Colorado State University

Research- Regulation of gene expression changes associated with arbovirus susceptibility in mosquitoes

Arboviruses require an intermediate vector, eg, mosquitoes (arthropods), in order to be transmitted to vertebrates and humans. Aedes aegypti is a major vector of flavivirus pathogens, e.g., dengue, Zika, chikungunya viruses and is also competent for transmission of Rift Valley Fever virus. Culex tarsalis transmits West Nile virus and other arboviruses in the US. Mosquitoes show wide variability in differential gene expression patterns in response to arboviruses.

Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) are genomic regions adjacent to gene transcription start sites that mark transcriptional regulatory binding locations. Virtually nothing is known of CREs associated with arbovirus infection or whether chromatin modifications modulate mosquito host responses to infection. Culex and Aedes species transmit important exotic zoonotic arboviruses, e.g. Rift Valley fever virus, of potential concern to U.S. animal and public health. The objective of our current project is to identify CREs in mosquito genomes that contribute to vector competence. 

I use my maiden name, CL Campbell, in publications.