This study shows that selecting Drosophila for postponed reproduction increases lifespan and immune defense, with convergent genetic changes across populations.

bioRxiv · Feb 27, 2026 · PreprintEvolutionary Biology

The Microbiotas Response to Host Adaptive Evolution

Zachary S. Greenspan, Robert Courville, Courtney Mueller, Kenneth Ryan Arnold, Kathy Thien, Michaelangelo Marcellana, Han Yin, Arnie Lynn C. Bengo, Kshama Ekanath Rai, Elnaz Bagheri, Sam Behseta, John M. Chaston, Parvin Shahrestani

The paper examines microbiota changes in Drosophila melanogaster populations selected for different aging trajectories, finding a consistent loss of Wolbachia in short-lived populations and its dominance in long-lived ones.

bioRxiv · Sep 22, 2025 · PreprintMicrobiology

The genetic basis of Drosophila melanogaster defense against Beauveria bassiana explored through evolve and resequence and quantitative trait locus mapping

Parvin Shahrestani, Elizabeth G. King, Reza Ramezan, Mark Phillips, Melissa Riddle, Marisa Thornburg, Zachary S. Greenspan, Yonathan Estrella, Kelly Garcia, Pratik Chowdhury, Glen Malarat, Ming Zhu, Susan M. Rottshaefer, Stephen P. Wraight, Michael H. Griggs, , Brian P. Lazzaro

This study investigates the genetic basis of Drosophila melanogaster's defense against Beauveria bassiana using QTL mapping and evolve and resequence approaches, revealing genetic variation and trade-offs in immune defense.

G3 Genes Genomes Genetics · Sep 17, 2021Peer-reviewedGenomics