CRISPR-Cas-based genetic biocontrol of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes for disease prevention

About the Project

Lead supervisor:Dr Joshua Ang

Co-supervisors:Dr Clive McKimmie and Dr Daniella Lefteri

The student will be registered with the Department of Biology

Mosquitoes don’t just carry viruses – their saliva can actively help some arboviruses (such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya) to establish infection in the host. Recent studies have identified specific “mosquito saliva-assisted viral enhancement” (moSAVE) proteins that appear to play a key role in this process.

This PhD will test a bold idea: can we genetically “switch off” these salivary helpers so that mosquitoes become poor transmitters of virus, and then spread this trait through populations using a CRISPR-based gene drive?

You will focus on the major vector Aedes aegypti, which transmits dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever. Using state-of-the-art genome engineering, you will knock out one or more moSAVE genes and measure the effects on mosquito biology and virus transmission in established infection models. You will then help design and test a CRISPR-Cas gene drive to spread these “virus-refractory” traits in contained populations, providing proof-of-concept for a new genetic vector-control strategy.

Techniques and training

You will receive comprehensive training in:

• Molecular and synthetic biology (CRISPR-Cas construct design, cloning, transgenesis)
• Mosquito rearing and phenotyping (fitness, fertility, behaviour, salivary gland biology)
• Arbovirology and infection models (virus challenge and transmission assays in a murine model)
• Gene drive design and analysis in caged mosquito populations in a secure insectary
• Quantitative data analysis, statistics and scientific communication (papers, conferences, outreach)

You will join an interdisciplinary, highly collaborative team combining Aedes synthetic biology, arbovirology and moSAVE biology. You will also have opportunities to engage with the ethical, regulatory and societal dimensions of gene drive technologies, and to present your work to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Impact

Aedes-borne diseases are expanding with climate change and urbanisation, while existing control methods (insecticides, environmental management) face resistance and practical limits. By targeting saliva-mediated enhancement of infection and coupling this with gene drives, your work will help lay the foundations for safer, more sustainable next-generation mosquito control strategies with global health relevance.

For more information about the lab and recent work, please contact joshua.ang@york.ac.uk for informal enquiries.

The University of York is committed to recruiting future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and we have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.

The Department of Biology holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award. We are committed to supporting equality and diversity and strive to provide a positive working environment for all staff and students.

Entry Requirements:

Students with, or expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that we welcome applications from students with any biological, chemical, and/or physical science backgrounds.

Programme: PhD in Biomedical Science (3 year)

Start Date: 21 September 2026

Funding Notes

Students need to have adequate funds to cover 3 years of tuition fees and living expenses.