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The Science Seminar Series: February 18, 2010
The Upward Spiral
The Upward Spiral
Dr. Laura Regassa
Georgia Southern University
Powell HallTime: 4:00 -5:00pm
Traditional strain classification divides the genus Spiroplasma into 38 groups based on surface serology, with broad host ranges including plants, insects and crustaceans. Given the ubiquitous nature of these microbes, a methodical approach that focuses on serologically distinct isolates from a single host family is being used as an initial step in understanding spiroplasma diversity and distribution. Tabanid flies are an attractive host for a biodiversity study because they appear to be generalists with respect to spiroplasma carriage, and tabanid-associated spiroplasmas represent the most thoroughly studied group to date. This project is examining a spiroplasma field isolate collection (>200 isolates) that was obtained from tabanid flies in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Australia, and the United States. Initial serological analyses revealed the presence of 29 groups of long-form spiroplasma isolates among the novel field isolates, including 23 new serogroups (= putative new species). We are currently examining representatives of the different serogroups using phylogenetic analyses and non-genetic character mapping. The talk will detail the results of our study to date and provide information concerning the Molecular Biology Initiative Program, a unique NSF-funded opportunity for new graduate students.