QTL mapping linked to the resistance for insecticides in the mosquito Aedes aegypti

• Grant number: 08/04011-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2008
• End date: August 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Eduardo Martins Ribolla
• Grantee: Karina dos Santos Paduan
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The mosquito Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue fever virus and it represents a major problem of Public Health. At this moment the available method of dengue control depends on vector surveillance. The use of insecticides of organic or inorganic origin is one of the methodologies accepted as part of this control. However, resistance processes have been detected for all of the insecticides classes, affecting, direct and deeply, the re-emergency of the diseases. Nowadays, the development of molecular tools has made possible the understanding of the relationships among the vector, pathogen and the man. However, in spite of the great number of studies, little is known on the genetic changes in the local populations of the mosquito related to the dengue cases. Genetic mapping with characterization for QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) associated to studies of candidates genes with known biological function have been applied to the studies with vectorial mosquitoes in the last years. Recently, the available technology, allowed the development of the markers SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) that correspond to differences of a single nucleotide in the sequence of DNA that can be applied to the studies with QTL. This project aim is the characterization of linked loci to this resistance using the mapping for QTL with the detection of SNPs. Sequencing of nuclear candidates genes will be accomplished, for the detection of SNPs, used in the physical location of linked loci to the resistance for chemical insecticides in populations of Aedes aegypti. We will work in collaboration with São Paulo vector control agency, SUCEN. (AU)