Fly susceptibility to trypanosomatid parasites 

Some of the most devastating neglected tropical diseases are caused by trypanosomatid parasites that are transmitted to humans via the bites of infected insects from the order Diptera (Flies). While most natural fly vectors pose a challenge to study under laboratory conditions, Drosophila melanogaster is a proven model for experimental studies with a well-established molecular, genetic and genomic toolkit and a vast of prior knowledge of its biology. Because D. melanogaster is host to several natural parasites that belong to the trypanosomatid group, it can also serve as a model for studying fly-parasite interactions. 

In my lab, I use the trypanosomatid culture of Jaenominas drosophilae to investigate the genetic basis of fly susceptibility to trypanosomatid infection using genomics and transcriptomics methods.

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This project has received funding from the European Union’s H2020-MSCA-IF-2019 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 894499.