Research

The Evolution of Detoxification Genes

Dr. Charlie Robin

We are studying the ways in which insects adapt to natural and man-made toxins. Our research is motivated by a fascination with adaptation and desire to improve the management of pest insects.

Our projects include:

• Molecular evolutionary studies of detoxification genes
• Population genetic analyses of 'selective sweeps' associated with insecticide resistance
• The transcriptional response to environmental toxins

Organisms:
Twelve Drosophila species have had, or are having, their genomes sequenced (http://rana.lbl.gov/drosophila/multipleflies.html).
We will be using this comparative genomics platform to look for 'footprints' of molecular adaptation and to further understand the regulation of the 'detox' genes.

We are also studying insecticide resistance in Helicoverpa armigera (cotton boll worm), which is one of the most devastating of insect pests.

Gene Families:

• Carboxyl Esterases
• Glutathione S-Transferases,
• P450s

Collaborators:
In all of our research we have a strong symbiotic relationship with Assoc. Prof. Phil Batterham, and his team, where our molecular evolution and population genetics interests dovetail with their mechanistic studies of insecticide resistance.

Our work covering the isolation of 'detoxification genes' from H.armigera falls under the umbrella of the Australian Research Councils funded 'Centre for Environment Stress and Adaptation Research (CESAR)' (http://www.cesar.org.au/).

Dr. David Heckel is a major contributor to this work and is currently the director of the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology.

Robin Lab Personnel