OpenWetWare:Highlights/labhighlights/Christophides Lab - Revision history

Smeister at 14:12, 14 June 2006

2006-06-14T14:12:15Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 14:12, 14 June 2006
Line 1:		Line 1:
-	[[Image:Anopheles gambiae.png\|left]] '''OWW lab highlights.''' This is the first in a series of [[OpenWetWare:Highlights\|lab highlights]] identifying groups that are contributing to OpenWetWare. The first are the Insect Immunogenomics labs of [[Kafatos:Kafatos/Christophides Lab\|Kafatos and Christophides]] at Imperial ~~college~~ London, UK. A selected list of [[Kafatos:publications#Selected Publications partial list \|publications]], [[Kafatos:Protocols\|protocols]] and [[Kafatos:present\|lab member pages]] can be found on their site. A research summary is given below and more details can be found [[Kafatos:Research\|here]].	+	[[Image:Anopheles gambiae.png\|left]] '''OWW lab highlights.''' This is the first in a series of [[OpenWetWare:Highlights\|lab highlights]] identifying groups that are contributing to OpenWetWare. The first are the Insect Immunogenomics labs of [[Kafatos:Kafatos/Christophides Lab\|Kafatos and Christophides]] at Imperial College London, UK. A selected list of [[Kafatos:publications#Selected Publications partial list \|publications]], [[Kafatos:Protocols\|protocols]] and [[Kafatos:present\|lab member pages]] can be found on their site. A research summary is given below and more details can be found [[Kafatos:Research\|here]].

Smeister at 12:27, 3 June 2006

2006-06-03T12:27:11Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 12:27, 3 June 2006
Line 13:		Line 13:
	Genomic characterisation of ''Anopheles'' is an important aspect of our studies. Previously, we have constructed detailed genetic and physical maps of ''A. gambiae'', localizing genes that are involved in refractoriness to the parasite. In recent years, a combination of biochemical, molecular, cell biological, and genomic approaches has driven advanced studies of the ''Anopheles'' innate immune system and its reaction to ''Plasmodium'' infection. A landmark in these studies was the sequencing of the ''A. gambiae'' genome through the collaborative work of an international consortium, in which EMBL actively participated. A comparative genomic study of mosquito and fruit fly putative innate immunity genes led by our group established that immunity genes are substantially more diversified than the genome as a whole. This may have particular relevance to molecules involved in ''Plasmodium'' recognition and subsequent effects on malaria transmission.<br>		Genomic characterisation of ''Anopheles'' is an important aspect of our studies. Previously, we have constructed detailed genetic and physical maps of ''A. gambiae'', localizing genes that are involved in refractoriness to the parasite. In recent years, a combination of biochemical, molecular, cell biological, and genomic approaches has driven advanced studies of the ''Anopheles'' innate immune system and its reaction to ''Plasmodium'' infection. A landmark in these studies was the sequencing of the ''A. gambiae'' genome through the collaborative work of an international consortium, in which EMBL actively participated. A comparative genomic study of mosquito and fruit fly putative innate immunity genes led by our group established that immunity genes are substantially more diversified than the genome as a whole. This may have particular relevance to molecules involved in ''Plasmodium'' recognition and subsequent effects on malaria transmission.<br>

-	[[Image:Christophidesetal.png\|thumb\|500px\|left\|'''Interactions of the ''Plasmodium'' parasite with the ''Anopheles gambiae'' innate immune system during its development in the mosquito.''']]	+	[[Image:Christophidesetal.png\|thumb\|500px\|left\|''Interactions of the ''Plasmodium'' parasite with the ''Anopheles gambiae'' innate immune system during its development in the mosquito.'']]

