1. Hormonal regulation of midgut remodeling during metamorphsis of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti

The Yellow Fever Mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), is historically the primary vector for the viruses that cause human dengue and yellow fever. Methoprene, as a juvenile hormone (JH) analogue, has been used for almost 30 years as the primary insecticide to control the mosquito. However the mode of action of methoprene is poorly characterized. The major reason is that the molecular basis of JH action is still unclear.

My project will focus on the molecular mechanism of methoprene during midgut remodeling and metamorphosis of A. aegypti. Studies of the mode of action of methoprene will provide an opportunity and good system to study the effect of JH and ecdysone on mosquito metamorphosis. This information can be used to develop novel strategy for mosquito control and slow down the development of methoprene-resistance of mosquito population.

Research Goal:

1. Mosquito Control

2. Understand the mechanism of larvaside (such as Methoprene)

3. Understand the molecular basis of larval-pupal metamorphosis in mosquito