What we do
The group’s research is focused on elucidating interactions between gene evolution and gene function through developing computational approaches to interrogate evolutionary and functional genomics data. We are developing quantifications of gene evolutionary dynamics and functional properties to build models that link the underlying genetics to observable biological features. Our research projects focus on insects and other arthropods as their countless adaptations to exploit ecological niches mean that they are ideal for investigating how conservation or divergence of functional genomic elements give rise to the splendour of animal biology.
Find out about the Group’s activities
Main publications 2021
- Ruzzante L et al.
Functional constraints on insect immune system components govern their evolutionary trajectories
Mol Biol Evol, 10.1093/molbev/msab352 - Li H S et al.
Horizontally acquired antibacterial genes associated with adaptive radiation of ladybird beetles
BMC Biology, 10.1186/s12915-020-00945-7 - Sun C et al.
Genus-wide characterization of bumblebee genomes provides insights into their evolution and variation in ecological and behavioral traits
Molecular Biology and Evolution, 10.1093/molbev/msaa240