	Insects and vertebrates share ancient, potent defence mechanisms of innate immunity. We are dissecting these mechanisms in the mosquito, and focus on those pertaining to parasite intrusion. To this effect, we have constructed DNA microarrays containing 20,000 ESTs and are developing microarrays covering the entire transcriptome. Initial analyses of global expression profiles of hemocyte-like cells and adult mosquitoes in response to a variety of immune challenges support the idea that sequence diversification is directly related to diversified functions of immunity genes. Importantly, the response to the malaria parasite overlaps extensively with the reaction to bacteria, but also encompasses additional genes.<br>		Insects and vertebrates share ancient, potent defence mechanisms of innate immunity. We are dissecting these mechanisms in the mosquito, and focus on those pertaining to parasite intrusion. To this effect, we have constructed DNA microarrays containing 20,000 ESTs and are developing microarrays covering the entire transcriptome. Initial analyses of global expression profiles of hemocyte-like cells and adult mosquitoes in response to a variety of immune challenges support the idea that sequence diversification is directly related to diversified functions of immunity genes. Importantly, the response to the malaria parasite overlaps extensively with the reaction to bacteria, but also encompasses additional genes.<br>

Jenny T Nguyen at 02:42, 3 June 2006

2006-06-03T02:42:56Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 02:42, 3 June 2006
Line 1:		Line 1:
-	[[Image:~~Mosquito~~.png\|left]] '''OWW lab highlights.''' This is the first in a series of [[OpenWetWare:Highlights\|lab highlights]] identifying groups that are contributing to OpenWetWare. The first are the Insect Immunogenomics labs of [[Kafatos:Kafatos/Christophides Lab\|Kafatos and Christophides]] at Imperial college London, UK. A selected list of [[Kafatos:publications#Selected Publications partial list \|publications]], [[Kafatos:Protocols\|protocols]] and [[Kafatos:present\|lab member pages]] can be found on their site. A research summary is given below and more details can be found [[Kafatos:Research\|here]].	+	[[Image:Anopheles gambiae.png\|left]] '''OWW lab highlights.''' This is the first in a series of [[OpenWetWare:Highlights\|lab highlights]] identifying groups that are contributing to OpenWetWare. The first are the Insect Immunogenomics labs of [[Kafatos:Kafatos/Christophides Lab\|Kafatos and Christophides]] at Imperial college London, UK. A selected list of [[Kafatos:publications#Selected Publications partial list \|publications]], [[Kafatos:Protocols\|protocols]] and [[Kafatos:present\|lab member pages]] can be found on their site. A research summary is given below and more details can be found [[Kafatos:Research\|here]].

John Cumbers at 02:26, 3 June 2006

2006-06-03T02:26:34Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 02:26, 3 June 2006
Line 1:		Line 1:
-	[[Image:Mosquito.png\|left]] '''OWW lab highlights.''' This is the first in a series of [[OpenWetWare:Highlights\|lab highlights]] identifying groups that are contributing to OpenWetWare. The first are the Insect Immunogenomics labs of [[Kafatos:Kafatos/Christophides Lab\|Kafatos and Christophides]] at Imperial college London, UK. A selected list of [[Kafatos:publications#Selected Publications partial list \|publications]],[[Kafatos:Protocols\|protocols]] and [[Kafatos:present\|lab member pages]] can ~~all~~ be found on their site. A research summary is given below and more details can be found [[Kafatos:Research\|here]].	+	[[Image:Mosquito.png\|left]] '''OWW lab highlights.''' This is the first in a series of [[OpenWetWare:Highlights\|lab highlights]] identifying groups that are contributing to OpenWetWare. The first are the Insect Immunogenomics labs of [[Kafatos:Kafatos/Christophides Lab\|Kafatos and Christophides]] at Imperial college London, UK. A selected list of [[Kafatos:publications#Selected Publications partial list \|publications]], [[Kafatos:Protocols\|protocols]] and [[Kafatos:present\|lab member pages]] can be found on their site. A research summary is given below and more details can be found [[Kafatos:Research\|here]].

