简介

The Douglas Lab studies the interactions between animals and beneficial microorganisms. We focus on (1) Drosophila-gut microbe interactions: the taxonomic and functional diversity of the gut microbiota, and the host and microbial genes that define the impact of the microorganisms on host phenotype, especially nutritional function. Our purpose is to use this association, as a general model system for animal-gut microbe interactions. (2) Obligate intracellular symbioses, especially in plant sap-feeding insects: metabolite exchange between the host cell and intracellular bacteria, and the immune functions of the host that regulate bacterial abundance. We are motivated by the fundamental problem of how the bacteria have become integrated into the insect system, and by the potential of key symbiosis genes as targets for insect pest management. For more information, visit the Douglas Lab website at: http://angeladouglaslab.com/