insect gut metagenome Targeted Locus (Loci). insect gut metagenome

We are interested in studying host-microbiota interactions using Pieris rapae, the cabbage white butterfly, as a model system. We have shown that this microbial community is relatively simple - containing only tens of members as compared to hundreds or thousands observed in other systems. In these studies, we build on our original findings and investigate issues related to specific to host-microbiota interactions such as the impact of diet on the microbiota and susceptibility to disease.