Title: Deciphering host immune gene regulation and function to target symbiosis disturbance and endosymbiont control in insect pests
Research Group: Genètica Evolutiva
The objective of the project is to unravel the major host genes involved in the symbiosis homeostasis and endosymbiont dynamics, and to decipher their mechanisms of regulation and function in the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae. By combining in silico and wet lab tools, we expect to provide a clear picture on the gene players and how they are regulated in both endosymbiosis homeostasis and along endosymbiont dynamics. We want to provide the foundation for identifying specific molecules disrupting the endosymbiotic relationship, as a novel control strategy for weevils and other major insect pests.
Abdelaziz Heddi
Amparo Latorre Castillo
The French National Research Agency (ANR)
Université de Lyon, Universitat de València.