The project proposed in this application aims to characterize a general method for spreading genes into insect vector populations which would ultimately reduce the ability of such vectors to transmit disease agents. The project will focus on Wolbachia-mediated cytoplasmic incompatibility as a gene driving system which could be used in many different insect species.
Specific Aim l of this project will examine the interaction of the major surface protein of Wolbachia with the insect host. In particular we will be examining the hypothesis that Wolbachia titrates out specific host proteins during spermatogenesis which in turn leads to the expression of the CI phenotype.
In Specific Aim 2 we will concentrate on isolating Wolbachia genes responsible for generating the cytoplasmic incompatibility phenotype in insects. More distant aims will evaluate the potential of expressing these genes on insect chromosomes as a general method for modifying the genotype of insect populations.
Specific Aim 3 will examine evolutionary aspects of the Wolbachia/insect association by utilizing comparative DNA sequencing of the major Wolbachia surface protein from different Wolbachia strains.
Specific Aim 4 will characterize key population dynamic parameters associated with environmental conditioning of the CI superinfection phenotype in the mosquito Aedes albopictus.
