Background
| ASSATSE MATAKAFO Tatiane is currently a Research Assistant and PhD student at CRID, where she contributes to advancing research in vector genomics and disease transmission. In this role, she applies her expertise in molecular diagnostics, insecticide resistance monitoring, RNA‑Seq, bioassays, and field collections to strengthen CRID’s capacity in vector control and molecular techniques. Her path to CRID was built on a strong academic foundation. She earned a Master’s degree in Parasitology and Ecology at the University of Yaoundé I, specializing in Medical Entomology and molecular biology. Prior to that, she completed her undergraduate studies in Animal Biology at the same institution in 2015, where she first developed her interest in vector biology and disease transmission. These experiences collectively shaped her trajectory toward becoming a researcher dedicated to tackling vector‑borne diseases in Africa. |
Research
| Tatiane Assatse’s work centers on advancing our understanding of insecticide resistance mechanisms in malaria vectors, with a particular focus on neonicotinoid insecticides. Her research investigates the molecular basis of resistance by examining gene expression changes, detoxification pathways, and target‑site alterations that reduce mosquito susceptibility. This approach provides critical insights into how resistance emerges and spreads within vector populations. She applies functional genomics and transcriptomics tools, including RNA‑Seq and differential gene expression analysis, to identify candidate genes and pathways linked to resistance phenotypes. By integrating bioinformatics, population genomics resources, and validation assays, her work reveals how mosquito populations adapt under insecticide pressure, bridging molecular findings with ecological realities. In addition, Tatiane contributes to vector control and insecticide evaluation, assessing the efficacy of neonicotinoids on both field and laboratory strains of Anopheles mosquitoes. Using standard CDC bioassays, she evaluates insecticide performance under controlled conditions, generating evidence that informs strategies for sustainable vector control. Together, her research strengthens the scientific foundation for combating malaria by combining molecular insights with practical evaluation of control tools. |
- Research Areas
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Insecticide Resistance Mechanisms Functional Genomics & Transcriptomics Vector Control & Insecticide Evaluation |
- Areas of interest:
| Molecular Biology, Entomology, Genomics, Bioinformatics |
Other Relevant Expertise, Professional Memberships
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- Supervisor
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Publications
1- Tatiane Assatse, Magellan Tchouakui, Leon Mugenzi, Benjamin Menze, Daniel Nguiffo, Williams Tchapga, Sevilor Kekeunou and Charles S. Wondji. Anopheles funestus populations across Africa are broadly susceptible to neonicotinoids but with signals of possible cross-resistance from the GSTe2 gene. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37235292/ 2- Tchouakui, M., Ibrahim, S., Mangoua, M., Thiomela, R., ASSATSE, T., Ngongang-Yipmo, S., … & Wondji, C. (2024). Substrate promiscuity of key resistance P450s confers clothianidin resistance whilst increasing chlorfenapyr potency in malaria vectors. Cell reports, 43(8). https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3865779/v1
3- Hervé Raoul Tazokong, Stevia Ntadoun Tchamga, Magellan Tchouakui, Tatiane Assatse, Steve Valdi Djova, Leon M. J. Mugenzi, Gadji Mahamat, Onana Boyomo & Charles Sinclair Wondji. Characterizing the escalation of pyrethroid resistance and its impact on bed nets efficacy alongside molecular basis in Anopheles funestus from Cameroon. Malaria Journal 24, 308 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-025-05542-z.
4- Tchouakui M, Oruni A, Assatse T, Manyaka CR, Tchoupo M, Kayondo J,Wondji CS.Fitness cost of target-site and metabolic resistance to pyrethroids drives restoration of susceptibility in a highly resistant Anopheles gambiae population from Uganda.PLoS One. 2022 Jul 26;17(7):e0271347.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0271347
5- Magellan Tchouakui, Tatiane Assatse, Leon M. J. Mugenzi, Benjamin D. Menze, Daniel Nguiffo-Nguete, Williams Tchapga, Jonathan Kayondo, Francis Watsenga, Emile Zola Manzambi, Michael Osae & Charles S. Wondji :Comparative study of the effect of solvents on the efficacy of neonicotinoid insecticides against malaria vector populations across Africa, Infectious disease of Proverty : https://doi.org/10.1186/s40249-022-00962-4
