Projects & Grants




The origin of genes for carotenoid synthesis in gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) - horizontal transfer or endosymbionts?
Project Id59
Main solverMgr. Michaela Drgová
Period9/2021 - 2/2023
ProviderKatedra biologie a ekologie, DGC
Statesolved
AnotationIn contrast to plants, bacteria and fungi, animals have not been able to synthesize carotenoids, but several mechanisms have evolved to overcome this handicap. Some insect species use symbionts, while others (including phytophagous gall midges) fungal-derived carotenoid synthesis genes (CSGs). Using transcriptomic and metagenomic methods I want to test the hypothesis that basal mycophagous taxa of Cecidomyiidae use the mosaic of their fungal symbionts and CSGs.