We study the mosquito Aedes aegypti with the goal of identifying the molecular and neuronal basis for its unique behaviors. Through comparisons with other insects we are reconstructing the mechanisms by which blood feeding evolved. See below for current areas of research.
The head of a female Aedes aegypti mosquito. Photo: Alex Wild
Current projects
Neural circuits for blood feeding
Using new techniques for studying neural circuits in the mosquito, we seek to identify those that control blood feeding. These will serve as potential targets to disrupt the ability of mosquitoes to bite humans and transmit pathogens.
Evolution of cell types
The brain has more cell types than any other tissue. We are using epigenomic, multiomic, and optogenetic approaches to understand the specification, function, and evolution of neuron types. This will help us identify the neurons that changed during the evolution of blood feeding and illuminate how brains evolve new functions.
Behavioral persistence
Mosquitoes will pursue humans for up to 15 minutes after a brief sensation of our breath. The internal drives of animals over this timescale—and how they adapt to the life strategies of different species—are poorly understood. We seek to identify the mechanism for this behavioral persistence in mosquitoes.
Convergent evolution
A number of insects related to mosquitoes, such as black flies and sandflies, also possess the ability to feed on blood. We are investigating the nature of this convergence at the genomic and behavioral levels.
Sexual dimorphism
Female mosquitoes consume blood to produce eggs whereas males lack the capacity to feed on blood. What neural circuits are responsible for this difference?