ARS | Publication request: Novel Methods for Mosquito Control using RNAi.

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 24, 2010
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The discovery and development of novel insecticides for vector control is a primary focus of toxicology research conducted at the Mosquito and Fly Research Unit, Gainesville, FL. Targeting critical genes/proteins in mosquitoes using RNA interference (RNAi) is being investigated as a method to develop highly specific molecules that could be used for control. One group of target proteins are inhibitors of apoptosis protein (IAPs) that regulate programmed cell death. RNAi constructs that target these critical proteins are evaluated in vivo against adult mosquitoes through injection and topical application to determine activity. Our preliminary results suggest that targeting critical genes/proteins through RNAi offers exciting possibilities for pesticide development.