Maithili Datta
Main Focus
Phd Thesis started in 2022
Elucidating Iridoid Biosynthesis pathway in Argentine ant (Linepithema humile)
Supervisors: Dr. Tobias Köllner, Prof. Dr. Ralf Oelmüller, Prof. Dr. Sarah E. OConnor
My major focus lies broadly in the Biosynthesis of pheromones in insects, with which they engage in routine activities such as finding food or mates. Insects communicate to nature with hundreds of different chemicals and I want to know how they are synthesized from the perspective of Enzyme catalysis. Vast array of enzymes come together to catalyse a single important molecule that further helps these animals to converse with our Mother Nature.
I, currently, am working of the Biosynthesis of iridoids in an invasive ant species called Argentine ants, in which the iridoids work as trail pheromones.