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Research interests
I study molecular evolution of two fascinating groups of marine invertebrates: cnidarians (e.g. sea anemones and corals) and comb jellies (also known as ctenophores). I am interested in cnidarian venom, its adaptations to environmental stress (e.g. heat) and the advantages that it provides sea anemones and corals. I am also trying to understand the origin of nervous system in comb jellies and animals in general. To address these evolutionary questions, I use molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.
Projects and supervisions
Research projects
Royal Society Research Grants Scheme 2023
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
School of Biological SciencesDates
01/12/2023 to 30/04/2025
Publications
Selected publications
28/09/2021Neuropeptide repertoire and 3D anatomy of the ctenophore nervous system.
Current Biology
Some like it hot: population-specific adaptations in venom production to abiotic stressors in a widely distributed cnidarian.
BMC Biology
Syncytial nerve net in a ctenophore adds insights on the evolution of nervous systems
Science
Recent publications
23/02/2024Evolutionary origin of the nervous system from Ctenophora prospective
Evolution and Development
Micro and macroevolution of sea anemone venom phenotype.
Nature Communications
Syncytial nerve net in a ctenophore adds insights on the evolution of nervous systems
Science
Neuropeptides at the origin of neurons
Nature Ecology & Evolution
Neuropeptide repertoire and 3D anatomy of the ctenophore nervous system.
Current Biology