Characterization and evolutionary history of an ancient Lateral Gene Transfer: from Pox viruses to parasitoid wasps [Werren Lab - University of Rochester]:
PRANC domains (Pox virus Repeats of ANkyrin, C-terminal) are domains commonly found at the C-terminal (tail end) of Ankyrin-repeats-containing genes in Pox viruses. Thirteen such domains were found and identified in the genome of the parasitoid Jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis (pictured - Werren et al. 2010). More recently, it was found that the number may in fact be much higher, and that similar PRANC domains are also found in other parasitoid wasps, as well as in the bacteria Wolbachia and Orientia, suggesting an ancient LGT occurring involving these species. PRANCs have also been found in Orientia tsutsugamuchi, a bacterium only distantly related to Wolbachia, and in the Kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus, suggesting that this domain may have transferred from viruses to bacteria and from bacteria to insects multiple times.
We implemented phylogenetic inference methods and investigating expression data to attempt to shed more light on the history and integration of this domain in parasitoid wasps. Photo by Michael E. Clark.
We implemented phylogenetic inference methods and investigating expression data to attempt to shed more light on the history and integration of this domain in parasitoid wasps. Photo by Michael E. Clark.
Master's Project - Gene Duplications of Amino-Acid Transporters in symbiotic sap-feeding insects [Dávalos Lab - SUNY Stony Brook]:
Sap-feeding insects in the sub-order Sternorrhyncha (Hemiptera), such as the Pea Aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, lack essential amino acids in their diets. Instead, those amino acids are provided by bacterial endosymbionts. It has been suggested that gene duplications play a major role in the evolution of such symbioses, particularly in AATs (Amino Acid Transporters) gene families in this order of sap-feeding insects, as an increased number of AATs would no doubt be beneficial to the hosts.
I am working to implement comparative methods to study duplications in AAT gene families in Sternorrhyncha, to detect the importance of gene duplications and paralogy in this symbiotic system.
I am working to implement comparative methods to study duplications in AAT gene families in Sternorrhyncha, to detect the importance of gene duplications and paralogy in this symbiotic system.
Potential Link between polymorphisms in human keratin 17, Ets variant 4 and HPV-induced cervical carcinoma [Corthals Lab - SUNY Stony Brook]:
Is there a genetic basis for Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-induced oncogenesis in the cervix ? While HPV prevalence is extremely high in humans, only a relatively small percentage of infected women develop cervical cancer. This project aims to determine if two genes that are upregulated in cancer cells, human keratin 17 (KRT 17) and Ets variant 4 (ETV4), have polymorphisms that are associated with oncogenesis. If found, this could have a tremendous impact on the detection and prevention of cervical cancer in the future.
Undergrad Project - Effects of Photoperiod on Competition of Container-Dwelling Mosquitoes [Costanzo Lab - Canisius College]:
The Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is one of the most aggressive invasive species on the planet, and has been shown to be a successful vector of up to 27 viral diseases, including Dengue and Equine Encephalitis. In the United States, where it was introduced in the mid-90s, it has in numerous places led to the local extinction of the Yellow Fever Mosquito (Aedes aegypti). However, in some environments, the two species coexist, leading to hypotheses of Condition-Specific Competition, possibly involving plastic responses in the invader.
This project examined the effect of photoperiods on developmental and fitness traits in the Asian Tiger Mosquito and in the Yellow-Fever Mosquito.
This project examined the effect of photoperiods on developmental and fitness traits in the Asian Tiger Mosquito and in the Yellow-Fever Mosquito.