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Catteruccia Lab

In the Catteruccia lab, we are motivated by our conviction that no one should suffer from malaria and other vector-borne diseases. We conduct rigorous science to advance this common goal, while fostering a safe and vibrant environment of intellectual curiosity, collaboration, equity, and inclusivity where any form of discrimination is wholly rejected. 

Location

651 Huntington Avenue
FXB Building, 3rd floor 
Boston, MA 02115 

Prof. Flaminia Catteruccia in the insectarium

About the Catteruccia Lab

In our research group we study the molecular and behavioral parameters that are key to the ability of Anopheles mosquitoes to transmit malaria, with special emphasis on reproductive biology and vector-Plasmodium interactions. Our aim is to provide crucial knowledge to aid the development of new, effective tools for mosquito and malaria control. A key component of our research includes fieldwork studies in Africa on mating biology and natural malaria infections. These studies, in collaboration with IRSS in Burkina Faso, ICIPE in Kenya and other partners, are expanding our understanding of mosquito reproductive biology, mosquito-microbiota interactions, and natural malaria infections.

Mission Statement 

Our lab works to eradicate the global burden of malaria, a disease that disproportionately impacts tropical and subtropical countries, with devastating effects heightened by its intersection with poverty. We recognize that our research has international relevance, and we strive to conduct equitable and ethical science within our lab and global communities. 


Collaborations with scientists in malaria-endemic countries keep our science grounded in the needs of the communities we aim to serve.  


As a research group, our goal is to promote health and equity inside and outside our own communities. We welcome all people that share this mission without any form of discrimination, and we encourage members to engage in activities outside of their research, such as volunteering, advocacy, outreach, and mentorship. Our strengths come from bringing diverse researchers together to work as a team. 


Emre left, Alexandra right with a student center posing for a photo by the microscope area
From left: Emre Aksoy, Chloe Hasund and Alexandra Probst

Support Harvard Chan School

Every gift contributes to our mission of building a world where everyone can thrive. To learn more about how you can support The Catteruccia Lab, please contact Carter Brown.

Why Malaria?  

Malaria, a leading cause of death in tropical and subtropical regions, is transmitted by the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes. 

In Africa, where 90% of deaths occur, the major malaria vector is the mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Females of this and related species have a high reproductive capacity that is ensured by a single mating event followed by multiple blood feeding cycles. 

In our research group we study the molecular and behavioral parameters that are key to the ability of Anopheles mosquitoes to transmit malaria, with special emphasis on reproductive biology and vector-Plasmodium interactions. Our aim is to provide crucial knowledge to aid the development of new, effective tools for mosquito and malaria control.  

Reproductive biology in Anopheles mosquitoes 

Study of molecular and behavioral parameters that are key to the ability of Anopheles mosquitoes to transmit malaria 

Flaminia Catteruccia is a professor in the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. Her research focuses on the study of the molecular basis of reproductive biology in Anopheles mosquitoes, the malaria vectors, and the factors that shape the development of the malaria parasite during mosquito stages. Her research program integrates basic molecular biology investigations with high-impact translational studies. 

There is no effective treatment or vaccine for many mosquito-borne diseases, and controlling the mosquito population remains the most effective way of keeping these diseases in check. Owing to widespread insecticide resistance amongst mosquito populations, there is a crucial need to develop viable alternative methods for vector control.

close up, hand with a pipette inside a petri dish with mosquito larvae

Our Research

Mosquito reproductive biology: How genetics and evolution affect their ability to spread diseases 

In our research, we’ve been studying how certain hormones affect mosquito reproduction.  We’re currently investigating how some of these hormones and blood feeding work together to influence mosquito reproduction, which could lead to new ways to control mosquito populations and combat malaria. 

Mosquito pathways that facilitate Plasmodium development

We are studying the physiological factors that are exploited by Plasmodium parasites (P. falciparum and P. vivax) for their own development using a variety of mosquito species in combination with both laboratory and field isolates of human malaria parasites. 

