DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Parasite Host-Specialization in an Ancient Fungal Symbiosis

本研究使用真菌生长的蚂蚁物种来解决宿主专业化的蚂蚁的真菌花园的毒力病原体。宿主-寄生虫系统发育关系的分子分析将与种群差异分析相结合，以确定寄生虫是否专门针对特定的宿主真菌物种。随后的实验将开始确定宿主专业化的后果，并分析抗性的化学机制将解释专业化是如何维持的。该项目将展示抗性和传染性机制如何塑造寄生虫-宿主专业化以及这些相互作用种群的动态。这项研究包括与国内外机构的科学家合作，并在拉丁美洲的博物馆存放藏品。本科生将接受分子和实验技术方面的培训。

This study uses fungus-growing ant species to address host specialization by a virulent pathogen of the ants' fungus gardens. Molecular analyses of host-parasite phylogenetic relationships will be combined with analyses of population differences to determine if parasites specialize on particular host fungal species. Subsequent experiments will be initiated to determine the consequences of host specialization, and analyses of the chemical mechanisms underlying resistance will explain how specialization is maintained. The project will show how mechanisms of resistance and infectivity shape parasite-host specialization and the dynamics of these interacting populations. The research includes collaboration with scientists at domestic and foreign institutions and deposition of collections at museums in Latin America. Undergraduate students will be trained in molecular and experimental techniques.