This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) supports research to investigate the mechanism of cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) caused by the bacterial symbiont Cardinium hertigii in parasitic wasps. The $494,339 award, effective August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2028, aims to determine the molecular processes by which Cardinium sabotages host sperm, leading to embryonic death in uninfected female insects. The research will use the parasitic wasp Encarsia as a model system, integrating localization studies, protein interaction analysis, and gene mutation experiments to elucidate the CI mechanism. The project also plans to express the putative CI genes in Drosophila and compare CI genes between different Cardinium strains. Broader impacts include engaging underrepresented students in scientific research and citizen science projects involving amateur entomologists. The findings are expected to advance understanding of symbiont-host interactions and inform potential applications of CI-causing bacteria for pest or vector management.
Mod # | Description | Reason For Modification | Federal Obligation (Click to sort descending) | Date (Click to sort ascending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not listed | $494.3k | 7/24/24 |