Comparative and environmental biochemistry, Molecular cell biology, Development and physiology of insects
Primary Research Foci
1. Adaptation of poikilotherms to subzero temperatures: Regulation of antifreeze protein activity in overwintering insects.
a) Use of In vitro systems for direct assessment of the cellular mechanisms involved in biosynthesis, storage, mobilization, and secretion of antifreeze proteins.
b) The extent to which any of these processes may experience seasonal control from environmental and endocrine triggers.
c) Interaction between AFPs and endogenous activators
d) Molecular analysis of insect AFP genes
2. Regulation of developmental changes in cellular committment of the dermal gland (Verson's gland) of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, stage and segment specificity of an identifiable single cell.
3. Effects of plant allelochemicals on developmental processes in insects.
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