Inherited symbionts and the native microbiota
Various insects host resident microorganisms able to influence many insect’s key functions.
Diverse physiological, metabolic and immune processes of hosts are significantly influenced by their microbiota, whose colonization contributed to their evolutionary success.
Wolbachia
Wolbachia is a maternally inherited obligate symbiont, naturally found in the 60% of insects.
The spread through hosts occurs by increasing the relative fitness of carriers in various ways, including reproductive manipulations.
Moreover, it reduces the competence of mosquito species to transmit arboviruses, by causing perturbations in various cellular pathways.
Among novel dengue control strategies, Wolbachia-mediated interventions are currently deployed in many endemic areas of the world.
Symbionts for mosquito control
Several invasive mosquito species, such as Aedes albopictus, Aedes atropalpus, Aedes japonicus japonicus, and Aedes koreicus, were recently reported in various parts of Europe, and most of them are competent vectors for various arboviruses.
Factors like climate warming and global travel and trade have facilitated the risk of expansion of these alien vectors and the autochthonous transmission of arboviruses.
We are interested in tackling these invasive mosquito species.
By mapping the population dynamics of wild mosquito populations and by studying the interactions with their native endosymbionts, we aim to provide substantial knowledge on these alien species, with the ultimate goal of developing tailored tools for responding to public health demand in a timely manner.
Beyond mosquitoes…
In addition to our research on mosquito biology and vector-borne diseases, our group is also committed to developing innovative and sustainable technologies for the control of agricultural pests. We apply an integrated approach that combines molecular biology, ecology, and digital modelling to better understand pest dynamics and design environmentally responsible control strategies. Our goal is to translate fundamental research into practical solutions that support sustainable agriculture and reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides.