The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) received a $600,618 Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (CFDA 93.855 Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research) to investigate the molecular mechanism of a male-killing gene in the Wolbachia bacteria. The project, running from February 1, 2025 to January 31, 2030, will test the hypothesis that the Wolbachia "Wo Male Killing" (WMK) protein disrupts host transcription in early embryogenesis, leading to male-specific lethality. The research aims to assess if WMK acts as a transcription factor to alter gene expression, determine the protein regions necessary for male killing, and evaluate how WMK is transported from the cell. This work seeks to resolve a central challenge in understanding the mechanistic bases of male killing, which has relevance for ecology, evolution, cell biology, and potential applications in vector control.
Generated 3/4/25, 5:01 AM