By Scout Nelson
At Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, assistant professor Jayme Souza-Neto is at the forefront of a collaborative research project with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His expertise in next-generation sequencing and functional genomics is crucial in studying arboviruses, which cause diseases in livestock and have a significant economic impact.
Working alongside William Wilson and Dana Mitzel of the USDA, Souza-Neto's research focuses on understanding the transmission of these viruses and the host immune responses they trigger. This involves identifying responsive genes and analyzing how they function in defense against infections.
The project, titled "Host and Vector Transcriptional Responses for Transboundary Arboviral Disease of Livestock," aims to develop tools for characterizing viruses' genetic material and uncovering the mechanisms of infection and spread in populations.
Souza-Neto brings a wealth of experience to this project, including his background in vector-borne diseases from Sao Paulo State University in Brazil and his current roles at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the Molecular and Cell Biology Core in the CEZID.
This research is essential for developing new methods for controlling mosquito transmission and creating effective therapies or vaccines. Funded through August 2025, this project represents a significant stride in combating livestock diseases and protecting global agricultural economies.
Photo Credit - kansas-state-university
Categories: Kansas, Livestock