# Development of precision genome editing tools in Ae. albopictus for functional genetics and mosquito control technologies

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2021 · $236,750

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is an aggressive human-biting mosquito that is a competent vector
of the dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses as well as multiple native North American encephalitis viruses. The
rapid spread of this mosquito from its native Asian range across the globe during the last 30 years and its well-
established role as a primary vector of recent outbreaks of both dengue and chikungunya viruses represents an
outstanding public health concern. The goal of this proposal is to produce and test a flexible and efficient
precision genome editing system based on CRISPR-Cas9 in A. albopictus. We propose to produce multiple
transgenic lines with stable germline expression of the Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 protein (Cas9) driven by
native A. albopictus promoters. Our rationale is that endogenously expressed Cas9 leads to higher editing rates,
greater technical efficiency and dramatically decreased costs of genome editing relative to injection of exogenous
sources of Cas9. This rationale is supported by our previous work in another closely related vector, Aedes
aegypti, where the production of endogenous Cas9 lines not only improved functional genetic capabilities in this
vector, but also provided the foundation for the development of genetic-based control technologies. In aim 1, we
will produce transgenic lines with native A. albopictus promoter sequences driving Cas9 expression and
fluorescent reporters. These lines will be rationally designed based on recent “omics” data in A. albopictus and
our extensive work in another closely related vector. Lines will be tested that have different Cas9 promoters and
insertion sites and lines with the most robust and stable Cas9 expression will be more extensively evaluated in
single and multi-gene knockout studies. In aim 2, we will design and test small guide RNAs to target multiple
genes of potential relevance to A. albopictus control including potential phenotypic markers for quality control
and sex sorting applications, sex determinate genes and flight specific genes for sterile insect techniques and
gene drive applications as well as essential genes of interest for gene drives. The research described in this
proposal will advance A. albopictus genomics research by: (1) establishing a platform for rapid and efficient
functional genetics and reverse-genetic screens of genes affecting a wide range of phenotypes relevant to
disease transmission and vector control, and (2) completing a necessary first step to develop novel tools for
vector control such as genetic sexing and gene drive.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10107640
- **Project number:** 1R21AI156078-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Omar Sultan Akbari
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $236,750
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-03-03 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10107640

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10107640, Development of precision genome editing tools in Ae. albopictus for functional genetics and mosquito control technologies (1R21AI156078-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10107640. Licensed CC0.

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