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Research with Nasonia
Nasonia (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is a genus of small, haplodiploid, parasitoid wasps that lay their eggs in pupae of various fly species. We use the four Nasonia species (N. vitripennis, N. longicornis, N. giraulti and N. oneida) as a model system. For more information on the biology of Nasonia see here (www.sas.rochester.edu/bio/labs/WerrenLab/WerrenLab-NasoniaResearch.html ).
Research using Nasonia
Behavioural Ecology
Currently we are working on several aspects of Nasonia behaviour. We utilize various methods from behavioral and chemical ecology to study the prevalence of reproductive strategies in male Nasonia.
Host-Microbial and Host-Microbiome Interactions
Current projects include the role of microbiome in Nasonia biology and understanding how the endosymbiont Wolbachia is affecting various physiological and reproductive traits of Nasonia.
Genetics and Genomics
Using molecular populations genetics, our lab is also investigating the origin, divergence, population structure and the demographic history of Nasonia.
Viral elements in the host genome reveal their complex relationships with their hosts. Using bioinformatic, phylogenetic and population genetic analysis of viral sequences in the genomes of recently diverged Nasonia species, our lab is currently investigating the diversity and complexity of host-virus associations.
Termite Research
Odontotermes obesus is one of the most abundant fungus growing termites in India. We are currently studying the mechanisms used by this fungus- growing termite to maintain a monoculture of their crop fungus (Termitomyces) by suppressing the growth of weedy fungus (Pseudoxylaria) inside their fungal gardens. We use both culture dependent as well as culture independent approach of Nanopore sequencing to study the microbiome and mycobiome of this symbiosis.
Endosymbiont Research
Maternally inherited endosymbionts play a crucial role in the ecology and evolution of their hosts. They represent one of the most abundant and diverse groups of bacteria infecting arthropods. The key factor explaining the widespread distribution is their ability to undergo extensive horizontal transfer to taxonomically unrelated hosts. Our goal is to understand the how endosymbionts like Wolbachia, Cardinium and Arsenophonus influence the biology of their hosts.
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