# Collaborative Research: The saboteur's tools in action: cytoplasmic incompatibility genes of the bacterial arthropod symbiont Cardinium hertigii

> **NSF 01002425DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · South Dakota State University (SD) · $517,385

## Abstract

Most insects carry bacteria that are inherited from their mothers and live within their cells. Some of symbiotic bacteria manipulate their insect hosts’ reproduction in ways that improves the reproduction of host insects carrying the bacteria. Some of these symbionts sabotage host sperm such that fertilized eggs laid by females without the bacterium die early in life (“cytoplasmic incompatibility,” or “CI”). Of the five bacteria known to cause CI, Wolbachia is best studied, yet Cardinium hertigii, the focus of this study, causes CI without the same genes Wolbachia uses. The overall goal of this proposal is to discover the molecular mechanism by which Cardinium causes CI. The project is expected to have important benefits: Cardinium targets animal cell division, a fundamental process that can be better understood when agents that interfere with it are studied. In addition, CI-causing bacteria may be used for pest or vector management. The CI-causing Wolbachia reduces host susceptibility to viruses of insects that carry it, and is currently being introduced to mosquito populations around the world to reduce vector-borne viral diseases. This project will also engage elementary, high school and undergraduate students in scientific education and research through outreach programs and research opportunities at all three institutions. Furthermore, a Citizen Science project led by The University of Arizona and North Carolina State University will engage amateur entomologists in resea

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2545003
- **Awardee organization:** South Dakota State University (SD)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** DNZNC466DGR7
- **PI:** Stephan Schmitz-Esser
- **Primary program:** 01002425DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
- **Estimated total:** $517,385
- **Funds obligated:** $384,104
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 06/01/2025 → 07/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2545003

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2545003, Collaborative Research: The saboteur's tools in action: cytoplasmic incompatibility genes of the bacterial arthropod symbiont Cardinium hertigii. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2545003. Licensed CC0.

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