F. M. Jiggins

The evolution of constitutively active humoral immune defenses in Drosophila populations under high parasite pressure

This study shows that Drosophila populations under high parasite pressure evolved constitutive humoral immunity and enhanced induced immune responses, with Upd3 and JAK/STAT signaling playing key roles.

Hunting Drosophila viruses from wild populations: a novel isolation approach and characterisation of viruses

The paper isolates and characterizes two Drosophila viruses, showing their varying effects on host fitness and potential as biocontrol agents.

Developing Wolbachia-based disease interventions for an extreme environment

This study evaluates Wolbachia strains in Saudi Arabian mosquitoes for dengue suppression in extreme environments, finding reduced heat tolerance and local adaptation effects.

Recognition of non-self is necessary to activate Drosophila's immune response against an insect parasite

The paper shows that Drosophila's immune response to parasitoid wasps requires both danger signals from wounding and a PAMP from the wasp to trigger melanization and Tep1 expression.

Recurrent loss of an immunity gene that protects Drosophila against a major natural parasite

The paper identifies recurrent loss-of-function mutations in the Drosophila immunity gene Lectin-24A, showing natural selection favors these mutations in some populations due to a pleiotropic cost of expression.

Constitutive activation of cellular immunity underlies the evolution of resistance to infection

The paper shows that Drosophila populations evolved resistance to parasitism by making immune-inducible genes constitutively active through the pre-differentiation of immune cells.

Wolbachia affect behavior and possibly reproductive compatibility but not thermoresistance, fecundity, and morphology in a novel transinfected host, Drosophila nigrosparsa

This study transinfected Drosophila nigrosparsa with Wolbachia wMel and found increased locomotion but no effects on fecundity, thermoresistance, or morphology.

Host-pathogen coevolution increases genetic variation in susceptibility to infection

The paper shows that coevolved pathogens increase genetic variation in host susceptibility to infection compared to novel pathogens.

Host shifts result in parallel genetic changes when viruses evolve in closely related species

This study shows that viruses evolving in closely related host species undergo parallel genetic changes, suggesting that adaptation to one host may enhance fitness in related hosts.

Pan-arthropod analysis reveals somatic piRNAs as an ancestral defence against transposable elements

The paper analyzes piRNA pathways across 20 arthropod species, finding somatic piRNAs as an ancestral defense against transposable elements.

Complex Coding And Regulatory Polymorphisms In A Restriction Factor Determine The Susceptibility Of Drosophila To Viral Infection

This study identifies complex genetic variation in the pastrel gene that influences Drosophila susceptibility to DCV virus, showing how coding and regulatory polymorphisms contribute to resistance.

Vertically transmitted rhabdoviruses are found across three insect families and have dynamic interactions with their hosts

The paper identifies vertically transmitted rhabdoviruses in three insect species and shows they spread rapidly through host populations with high maternal transmission rates.