Rupinder Kaur
Assistant Research Professor
Research Summary
Uncovering the mechanism behind Wolbachia-induced drive system named Cytoplasmic Incompatibility (CI) that results in embryonic lethality when modified sperms from Wolbachia-infected males fertilize eggs from uninfected females. CI is currently at the forefront of approaches targeting pest populations and mosquito-borne viral diseases, and can also impact arthropod speciation.
Huck Affiliations
Links
News Articles Featuring Rupinder Kaur
Mar 08, 2024
Virus hijacking insect sperm causes brutal sterility, find scientists
Penn State researchers unveil the tale of Wolbachia and its viral accomplice manipulating insect reproduction
Full Article
Mar 08, 2024
How does a virus hijack insect sperm to control disease vectors and pests?
A widespread bacteria called Wolbachia and a virus that it carries can cause sterility in male insects by hijacking their sperm, preventing them from fertilizing eggs of females that do not have the same combination of bacteria and virus.
Full Article