The health of livestock is commonly impacted by viruses acquired from midge vectors, causing considerable economic losses across the EU. The control of midges/midge vector competence thus represents a pressing concern. Recent research demonstrated inherited symbionts can alter the vector competence of their insect host, and thus represent viable means of interrupting pathogen transmission in natural populations. However, reduction of vector competence has only been considered for Wolbachia symbiont infections, and for viruses of importance to human health. Midges, in contrast, are commonly infected with a Cardinium heritable symbiont with unknown properties.
In this project we will use genomic transcriptomic and field approaches to establish tools for understanding this symbiont, and determine whether the symbiont affects host immune system activity and vector competence following exposure to an infected blood meal.
In particular we aim:
a) To establish draft genome sequence for Cardinium symbiont, to investigate potential properties of this symbiont.
b) Characterize any other symbionts in this economically important group
c) Establish the impact of symbionts on host gene expression, particularly related to immune function.
This proposal will thus provide both fundamental understanding of a poorly studied symbiont in an important host group, and, more practically, evaluate whether alteration of symbiont presence is a viable means of interrupting the transmission of Schmallenberg virus, a cause of serious economic loss in the EU livestock sector. The project will additionally provide training in a range of technical and transferable skills necessary for research leadership.
