 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
Tsetse gut symbionts
Sodalis and Wigglesworthia
Expression
of foreign genes
Paratransgenesis
| Wigglesworthia
|
| Sodalis
|
Wolbachia
symbiont
Gene driving
INTERNATIONAL GLOSSINA
GENOME PROJECT
Nature News
Tsetse
genomics
Midgut and salivary gland ESTs
Fat body ESTs
Tsetse transcriptome and proteome
Tsetse population genetics
See Work section for project information
My interests are in the molecular basis of biological complexity that determine host-microbe interactions. Our studies focus on tsetse flies, which transmit the devastating parasite African trypanosomes. We investigate the molecular aspects of tsetse immunity during parasite transmission, with the eventual goal of manipulating these responses to block disease transmission. Tsetse also harbor three maternally transmitted bacterial symbionts, which influence its nutritional and reproductive biology. We characterize the biology of each symbiont using biochemical, genetic, cellular and molecular techniques to better understand the evolution and functional significance of each in the context of its dynamic host environment.
We have pioneered a paratransgenic approach where we exploit the commensal gut flora of tsetse to express trypanocidal products that can block parasite development. We focus on the synthesis of natural tsetse immune effector molecules in the midgut mileu. The replacement of natural tsetse populations with the engineered parasite refractory flies can provide a novel approach for control of this vector-borne disease.
Our collaborative field studies with NaLiRRI in Uganda aim to understand the population genetics of tsetse including the symbiotic microbes and parasitic trypanosomes. These studies will help us better predict the epidemiology of Sleeping Sickness and the recent epidemics observed in Southeastern region of the country.
Contact Info
Serap
Aksoy: (203) 737-2180
Lab: (203)
737-4134
Fax: (203)
785-4782
E-mail: serap.aksoy@yale.edu
AKSOY Kampala presentation on Manuscript Writing For
additional info, see Last
Modified: May 15, 2008 Designer:
Julie Fraenkel
Centers
for Disease Control
World Health
Organization
International Glossina Genome Initiative (IGGI)
EANETT
Aiming to Eliminate Tsetse
A response to "Aiming to
Eliminate Tsetse"
Integrated Control of Pathogenic Trypanosomes
and Their Vectors
Copyright
©2001-2004. Aksoy Laboratory EPH, Yale School of Medicine.
Comments or
suggestions to the site
editor
Implementation: ITS-Med Web Design and Development