Laura Ruiz

Mrs. Laura Ruiz


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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26 April 2021 in Insects
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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LRLaura Ruiz
Laura Ruiz
PMPablo Mora-Ruiz
Pablo Mora-Ruiz
ARAreli Ruiz-Mena
Areli Ruiz-Mena
JVJesús Vela
Jesús Vela
FPFrancisco Mancebo Pascual
Francisco Mancebo Pascual
Pedro LoritePedro Lorite
Pedro Lorite
Meloidae are commonly known as blister beetles, so called for the secretion of cantharidin, a toxic substance that causes irritation and blistering. There has been a recent increase in the interest of the cantharidin anticancer potential of this insect group. Cytogenetic and molecular data in this group are scarce. In this study, we performed a karyotype analysis of Hycleus scutellatus, an endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula. We determined its chromosome number, 2n = 20, as well as the presence of the X and Y sex chromosomes. In addition to a karyotype analysis, we carried out DAPI staining. By fluorescence in situ hybridization we mapped the rDNA clusters on 12 different chromosomes. Compared to others, this species shows an unusually high number of chromosomes carrying rDNA. This is one of the highest numbers of rDNA sites found in the Polyphaga suborder (Coleoptera). Additionally, we isolated a satellite DNA family (Hyscu-H), which was located within the pericentromeric regions of all chromosomes, including the sex chromosomes. The results suggest that Hyscu-H is likely to be one of the most abundant satellite DNA repeats in H. scutellatus.