I work on the molecular basis of chemoreception of ticks and spiders. Ticks and spiders possess distinct chemosensory systems compared to insects, although the molecular basis of chemoreception has been poorly investigated in these arachnids. By combining bioinformatic and experimental methods, we aim to identify the receptors responsible for recognizing volatiles in these species. Furthermore, we will make a comparison between ticks, spiders and insects to elucidate the evolution of chemoreceptors and understand the ecological significance of chemoreception in ticks and spiders.

My doctoral research at Wageningen Univeristy & Research focused on the olfacotry receptors of the large white cabbage butterfly Pieris brassicae. During my PhD, I made a comprehensive identification of chemoreceptors in P. brassicae genome. Additionally, I quantifieid the expression of chemoreceptors in the transcriptome. Based on the identification of chemoreceptors, I revealed the chemoreception in P. brassicae caterpillars at morphological, molecular and neuronal levels. Subsequently I focused on the significance of odorant receptors in the interactions of P. brassicae with natural enemies.