Call for Applications: New Opportunity for funding Vector
Research on Human African Trypanosomiasis, 02/06
The main objectives of the Molecular Entomology Committee (BCV) at TDR have been
expanded in an effort to continue to support disease vectors research aiming at
interrupting transmission of pathogens responsible for malaria, dengue and Human African
Trypanosomiasis (HAT), through the exploitation of advances in molecular biology and
genomics.
The Steering Committee will support relevant proposals with the specific objectives
to:
- Understand the molecular basis of vectorial capacity
- Develop genetic and molecular tools for engineering insect vectors resistant to
transmission of Plasmodium, dengue virus or African trypanosomes
- Understand mosquitoes and tsetse flies vector population biology, genetics and
dynamics
- Evaluate (in the field and laboratory, and by computer modeling) factors affecting
the competitive fitness and vectorial capacity of Anopheles, Aedes and Glossina
- Facilitate genome sequencing, mapping for Glossina, and post genomic analysis in
Anopheles and Aedes
- Identify novel insecticide resistance mechanisms and develop tools for monitoring
them in field populations
- Assess the requirements to be considered before deploying transgenic vectors
- Enhance the capacity of investigators from disease endemic countries (DECs) for
the exploitation of insect vector genome data.
The activities of the Molecular Entomology Committee have contributed to the
development of refractory transgenic Anopheles mosquitoes unable to sustain Plasmodium
development.
The Committee also facilitated the sequencing of the Anopheles gambiae genome through
efforts in the coordination of the Executive Committee for the genome sequencing
Consortium and funding of catalytic preparatory activities (EST and BAC libraries,
database...) that were required for the genome sequencing. The BCV is also providing
support to two centres (in Thailand and Mali) for training young investigators from Asia
and Africa in functional genomics and applications in disease vectors. The committee
facilitated the creation and continues to actively participate in the International
Glossina Genomics Initiative (IGGI), which is preparing and promoting the necessary
framework for the sequencing of the genome of Glossina responsible for the transmission of
the Human African Trypanosomiasis parasites.
Starting in May 2006, the TDR Molecular Entomology Committee will review and recommend
funding for investigator-initiated research proposals on Human African Trypanosomiasis
vectors in addition to malaria and dengue vectors, which were the major focus of the
committee. Proposals for projects to be funded for molecular entomology and applications
of genomics in Human African trypanosomiasis vectors should focus on the following
areas:
1. Generation of knowledge and tool development as basis for decision for tsetse fly
control
- Analysis of population bionomics, genetics and vectorial capacity
- Explore possible occurrence of insecticide resistance in tsetse flies
2. Development of post-genomics studies of tsetse flies
- Functional genomic analysis for better characterizing the vectors (biology, vector
competence) and for assessing tsetse-trypanosome interactions
3. Development of novel approaches for interrupting trypanosome transmission
- Development of methods for devising refractory tsetse phenotypes
- Exploring gene driving mechanisms (into natural populations) such as
symbiot-mediated cytoplasmic incompatibility
Application
For more information about how to apply for research grants to the BCV Committee, please visit TDR web site: http://www.who.int/tdr/
All applications must be received by 17 February 2006
Further information
For further information, please contact Dr Yeya Toure
Further information on TDR's activities may be found on the TDR website
Page Editor: Ali B. Ali-Dinar, Ph.D.