| Affiliations: | Genetics & Genomics Research Leadership |
| Project Leader: | Joe Romanowski joeromanowski@tamu.edu Entomology |
| Faculty Mentor: | Zachary Adelman, Ph.D |
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Meeting Times:
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Tuesday 12:45 |
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Team Size:
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3 |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Opportunities to become an independent undergraduate researcher and present work at local symposia
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Team Needs:
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Preference is given to those students that have taken/are taking biology and/or genetics |
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Description:
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The Aedes aegypti mosquito is estimated to be responsible for over 400 million dengue infections each year and poses a public health threat to half of the world due to its global presence. Genetic approaches to reduce disease incidence by suppressing or modifying Aedes aegypti mosquito populations have been proposed as a solution, but the persistence of these modifications in nature and how to remove them remain uncertain. Our lab has shown that by triggering a DNA repair pathway known as single-strand annealing (SSA), it is possible to delete these genes and revert genetically modified mosquitoes back to normal, wild type mosquitoes. This project focuses on understanding how DNA-damaging enzymes and the site of DNA damage influences SSA repair to optimize self-eliminating transgenes. Students working on this project will learn molecular cloning, mosquito rearing and transgenesis, and fluorescent microscopy. Preference will be given to students able to remain for the summer, though it is not required. |