From the bench to the field: generation of tools to reduce the malaria burden 

Our lab is strongly invested in developing translational tools to prevent malaria transmission. We aim to translate our laboratory findings into novel products that can aid current insecticide-based programs or provide effective alternatives to insecticide use.   

Oocyst mitochondrion

Field Work

A key component of our research includes fieldwork studies in Africa on mating biology and natural malaria infections.

Collaborations in Africa

Kelsey Adams, Flaminia Catteruccia and Rb Shaw in Malawi

These studies, in collaboration with IRSS in Burkina Faso, ICIPE in Kenya and other partners, are expanding our understanding of mosquito reproductive biology, mosquito-microbiota interactions, and natural malaria infections. 

Prof. Catteruccia talking to students at the BPH retreat
Prof. Catteruccia talking to students at the BPH retreat

Publication Highlights

In vivo screen of Plasmodium targets for mosquito-based malaria control.

Authors:Probst AS, Paton DG, Appetecchia F, Bopp S, Adams KL, Rinvee TA, Pou S, Winter R, Du EW, Yahiya S, Vidoudez C, Singh N, Rodrigues J, Castañeda-Casado P, Tammaro C, Chen D, Godinez-Macias KP, Jaramillo JL, Poce G, Rubal MJ, Nilsen A, Winzeler EA, Baum J, Burrows JN, Riscoe MK, Wirth DF, Catteruccia FJournal:NaturePublish Date:2025 May 21Pages:DOI:doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09039-2Publication Status:Online ahead of printPMID: 40399670

Engineering gene drive docking sites in a haplolethal locus in Anopheles gambiae.

Authors:Smidler AL, Marrogi EA, Scott S, Mameli E, Abernathy D, Akbari OS, Church GM, Catteruccia F, Esvelt KJournal:bioRxiv : the preprint server for biologyPublish Date:2025 Mar 3Pages:DOI:doi: 10.1101/2025.03.03.641265Publication Status:Published electronicallyPMID: 40093134

Maternal lipid mobilization is essential for embryonic development in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae.

Authors:Itoe MA, Shaw WR, Stryapunina I, Vidoudez C, Peng D, Du EW, Rinvee TA, Singh N, Yan Y, Hulai O, Thornburg KE, Catteruccia FJournal:PLoS biologyPublish Date:2024 DecPages::e3002960DOI:doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002960Publication Status:Published electronicallyPMID: 39689130

Mapping Plasmodium transitions and interactions in the Anopheles female.

Authors:Yan Y, Cheung E, Verzier LH, Appetecchia F, March S, Craven AR, Du E, Probst AS, Rinvee TA, de Vries LE, Kauffman J, Bhatia SN, Nelson E, Singh N, Peng D, Shaw WR, Catteruccia FJournal:bioRxiv : the preprint server for biologyPublish Date:2024 Nov 13Pages:DOI:doi: 10.1101/2024.11.12.623125Publication Status:Published electronicallyPMID: 39605504

Bacteria induce metabolic perturbations in ticks.

Authors:Shaw WR, Catteruccia FJournal:Nature microbiologyPublish Date:2024 SepPages::2206-2207DOI:doi: 10.1038/s41564-024-01787-7PMID: 39169125

CRISPR-mediated germline mutagenesis for genetic sterilization of Anopheles gambiae males.

Authors:Smidler AL, Marrogi E, Kauffman J, Paton DG, Westervelt KA, Church GM, Esvelt KM, Shaw WR, Catteruccia FJournal:Scientific reportsPublish Date:2024 Feb 19Pages::4057DOI:doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-54498-8PMID: 38374393

Rapid spread of insecticide resistance among anopheline mosquitoes threatens malaria elimination efforts, necessitating development of alternative vector control technologies. Sterile insect technique (SIT) has been successfully implemented in multip ...