# Light Triggered Controls of Mosquito Diapause

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME · 2020 · $193,125

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 Insects use of multiple developmental and physiological means to limit the impact of
adverse climate and environments. One key strategy used by many insects in temperate
environments, including important mosquito vector species, is seasonal diapause. This
behavior is marked by developmental arrest throughout the winter period, often triggered by
photoperiod to initiate diapause preparation. The mechanics of how insects in general and
mosquito vectors specifically measure this photoperiod to initiate this behavior remains
underexplored. This project seeks to characterize the genetic underpinnings of diapause
behavior in the mosquito species Aedes albopictus induced by light sensation and
photoperiodicity. We seek to understand specifically what elements of the visual system are
implicated in the measurement of day length.
 The recent expansion in gene editing technologies enabled by CRISPR-Cas9-
mediated transgenesis form the keystone of this proposal. We will produce a variety of
laboratory-maintained mosquito lines deficient in distinct aspects of light detection to assay
Aedes albopictus’s ability to prepare for, enter, and exit diapause when reared with
appropriate token stimuli. Additionally, this proposal requires increased understanding of
visual physiology of this mosquito species, particularly in light of our recent work
demonstrating visual system differences between the mosquito Aedes aegypti and the well-
studied Drosophila melanogaster. This proposal will address areas neglected in previous
diapause research utilizing modern technologies and will set groundwork for future work
both in diapause and generally on the mosquito visual system.
 The identification of the roles of genes involved in developmental and life history
decisions show promise for producing new targets for mosquito control and gene drive
technologies. This effort may identify possibilities for development-targeting control
strategies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9944448
- **Project number:** 5R21AI146699-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
- **Principal Investigator:** JOSEPH E O'TOUSA
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $193,125
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-06-05 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9944448

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9944448, Light Triggered Controls of Mosquito Diapause (5R21AI146699-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9944448. Licensed CC0.

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