Genetic variation in natural baculovirus populations infecting a host insect with cyclical demography: a deep sequencing approach
Viral pathogens are widespread in natural insect populations, and can affect the population dynamics of their host. Though viruses are known to affect host dynamics, little is known about the evolution of viruses in these systems.
Cyclic population dynamics in Western tent caterpillars (Malacosoma californicum pluviale) in British Columbia, Canada are driven by baculovirus McplNPV, which infects tent caterpillar populations as they reach high density. Tent caterpillar populations have been monitored since 1975, and baculovirus infected larvae have been collected since the 1990s.
The collection of these archived baculovirus samples provides an opportunity to determine how a baculovirus genome evolves and varies across natural populations, and over time.
Project outline
Using an Illumina-based approach, we have deep sequenced 111 McplNPV isolates and uncovered genetic variation both within and between isolates. Using this dataset, we can determine:
- Whether different virus genotypes are linked to different stages in the host population cycle
- Whether we can observe parallel trends in virus evolution for different field sites
- Whether there are signs of directional selection (i.e. adaptive evolution) in the virus genome.
Within this project, we are looking for an MSc student with experience with bioinformatics, and preferably a strong background in (population) genetics and genomics. We offer an exciting thesis opportunity, for an existing, complete deep-sequencing dataset.
- For further enquiries, contact Dieke Boezen at D.Boezen@nioo.knaw.nl
