chemical insecticides are efficient to control mosquitos, but they encouraged resistant mosquito populations and have negative effects on non-target species. Bioinsecticides like Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) are more environmentally friendly, but effects on non-target species like Chironomidae were also observed. A promising novel insect control technique is called RNA-interference (RNAi) which is a posttranscriptional gene silencing mechanism mediated by double stranded RNA (dsRNA), and opens the possibility for species-specific control of mosquito population.
Aim of the project:
Developing an alternative, environmentally friendly control strategy for mosquitoes (larvae and/or adults), especially Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) based on RNAi, which will exclude non-target species and thus preserve biodiversity.
Methods:
Depending on the project there are slight differences in the used methods but mandatory techniques are: taking care of mosquitoes (including blood-feeding) and general lab work e.g. PCR, gel-electrophoresis as well as different bioassays with mosquito larvae, adult specimens, or cell culture. We are looking for different genes involved in mosquito metabolic pathways. Their knockdown via dsRNA should reduce an existing mosquito population by e.g. death of the larvae or the development of non-viable eggs. As RNA has to be protected against different environmental factors, we also test various formulations which should protect our dsRNA against pH, UV-light, or different proteases in mosquito hemolymph or gut-fluid.
Student requirements:
Basic knowledge in genetics and/or statistics, experience working in a molecular genetics lab, no fear doing experiments with mosquitoes, good skills in english
Location of thesis conduction:
The lab work will be carried out in our lab facilities at the IFZ (Interdisziplinäres Forschungszentrum) of the JLU at Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, Giessen.
Possible begin:
Any time
Contact:
Dr. Antje Steinbrink