Maria Sharakhova

Research Interest:

Disease Vectors, Molecular Genetics, Cytogenetics, and Genomics    

Synopsis:

Dr. Sharakhova’s research focuses on understanding the effects of chromosomal variations on mosquito adaptation and ability to transmit pathogens.    

Description:

Mosquitoes from the family Culicidae are vectors of numerous human diseases such as dengue, Zika, West Nile fevers, malaria, and lymphatic filariasis. Dr. Sharakhova and her team have developed unique skills and innovative approaches to physically mapping genomes that enhance the quality of genome assemblies, improve gene annotation, and provide a better framework for comparative and population genomics of mosquitoes. Important epidemiological traits, such as adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, circadian flight activity, time of adult emergence, and egg size are often associated with large structural variations in the mosquito genomes. Project directions include identification and characterization of genome rearrangements in mosquitoes, and evolution of mosquito sex-determining chromosomes. A more recent project has initiated a study of the population genomics and phylogenomics of neglected mosquito vectors. Overall, Dr. Sharakhova’s research program lays the foundation for the future successful management of devastating human diseases.