Genetic and Structural Approach to Disease-Vector Control to Protect US Troops against Leishmaniasis and Malaria

Abstract

The objective of the proposed research is to develop new cornpounds to control disease vectors. The investigator s hypothesis is that the insect-specific cysteine in acctylcholinesterase is a unique, unexplored, and viable target to develop insecticides with low resistance propensity and minimal toxicity to mammals for the control or disease vectors. In this context, with expertise in chemistry, biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology, toxicology, and entomology, the PI s laboratory proposes to develop selective and irreversible inhibitors of AChEs in sand flies and mosquitoes as effective and mammal-safe insecticides for disease vector control. This innovative approach exploits the unique insect-AChE gene and structure to impart selective toxicity and a low resistance propensity. The investigator will undertake structure-based design, synthesis, and bioevaluation of cysteinc-targeting inhibitors of acetylcholinesterases in sand flies and mosquitoes as mammal-safe insecticides.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jan 12, 2017
Source ID
W911NF1610264

Entities

People

  • Yuan Pang

Organizations

  • Army Contracting Command
  • Mayo Clinic
  • United States Army

Tags

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Vector-Borne Disease and Entomology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology - Cancer Biotech