MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research

The Sinkins Group

Research programme:

Arthropod-borne Infections

A primary aim is to fully understand the mechanisms of Wolbachia-mediated arbovirus transmission blocking in mosquitoes. The viruses studied include dengue and Zika, in the most important mosquito vector species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. We are examining the interactions between these mosquito hosts and various native and non-native strains of Wolbachia, including bacterial density (which correlates positively with degree of virus-blocking), interactions between Wolbachia strains in multi-strain infections, and the modulation of various host cellular metabolic pathways by Wolbachia that can impact on virus transmission.

We are also working towards collaborative open field trials in Malaysia in both mosquito species, using various Wolbachia strains to reduce the transmission of dengue and other mosquito-borne viruses. This includes creation of new transinfected lines, and characterization of the effects on mosquito fitness and viral susceptibility.

Learn more about the international work of the Sinkins Group.

Steve and his team are leading collaborators of The ANTIVeC Network - a project that draws together individuals from a broad range of scientific disciplines engaged in developing and deploying these approaches to foster knowledge exchange, methodological and technological sharing, and stimulate innovative collaborative research projects that will lay the foundation for new approaches or more effective implementation. ‌