John Cumbers at 02:25, 3 June 2006

2006-06-03T02:25:46Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 02:25, 3 June 2006
Line 1:		Line 1:
-	[[Image:Mosquito.png\|left]] '''OWW lab highlights.''' This is the first in a series of [[OpenWetWare:Highlights\|lab highlights]] identifying groups that are contributing to OpenWetWare. The first are the Insect Immunogenomics labs of [[Kafatos:Kafatos/Christophides Lab\|Kafatos and Christophides]] at Imperial college London, UK. A selected list of [[Kafatos:publications#Selected Publications partial list \|publications]] ~~can be found~~, ~~along with~~ [[Kafatos:Protocols\|protocols]] and [[Kafatos:present\|lab member pages]]. A research summary is given below ~~but~~ more details can be found [[Kafatos:Research\|here]].	+	[[Image:Mosquito.png\|left]] '''OWW lab highlights.''' This is the first in a series of [[OpenWetWare:Highlights\|lab highlights]] identifying groups that are contributing to OpenWetWare. The first are the Insect Immunogenomics labs of [[Kafatos:Kafatos/Christophides Lab\|Kafatos and Christophides]] at Imperial college London, UK. A selected list of [[Kafatos:publications#Selected Publications partial list \|publications]],[[Kafatos:Protocols\|protocols]] and [[Kafatos:present\|lab member pages]] can all be found on their site. A research summary is given below and more details can be found [[Kafatos:Research\|here]].

John Cumbers at 02:24, 3 June 2006

2006-06-03T02:24:55Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 02:24, 3 June 2006
Line 1:		Line 1:
-	[[Image:Mosquito.png\|left]] '''OWW lab highlights.''' This is the first in a series of lab highlights identifying groups that are contributing to OpenWetWare. The first are the Insect Immunogenomics labs of [[Kafatos:Kafatos/Christophides Lab\|Kafatos and Christophides]] at Imperial college London, UK. A selected list of [[Kafatos:publications#Selected Publications partial list \|publications]] can be found, along with [[Kafatos:Protocols\|protocols]] and [[Kafatos:present\|lab member pages]]. A research summary is given below but more details can be found [[Kafatos:Research\|here]].	+	[[Image:Mosquito.png\|left]] '''OWW lab highlights.''' This is the first in a series of [[OpenWetWare:Highlights\|lab highlights]] identifying groups that are contributing to OpenWetWare. The first are the Insect Immunogenomics labs of [[Kafatos:Kafatos/Christophides Lab\|Kafatos and Christophides]] at Imperial college London, UK. A selected list of [[Kafatos:publications#Selected Publications partial list \|publications]] can be found, along with [[Kafatos:Protocols\|protocols]] and [[Kafatos:present\|lab member pages]]. A research summary is given below but more details can be found [[Kafatos:Research\|here]].

John Cumbers at 02:19, 3 June 2006

2006-06-03T02:19:44Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 02:19, 3 June 2006
Line 23:		Line 23:
	Future research will continue to address the genetic, genomic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that permit the malaria parasite to develop within the mosquito.<br>		Future research will continue to address the genetic, genomic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that permit the malaria parasite to develop within the mosquito.<br>
	We would like to improve high through-put genomic techniques to the point where we can use System Biology to model the ''Plasmodium-Anopheles'' interactions. Also, we aim to take our research to the field and expand our experience in population genomics.		We would like to improve high through-put genomic techniques to the point where we can use System Biology to model the ''Plasmodium-Anopheles'' interactions. Also, we aim to take our research to the field and expand our experience in population genomics.
		+

	This page [[OpenWetWare:Highlights\|highlights]] the best of OWW.		This page [[OpenWetWare:Highlights\|highlights]] the best of OWW.

