Dr Ewa Chrostek PhD

Insects are commonly associated with vertically transmitted symbionts. Wolbachia, the most prevalent endosymbiont on the planet, can induce reproductive manipulations and antiviral protection. These phenotypes are being used to limit the spread of pathogenic viruses, like dengue and Zika, from mosquitoes to humans. However, as Wolbachia cannot be cultured or genetically manipulated, the mechanistic bases of its phenotypes remain poorly explored. The main goal of my research is to understand how Wolbachia interacts with its hosts at the molecular level and to create opportunities for further exploitation of this symbiont in the fields of human health, pest control and agriculture.