Lab Projects
My lab focuses on the molecular biology of disease vectoring insects. In particular, many of the projects are associated with the reproductive biology of these insects. This knowledge allows us to understand the biology underlying these medically important insects and develop novel control strategies to prevent transmission of the diseases they vector. Below you will find descriptions of some of the projects underway in the lab.
Wildfire in Lake Elsinore 2018 - by Slworking2
https://www.kevinkeyphotography.com/
Interactions between California Wildfires and Invasive Aedes aegypti
The recent invasion of California by Aedes aegypti has coincided with the increase in frequency and intensity of wildfires throughout the state. Wildfires cause dramatic changes to the landscape and environment. However, the potential impacts of these changes and wildfire-derived contaminants on disease vectoring insects are not understood. Our group is investigating the effects of wildfire-derived changes on mosquito habitats to better understand how these dramatic environmental changes could affect the biology/physiology of these important disease vectors.
Female Aedes aegypti bloodfeeding - Geoff Attardo
Population Dynamics and Insecticide Resistance of Invasive Aedes aegypti in California
In 2013, the Yellow Fever mosquito Aedes aegypti was detected in three cities in California and since then have expanded to 308 cities across 22 counties. Aedes aegypti are capable of vectoring multiple viruses including Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and Yellow fever. Attempts to control these populations have been ineffective, as these populations carry genetic mutations conferring resistance to insecticides. Our group is studying the population dynamics of these mosquitoes throughout California. We are also investigating the fundamental physiology of these mosquitoes, including the physiology of insecticide resistance, responses to environmental factors due to California’s climate and wildfires as well as how they regulate nutritional and reproductive processes. We hope to use this information to understand the fundamental physiology of this fascinating species and develop novel ways to monitor and control them.
Tsetse flies (Glossina morsitans) mating - Geoff Attardo
The Modulation of Female Tsetse Fly Reproductive Physiology by Male Seminal Secretions
Male seminal fluid proteins regulate important physiological and behavioral changes observed in mated female insects, including reduced receptivity to remating, increased blood meal volume, initiation of ovulation and morphological modifications to the female reproductive tract. Manipulation of the formation of the seminal secretions in males or the post-mating responses in the female has the potential to disrupt tsetse reproduction. The aims of this project will define the physiological, molecular and metabolic responses occurring in the female in response to mating/ seminal secretion transfer as well as identify seminal biochemical compounds and their associated metabolic pathways.