Project description
Unravelling virus-mosquito interactions
Fewer than 3 % of mosquito species can transmit pathogens to humans. However, more than 50 % of the world’s population is at risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For instance, the dengue virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, and with a wide range of efficiencies. Understanding the biological processes that determine virus-mosquito compatibility is important. In this context, the ITSaMATCH project will leverage advances in single-cell technology, gene editing and computational tools to understand the basis of virus-mosquito matchmaking. Specifically, it will identify the key drivers of virus-mosquito matchmaking as well as reprogramme this matchmaking using genome editing. ITSaMATCH will combine new technologies to substantially advance our understanding of virus-mosquito interactions.
Objective
Half of the worlds population is at risk for mosquito-borne diseases. Yet, less than 3% of the mosquito species on earth can transmit pathogens to humans. Even within a species that specializes in biting humans and is the major vector for dengue virus (Aedes aegypti), mosquito populations on the globe transmit DENV with a wide range of efficiencies. Thus, some virus-mosquito pairs match with each other, and enable viral transmission, while others dont.
Understanding the biological processes that determine virus-mosquito compatibility is a longstanding question that has not yet been addressed, mostly owing to a lack of appropriate methods. Here, I propose to leverage advances in single-cell technology, gene editing and computational tools to understand the basis of virus-mosquito matchmaking. I will address three related challenges:
1 Obtain single-cell transcriptional and epigenetic atlases for key organs of matched or unmatched virus-mosquito pairs.
To be retransmitted, a virus needs to infect and transit through key organs in a mosquitos body. Unknown factors that interfere with viral infection and impact further transmission exist in mosquito cells. They will be detected with single-cell technologies.
2 Identify the key drivers of virus-mosquito matchmaking.
Using cutting-edge single-cell data analysis methods, I will determine which genetic or epigenetic processes are associated with matched and unmatched virus-mosquito pairs.
3- Reprogram virus-mosquito matchmaking using genome editing.
With key factors of matchmaking identified, I will genetically interfere with their function and determine whether virus-mosquito pairs can artificially be matched or unmatched.
ITSaMATCH will combine new technologies to unravel the basis for virus-mosquito matchmaking. The project has the potential to substantially advance our understanding of virus-mosquito interactions and inform novel disease control strategies.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology virology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology invertebrate zoology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2022-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
75794 PARIS
France
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