John Cumbers at 02:19, 3 June 2006

2006-06-03T02:19:14Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 02:19, 3 June 2006
Line 23:		Line 23:
	Future research will continue to address the genetic, genomic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that permit the malaria parasite to develop within the mosquito.<br>		Future research will continue to address the genetic, genomic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that permit the malaria parasite to develop within the mosquito.<br>
	We would like to improve high through-put genomic techniques to the point where we can use System Biology to model the ''Plasmodium-Anopheles'' interactions. Also, we aim to take our research to the field and expand our experience in population genomics.		We would like to improve high through-put genomic techniques to the point where we can use System Biology to model the ''Plasmodium-Anopheles'' interactions. Also, we aim to take our research to the field and expand our experience in population genomics.
		+
		+	This page [[OpenWetWare:Highlights\|highlights]] the best of OWW.

John Cumbers at 02:18, 3 June 2006

2006-06-03T02:18:38Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 02:18, 3 June 2006
Line 1:		Line 1:
-	= [[Kafatos:Kafatos/Christophides Lab\|~~Laboratory~~ of ~~Insect Immunogenomics~~]] =	+	[[Image:Mosquito.png\|left]] '''OWW lab highlights.''' This is the first in a series of lab highlights identifying groups that are contributing to OpenWetWare. The first are the Insect Immunogenomics labs of [[Kafatos:Kafatos/Christophides Lab\|Kafatos and Christophides]] at Imperial college London, UK. A selected list of [[Kafatos:publications#Selected Publications partial list \|publications]] can be found, along with [[Kafatos:Protocols\|protocols]] and [[Kafatos:present\|lab member pages]]. A research summary is given below but more details can be found [[Kafatos:Research\|here]].
-	~~<br>~~	+
-	[[Image:GroupatIC.jpg\|500px~~]]<br>~~	+
-	''back (left to right):'' [[Kafatos:Schlegelmilch, Timm\|Timm]], [[Kafatos:Osta, Mike\|Mike]], [[Kafatos:Koutsos, Anastasios\|Tasos]], [[Kafatos:George K. Christophides\|George]], [[Kafatos:Fotis C. Kafatos\|Fotis]], [[Kafatos:MacCallum, Bob\|Bob]], [[Kafatos:Sultana, Rabeya\|Rabeya]], [[Kafatos:Green, David\|David]], [[Kafatos:Michel, Kristin\|Kristin]], [[Kafatos:Waterhouse, Robert\|Rob]], [[Kafatos:Habtewold, Tibebu\|Tib]].<br>	+	[[Image:GroupatIC.jpg\|thumb\|500px\|right\|''back (left to right):'' [[Kafatos:Schlegelmilch, Timm\|Timm]], [[Kafatos:Osta, Mike\|Mike]], [[Kafatos:Koutsos, Anastasios\|Tasos]], [[Kafatos:George K. Christophides\|George]], [[Kafatos:Fotis C. Kafatos\|Fotis]], [[Kafatos:MacCallum, Bob\|Bob]], [[Kafatos:Sultana, Rabeya\|Rabeya]], [[Kafatos:Green, David\|David]], [[Kafatos:Michel, Kristin\|Kristin]], [[Kafatos:Waterhouse, Robert\|Rob]], [[Kafatos:Habtewold, Tibebu\|Tib]].<br>
	''front (left to right):'' [[Kafatos:Vlachou, Dina\|Dina]], [[Kafatos:Runn, Ellen\|Ellen]], [[Kafatos:Pinto, Sofia\|Sofia]], Claudia.<br>		''front (left to right):'' [[Kafatos:Vlachou, Dina\|Dina]], [[Kafatos:Runn, Ellen\|Ellen]], [[Kafatos:Pinto, Sofia\|Sofia]], Claudia.<br>
	''Missing:'' [[Kafatos:Jackson, Amanda\|Amanda]], [[Kafatos:Meister, Stephan\|Stephan]], [[Kafatos:Mendes, Antonio\|Antonio]], [[Kafatos:Povelones, Michael\|Michael]], [[Kafatos:Redmond, Seth\|Seth]], [[Kafatos:Schnitger, Anna\|Anna]].		''Missing:'' [[Kafatos:Jackson, Amanda\|Amanda]], [[Kafatos:Meister, Stephan\|Stephan]], [[Kafatos:Mendes, Antonio\|Antonio]], [[Kafatos:Povelones, Michael\|Michael]], [[Kafatos:Redmond, Seth\|Seth]], [[Kafatos:Schnitger, Anna\|Anna]].
-	~~<br><br><br>~~	+	]]

