Guided by this principle, our lab embraces both curiosity and critical inquiry to uncover the fundamental mechanisms shaping host–microbe relationships. We explore the dynamic interplay between hosts and their microbial symbionts, with a central focus on Wolbachia—a widespread intracellular bacterium that manipulates its host reproduction and provides protection against pathogens in arthropods. Using Drosophila melanogaster and Aedes aegypti model systems, our research integrates molecular genetics, epigenetics, cell and developmental biology, biochemistry, microscopy, and chromatin profiling tools to dissect how symbionts shape host biology, behaviour, fertility, and drive evolutionary innovation in pathogen resistance.
Led by Dr. Rupinder Kaur, our research program will be advancing our mechanistic understanding of host-microbe interactions while pioneering innovative, epigenetically-informed strategies to engineer and/or reproduce microbial traits. By identifying host molecular checkpoints that determine the stability, penetrance, and persistence of symbiont effects, our work will contribute to evidence-based refinement of symbiont-driven vector control strategies and fertility management. Ultimately, our research builds a foundation for translational applications that strengthen efforts towards improving global public health.