William R. Conner

A centromere but not just a centromere: structure and evolution of a selfish chromosomal supergene in monkeyflowers

The paper analyzes the structure and evolution of a selfish centromere in monkeyflowers, identifying genomic expansions and gene content differences that may contribute to meiotic drive.

Temperature-sensitive cytoplasmic incompatibility across divergent Wolbachia partly reflects cifB transcription, not endosymbiont density

The paper quantifies temperature-sensitive cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) in Wolbachia strains and finds cifB transcription, not endosymbiont density, correlates with CI strength.

Climate predicts wMel Wolbachia frequency variation in Drosophila melanogaster, but genomic variation reflects a recent incomplete cytoplasmic sweep

The paper shows climate factors predict wMel Wolbachia frequency globally, but genomic variation reflects a recent incomplete cytoplasmic sweep rather than local adaptation.

Calibrating and documenting host-switching and evolution of incompatibility loci for two closely related Wolbachia clades

The paper calibrates Wolbachia molecular evolution using filarial nematode data and shows that wMel-like Wolbachia diverged 2.1x105-2.4x106 years ago, with incompatibility loci evolving rapidly and under function-preserving selection.

Counting cytoplasmic incompatibility factor mRNA using digital droplet PCR

This paper develops RT-ddPCR assays to precisely quantify rare cifA and cifB mRNA in Wolbachia-infected Drosophila, enabling tissue-level analysis of cytoplasmic incompatibility factors.

Ancient origin of an urban underground mosquito

The paper shows that the London Underground Mosquito adapted to human environments aboveground in the Middle East over 1000 years, not recently underground in London.

Fexinidazole and Corallopyronin A target Wolbachia-infected sheath cells present in filarial nematodes

This study identifies Wolbachia-infected sheath cells in filarial nematodes and shows that Fexinidazole and Corallopyronin A reduce Wolbachia clusters in these cells.

Counting rare Wolbachia endosymbionts using digital droplet PCR

This paper develops three ddPCR assays to accurately count rare Wolbachia endosymbionts in individual insect tissues, improving sensitivity over qPCR and enabling detailed studies of Wolbachia dynamics.

Population structure of Drosophila suzukii and signals of multiple invasions into the continental United States

The paper analyzes whole-genome sequences of Drosophila suzukii to identify population structure and migration patterns, finding strong East-West differentiation in the U.S. and repeated Asian migrations.

Genome-wide divergence among invasive populations of Aedes aegypti in California

This study analyzes genome-wide divergence in invasive Aedes aegypti populations in California, identifying three genetic clusters and evidence of hybridization among them.