Molecular Evolution & Evolutionary Genetics

Genetics of Phenotypic Evolution
I'm interested in the genetic basis of adaptive evolution in Drosophila. In particular, I study the evolution of insecticide resistance and immunity to parasitoid wasps.

Recent publications:

• Schlenke TA, Begun DJ. "Strong selective sweep associated with a transposon insertion in Drosophila simulans." Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004 Feb 10;101(6):1626-31.
• Schlenke TA, Morales J, Govind S, Clark AG. "Contrasting infection strategies in generalist and specialist wasp parasitoids of Drosophila melanogaster." PLoS Pathog. 2007 3:1486-501

Population and Comparative Genomics
I'm interested in the evolutionary history of immune system proteins. Patterns of adaptation across immune system components can inform us how pathogens typically try to subvert host immunity.

Recent publications:

• Schlenke TA, Begun DJ. "Natural selection drives Drosophila immune system evolution." Genetics. 2003 Aug;164(4):1471-80.

Population Biology of Infectious Disease

Evolutionary Genetics and Molecular Epidemiology
I study the molecular biology and genetics of interactions between Drosophila and their parasitic wasps in an evolutionary context.

Website: http://www.biology.emory.edu/research/schlenke/