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Characterization of naturally infected and artificially infected insects








Characterization of the sub-cellular interaction between Wolbachia and host cells







Developing applied strategies that employ Wolbachia to modify important insect pests and disease vectors




Wolbachia Transfection

  1. BulletWhat impact do Wolbachia infections have on host insect survivorship and fitness (longevity, mobility, fecundity, etc...) ?

  2. BulletHow is Wolbachia sustained within an insect host population (e.g., what is the maternal inheritance rate?  how does Wolbachia affect host reproduction? )

  3. BulletWhat are the host population level effects of Wolbachia invasion?

  1. BulletWhat are the mechanisms by which Wolbachia affects host reproduction?

  2. BulletHow do Wolbachia infections persist within host cells, while other bacterial infections are eliminated by the immune system?

  3. BulletDo bacteriophages impact Wolbachia?  If so, how?

  1. BulletGenerating artificial Wolbachia infection types for use in addressing the above questions.

  1. BulletHow might Wolbachia infections be used to control important agricultural pests and disease vectors?

Below are some of the questions that we address through research