Vanessa Ngannang-Fezeu

Background

Vanessa Ngannang is a PhD candidate at the University of Yaoundé I and a research assistant at the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID). A committed biochemist, she brings extensive academic training and hands-on experience in molecular biotechnology and functional genomics. Vanessa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Yaoundé I in 2016, followed by a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and Development in 2019. Her research journey began during her Master’s internship at CRID, where she investigated the molecular basis of carbamate resistance in Anopheles funestus, a major malaria vector in Cameroon. Through this work, she gained expertise in field collection, mosquito rearing, and resistance testing using WHO protocols. She also mastered DNA and RNA extraction techniques, molecular identification via PCR, gene amplification, cloning in E. coli, and sequence analysis to detect genetic variants—culminating in a published study. Since 2020, Vanessa has been pursuing her PhD at CRID, focusing on the role of digestive and oxidative stress genes in exacerbating insecticide resistance in Anopheles funestus across Africa. In 2024, she expanded her contributions at CRID by joining the AVecGen project as a research assistant, where she supports the development and implementation of functional genetics platforms.

Research

During her PhD studies, Vanessa Ngannang has been investigating the role of digestive and oxidative stress gene families in the escalation of insecticide resistance in Anopheles funestus, one of Africa’s most significant malaria vectors. Her research employs a range of advanced functional genomics techniques, including quantitative real-time PCR, GAL4-UAS transgenic expression, RNA interference, and enzyme activity assays using specific substrates.These methodologies allow her to validate the biological implications of target genes and uncover their contribution to resistance mechanisms. A key outcome of her work is the development of a novel molecular diagnostic tool designed to track insecticide resistance in field populations of Anopheles funestus. This tool aims to support the implementation of more effective resistance management strategies across malaria-endemic regions.

• Areas of interest:

Vanessa Ngannang-Fezeu is interested in advanced genetic engineering techniques: –       CRISPR-Cas Systems (CRISPR-Cas9) –       Gene drives –       Various “omics” techniques (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) –       Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), population genetics.

 

Other Relevant  Expertise, Professional Memberships 

Member of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) Member of Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA) Member of Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA)-Cameroon Chapter Member of Women in Malaria (WIM)

• Supervisor

Prof. Charles Wondji

Bench supervisors: Dr. Mugenzi Jean Leon and Dr Magellan Tchouakui

• Research groups

-Member of Wondji Research Unit (WoRu) at CRID

-Member of the functional genomics unit at CRID

• Publications

  • Djondji Kamga, F.M., Jean Mugenzi, L.M., Ngannang-Fezeu, V.B. et al. Evidence of microbiome contribution to the escalation of pyrethroid resistance in the major malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae s.s. and Anopheles funestus s.s. BMC Microbiol25, 384 (2025).https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-025-04114-0 Emilie S Ngongang-Yipmo, Magellan Tchouakui, Benjamin D Menze, Riccado F Tiomela, Derrick Fofie, Vanessa B Ngannang-Fezeu, Jean L Mugenzi, Flobert Njiokou, Charles S Wondji. Long-term impact of exposure to Royal Guard, a pyriproxyfen-based bed net, on pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors from Cameroon using DNA-based metabolic resistance markers.Pest Management Science,23 January 2025.https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.8615    Tchouakui M, Fossog BT, Ngannang BV, Djonabaye D, Tchapga W, Njiokou F, Wondji CS :–Investigation of the influence of a glutathione S-transferase metabolic resistance to pyrethroids/DDT on mating competitiveness in males of the African malaria vector, Anopheles funestus.  Wellcome Open Research : https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15013.2