Research Overview
Our work investigates the molecular mechanisms by which choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals, interact with their microbial world. We are studying how choanoflagellates recognize and respond to bacteria and viruses in order to discover mechanisms of choanoflagellate immunity, and gain insight into the evolution of eukaryotic and animal immune pathways.
Uncovering choanoflagellate immune pathways
Choanoflagellate immune genes and pathways are largely undescribed. Although choanoflagellates harbor genes with homology to known defense genes, how they function in choanoflagellates has not been experimentally studied. In addition, unbiased approaches are leading to the discovery of new and completely uncharacterized immune genes. We are using a variety of molecular and genetic approaches to investigate how conserved and novel immune genes function during choanoflagellate immune responses.
Different choanoflagellate immune genes (highlighted in magenta) have distinct localization
Choanoflagellate-bacterial interactions
Choanoflagellates have diverse and fascinating interactions with bacteria. Choanoflagellates consume bacteria as food — in turn, bacteria can influence choanoflagellate development, or exert pathogenic effects on choanoflagellates. We are investigating the mechanisms by which choanoflagellates recognize and respond to bacterial friends and foes.
A choanoflagellate colony surrounded by bacteria
Environmental isolations and pathogen discovery
One of our goals is to identify natural pathogens of choanoflagellates in order to develop additional models for studying host-pathogen interactions. By co-isolating choanoflagellates with their associated microbial communities, we aim to identify new interactions that will expand our understanding of anti-bacterial and anti-viral immunity.
A movie of stalked, colonial choanoflagellates, freshly scooped up from the wild