Project Number: 1245-32000-007-16
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Aug 03, 2012
End Date: Aug 02, 2013

Objective:
The objectives of this project are to determine the role of odor receptors (ORs) in chemoreception and behavior of Yellow Fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti and to identify novel compounds that activate or inhibit ORs that may be useful as lures in traps and as repellents.

Approach:
ARS will acquire basic knowledge of odor receptors in the Yellow Fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Odor receptors will be expressed heterologously and responses will be recorded from them using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. The effect of candidate agonists and antagonists will be evaluated for odorant receptor activation or inhibition. Synergistic effects among chemicals may also be evaluated. This information will be used by both parties to jointly discover and develop chemicals for manipulation of mosquito behavior. The Cooperator will provide expertise and advice on olfactory proteins, such as sensory neuron membrane protein (SNMP), and their roles in mosquito behavior. Specifically, the cooperator will utilize immunocytochemical techniques to determine expression patterns of SNMPs to provide insight into potential behavioral roles. Genetic approaches and behavioral bioassays will be developed to further elucidate SNMP role in behavior.