-	=='''Genomics, molecular genetics and innate immunity of the malaria mosquito'''~~<br>==~~	+	=='''Research: Genomics, molecular genetics and innate immunity of the malaria mosquito'''==
-	~~<br>~~	+
-	~~==='''Previous and Current Research'''=~~==	+

	Our group studies the interactions between the malaria parasite ''Plasmodium'' and the mosquito, ''Anopheles gambiae''. Molecular genetic studies on this socially important organism, a vector responsible for approximately two million deaths from malaria each year in Africa, capitalise on recent developments in genome analysis, RNA interference, transgenesis and the comparative study of innate immunity. We aim to trace and understand the immune responses of the mosquito to the parasite, through highly collaborative research, involving close interactions with laboratories in Europe, the USA and Africa.<br>		Our group studies the interactions between the malaria parasite ''Plasmodium'' and the mosquito, ''Anopheles gambiae''. Molecular genetic studies on this socially important organism, a vector responsible for approximately two million deaths from malaria each year in Africa, capitalise on recent developments in genome analysis, RNA interference, transgenesis and the comparative study of innate immunity. We aim to trace and understand the immune responses of the mosquito to the parasite, through highly collaborative research, involving close interactions with laboratories in Europe, the USA and Africa.<br>

	Genomic characterisation of ''Anopheles'' is an important aspect of our studies. Previously, we have constructed detailed genetic and physical maps of ''A. gambiae'', localizing genes that are involved in refractoriness to the parasite. In recent years, a combination of biochemical, molecular, cell biological, and genomic approaches has driven advanced studies of the ''Anopheles'' innate immune system and its reaction to ''Plasmodium'' infection. A landmark in these studies was the sequencing of the ''A. gambiae'' genome through the collaborative work of an international consortium, in which EMBL actively participated. A comparative genomic study of mosquito and fruit fly putative innate immunity genes led by our group established that immunity genes are substantially more diversified than the genome as a whole. This may have particular relevance to molecules involved in ''Plasmodium'' recognition and subsequent effects on malaria transmission.<br>		Genomic characterisation of ''Anopheles'' is an important aspect of our studies. Previously, we have constructed detailed genetic and physical maps of ''A. gambiae'', localizing genes that are involved in refractoriness to the parasite. In recent years, a combination of biochemical, molecular, cell biological, and genomic approaches has driven advanced studies of the ''Anopheles'' innate immune system and its reaction to ''Plasmodium'' infection. A landmark in these studies was the sequencing of the ''A. gambiae'' genome through the collaborative work of an international consortium, in which EMBL actively participated. A comparative genomic study of mosquito and fruit fly putative innate immunity genes led by our group established that immunity genes are substantially more diversified than the genome as a whole. This may have particular relevance to molecules involved in ''Plasmodium'' recognition and subsequent effects on malaria transmission.<br>
		+
		+	[[Image:Christophidesetal.png\|thumb\|500px\|left\|'''Interactions of the ''Plasmodium'' parasite with the ''Anopheles gambiae'' innate immune system during its development in the mosquito.''']]

