Physiologie animale

Projets

European Research Network for Advanced Research on Olfaction for Malaria Transmitting Insect Control (ENAROMaTIC) within the 7^th EU Framework Programme (Instrument: HEALTH-2007-2.3.2-9 Blocking the transmission of malaria: the mosquito vector target. The goal of our work is to identify novel compounds capable of interfering with the function of the olfactory system of the African malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae, and its capacity to recognize its human host. Validation of the effectiveness of newly discovered and newly designed ligands will be made by in vivo gene silencing, and through neurophysiological and behavioural assays on female mosquitoes.

Development of Trapping and Target Devices for Controlling Vectors of Human African Trypanosomiasis . This WHO-TDR funded project aims to develop appropriate technologies for control of relevant tsetse fly vectors of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT). This collaborative project, involving researchers in 8 African countries and specialist advisers, aims to invent, optimize and standardize tsetse fly control technologies. Tools are being developed that will permit optimized trap/target deployment for the control and evaluation of vector population density within the context of adaptive control system management for vectors of HAT.

See: TDR vector control

Dissecting the Molecular-Ecology of a Pollination Syndrome . This project is being carried out within the National Centre of Competence in Research - Plant Survival (NCCR) in conjunction with colleagues at the Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Berne. The identification by the group in Berne of a limited number of genetic loci with defined phenotypic effects in Petunia makes it possible to dissect out the role of individual genes and phenotypic traits on pollinator behaviour.

See: NCCR WP2.2

Quantifiable parameters for the homologation of tick repellents. The threat of transmission of Lyme borelliosis and FSME by Ixodid tickshas resulted in development of tick repellents. This Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) funded project is to establish scientifically based criteria for the assessment of products that can effectively reduce contact between humans and ticks. The in vitro and in vivo tests being developed are based on our detailed knowledge of tick behaviours

See: http://www.bag.admin.ch/org/index.html?lang=en

Insect Odorant-Binding Proteins on Conductive Polymer Nanofibres Based Biosensor to Diagnose Crop Disease (NANOIOBIP), a EUROCORES project within the European Science Foundation research programme on Bio-inspired Engineering of Sensors, Actuators &   Systems ( EuroBioSas ). Crop losses to pests and disease continue to reduce production of food worldwide. This research programme, involving 5 European laboratories, aims at harnessing components of the insect sensory apparatus to develop a nano-biosensor for marker molecules of crop disease. Levels of detection for plant metabolites are expected down to the femto Molar level or better and with low-cost reliable operation.

See: www.esf.org/activities/eurocores/running-programmes.html

http://p3.snf.ch/

The Sensory Physiology and Ecology of Taste in the African Malaria Mosquito ( Anopheles gambiae)
Anopheles gambiae host preferences for humans guarantee a strong host-vector interaction favourable to high parasite transmission. Odour cues for An. gambiae have been well researched, but little is known about gustatory chemoreceptor responses in this species. Sugars in plant nectar provide a primary energy source for adults and vertebrate blood provides proteins for egg production. This project aims are to identify products from plants and humans that serve to stimulate feeding by An. gambiae through electrophysiological recordings from contact-chemosensilla combined with behavioural assays to quantify biting and feeding responses to such stimuli. Feeding deterrents will be investigated with a view to inhibit the mosquito biting and feeding responses.

See:http://p3.snf.ch/project-138207