Inside the Tangled Bank of Arthropods

 

We unravel the molecular-genetic mechanisms of hybrid dysfunction, herbivory, and pesticide resistance. One of the major research lines dissects the mechanistic underpinnings of symbiont-host interactions. We use interdisciplinary approaches to study the molecular architecture of these complex traits.

 

 

 

Mite immunity

Details

Last week, our research on the immune response of spider mites has been published. We show that upon bacterial infection, spider mites do not mount an immune response on the transcriptomic level and subsequently die after bacterial proliferation. Interestingly, similar observations have been made for the pea aphid, which reinforces a potential evolutionary link between ecological conditions regarding bacterial exposure and the architecture of the immune response. To read more, please click here!