	Insects and vertebrates share ancient, potent defence mechanisms of innate immunity. We are dissecting these mechanisms in the mosquito, and focus on those pertaining to parasite intrusion. To this effect, we have constructed DNA microarrays containing 20,000 ESTs and are developing microarrays covering the entire transcriptome. Initial analyses of global expression profiles of hemocyte-like cells and adult mosquitoes in response to a variety of immune challenges support the idea that sequence diversification is directly related to diversified functions of immunity genes. Importantly, the response to the malaria parasite overlaps extensively with the reaction to bacteria, but also encompasses additional genes.<br>		Insects and vertebrates share ancient, potent defence mechanisms of innate immunity. We are dissecting these mechanisms in the mosquito, and focus on those pertaining to parasite intrusion. To this effect, we have constructed DNA microarrays containing 20,000 ESTs and are developing microarrays covering the entire transcriptome. Initial analyses of global expression profiles of hemocyte-like cells and adult mosquitoes in response to a variety of immune challenges support the idea that sequence diversification is directly related to diversified functions of immunity genes. Importantly, the response to the malaria parasite overlaps extensively with the reaction to bacteria, but also encompasses additional genes.<br>

-	Beyond gene identification and transcriptional profiling, robust genetic methods for functional analysis are required to determine the role of specific genes and to unravel the regulatory pathways in which they are involved. We have established the tTA/RtTA system to conditionally express genes in stably transformed mosquitoes, and also developed a single generation, in vivo RNA interference (RNAi) protocol as a rapid loss of function assay in adult mosquitoes. Using this powerful technique two mosquito immune proteins, TEP1 and LRIM1, were shown to kill the parasite in the insect’s gut. Two other proteins, CTL4 and CTLMA2, were identified to have the opposite effect, protecting the parasite as it develops in the mosquito. These studies have demonstrated that indeed survival or death of the parasite during its passage through the vector is crucially influenced by specific molecules encoded by the mosquito. ~~<br>~~	+	Beyond gene identification and transcriptional profiling, robust genetic methods for functional analysis are required to determine the role of specific genes and to unravel the regulatory pathways in which they are involved. We have established the tTA/RtTA system to conditionally express genes in stably transformed mosquitoes, and also developed a single generation, in vivo RNA interference (RNAi) protocol as a rapid loss of function assay in adult mosquitoes. Using this powerful technique two mosquito immune proteins, TEP1 and LRIM1, were shown to kill the parasite in the insect’s gut. Two other proteins, CTL4 and CTLMA2, were identified to have the opposite effect, protecting the parasite as it develops in the mosquito. These studies have demonstrated that indeed survival or death of the parasite during its passage through the vector is crucially influenced by specific molecules encoded by the mosquito.
-	~~<br>~~	+

	==='''Future Projects and Goals'''===		==='''Future Projects and Goals'''===
Line 24:		Line 23:
	Future research will continue to address the genetic, genomic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that permit the malaria parasite to develop within the mosquito.<br>		Future research will continue to address the genetic, genomic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that permit the malaria parasite to develop within the mosquito.<br>
	We would like to improve high through-put genomic techniques to the point where we can use System Biology to model the ''Plasmodium-Anopheles'' interactions. Also, we aim to take our research to the field and expand our experience in population genomics.		We would like to improve high through-put genomic techniques to the point where we can use System Biology to model the ''Plasmodium-Anopheles'' interactions. Also, we aim to take our research to the field and expand our experience in population genomics.
-
-	~~<br><br><br>~~
-	~~[[Image:Christophidesetal.png]]<br>~~
-	~~'''Interactions of the ''Plasmodium'' parasite with the ''Anopheles gambiae'' innate immune system during its development in the mosquito.'''~~

Jenny T Nguyen at 18:41, 30 May 2006

2006-05-30T18:41:38Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 18:41, 30 May 2006
Line 1:		Line 1:
-	~~Add information here to highlight the lab, a research summary, interesting stories, people in your lab, recent publications, images from your research.. etc.~~
-	~~<br><br><br>~~
-	~~----~~
-	~~<br>~~
	= [[Kafatos:Kafatos/Christophides Lab\|Laboratory of Insect Immunogenomics]] =		= [[Kafatos:Kafatos/Christophides Lab\|Laboratory of Insect Immunogenomics]] =
	<br>		<br>