Eukaryotic genomes are replete with repetitive DNAs that could play a significant role in genome organization and evolution. These repetitive DNAs are mainly enriched in centromeres and telomeres, as well as specific odd chromosomes, such as sex and B chromosomes. Our lab is primarily interested in studying the evolution of satellite DNAs, multigene families, and the evolution of sex and B chromosomes, as well as general karyotypic evolution in insects. To achieve this, we employ a combination of cytological, molecular, and computational approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of insect genome and karyotype evolution. Currently, our main projects are focused on specific areas: [Please provide the details of your main projects here.

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1. Evolution of satellite DNAs in insects (monocentric and holocentric)

The satellite DNAs are highly repetitive DNA sequences arranged in tandem that are primarily located at heterochromatin. We use a combination of approaches to study the evolutionary aspects of satellite DNA in genomes across insects with both monocentric and holocentric chromosomes.

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2. Sex chromosomes evolution

Sex chromosomes are one of the most dynamic parts of genomes. Our research focuses on understanding the impact of repetitive DNAs in the evolution of neo-sex chromosomes in certain insects, particularly Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera. We aim to explore the role of repetitive DNA sequences in shaping the structure and function of these sex chromosomes, contributing to a better understanding of the evolutionary processes in these insect groups.

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3. B chromosome origin and evolution

B chromosomes are additional elements present in the genomes of about 15% of eukaryotic species across various taxa. Despite their prevalence, the origin and evolution of B chromosomes remain enigmatic, as well as their impact on the function of host genomes. Our current research is focused on studying the molecular content, including repetitive DNA sequences and genes, as well as the functionality of B chromosomes in three main insect species: Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera), Abracris flavolineata (Orthoptera), and Aetalion reticulatum (Hemiptera). Through our investigation of these species, we aim to shed light on the mysteries surrounding B chromosomes and their potential implications in the genomes of these insects.

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4. Karyotype and multigene families evolution

We employ classical and molecular cytogenetic approaches to gain insights into the chromosomal evolution across the insect phylogeny. Additionally, for a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular evolution of multigene families, we integrate cytogenetic and computational analyses. By combining these methodologies, we can study the structural and functional changes in chromosomal arrangements and multigene families, which helps us unravel the complex evolutionary processes shaping insect genomes over time.

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