Joanna H. Bonczarowska

Postdoctoral Associate

eMail | ORCID

Expanding my skills towards sedaDNA with a focus on the retrieval and analysis of ancient parasite DNA

Ancient pathogen genomic studies have been primarily focused on bacteria and viruses. Comparatively less attention has been directed towards multicellular pathogens, such as helminths (worms). This is largely due to the relatively more difficult identification and isolation of worm DNA in ancient samples.

Multicellular parasites co-evolved alongside humankind serving as a major selective pressure on our genomes. This remarkable relationship between humans and their parasites is reflected in the existence of complex associations between parasitic infection and protection against autoimmunity.

My current project aims to provide direct insights into the evolution of parasitic helminths and shed light on the evolutionary dynamics between humans and their parasites. To make this possible, we are developing a methodological pipeline for the identification, isolation, and analysis of ancient parasite DNA from diverse environmental sources.