Dr Sam Mugford
Research Assistant
Sam is a Research Assistant in Professor Saskia Hogenhout’s lab.
He is trying to understand the molecular mechanisms of the interaction between sap-sucking insects, their host plants, and the diseases transmitted by these insects. Sam mainly works with aphids, studying how the proteins in their saliva can overcome the plant immune system. He is also fascinated by phyoplasma- a bacterial plant pathogen that is transmitted by sap sucking leafhopper insects. The Hogenhout lab are currently working to understand how these bacteria take control of plant development and turn them into zombies!
Sam greatly enjoys helping to mentor and train the next generation of scientists, and spreading the word about the cool science taking place at the John Innes Centre more broadly. He helps to organise the annual Norwich Bioscience Accessible Science event. And Sam relishes being part of the supportive community at the JIC as current chair of the Research and Support Staff Voice, by contributing to our role in the Technician’s Commitment, being part of the NBI Bicycle Users Group, and the JIC Mental Health and Wellbeing Group.
Awards:
- UEA Honorary Fellowship 2025
- JIC Directors Award 2025
- Biochemical Society Research Support Award 2024
Selected Publications
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Mirkin FG, Mugford ST, Thole V, Marzo M, Hogenhout S (2025)Effector innovation in genome-reduced phytoplasmas and other host-dependent mollicutes.PLoS geneticsPublisher's version: 1553-7390
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Mathers TC,Wouters RHM,Mugford ST,Swarbreck D,van Oosterhout C,Hogenhout SA (2020)Chromosome-scale genome assemblies of aphids reveal extensively rearranged autosomes and long-term conservation of the X chromosome.Molecular Biology and EvolutionPublisher's version: 0737-4038
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Mathers T. C., Mugford S. T., Percival-Alwyn L., Chen Y., Kaithakottil G., Swarbreck D., Hogenhout S. A., van Oosterhout C. (2019)Sex-specific changes in the aphid DNA methylation landscape.Molecular Ecology (28)Publisher's version: 0962-1083