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

这项研究使用种植真菌的蚂蚁物种来解决蚂蚁真菌花园的一种毒力病原体对宿主的专门化问题。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。随后的实验将被启动以确定寄主专化的后果，对潜在抗性的化学机制的分析将解释如何维持专化。该项目将展示抗性和传染性机制如何塑造寄生虫-宿主专门化以及这些相互作用的种群的动态。这项研究包括与国内外机构的科学家合作，以及将藏品存放在拉丁美洲的博物馆。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.