# preferredTitle
Professor and Texas AgriLife Research Fellow

# positions[].organizations[].parent[].label
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

# overview
We work with important pests that are critical to Texas and the world focusing on public and animal health and on pests of cotton. We are interested in elucidating the functions of arthropod neuropeptides that signal through G protein-coupled receptors. Many of these neuropeptides are pleiotropic and many of their multiple functions are still unknown. We utilize loss-of-function experiments through RNAi, peptidomimetics, the discovery of antagonists through target-based high-throughput screening of small molecules on recombinant receptors expressed in mammalian cells, immunohistochemistry, and develop physiological in vitro and in vivo assays towards advancing arthropod endocrinology. The laboratory has pioneered the discovery of the first neuropeptide receptor in the Acari and the first insect prostaglandin receptor. The molecular and cell culture laboratories are BL2 and the Insect toxicology laboratory is BL1. We use state-of-the-art technologies and the lab is well equipped to do almost everything in-house.

# keywords[]
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

# keywords[]
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

# keywords[]
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

# keywords[]
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

# keywords[]
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

# keywords[]
Random Amplified Polymorphic Dna Technique

# keywords[]
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

# keywords[]
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

# keywords[]
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

# keywords[]
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

# keywords[]
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

# educationAndTraining[].organization.label
University of California, Riverside - (Riverside, California, United States)

# publications[].label
Ductin, a component of the V-ATPase, is developmentally regulated in Heliothis virescens midgut, and anti-ductin antibodies label lateral membranes.

# publications[].label
Insecticide resistance status, esterase activity, and electromorphs from mosquito populations of Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae), in Houston (Harris County), Texas.

# publications[].label
A calcium bioluminescence assay for functional analysis of mosquito (aedes aegypti) and tick (rhipicephalus microplus) G protein-coupled receptors

# publications[].label
Transcriptional overexpression of CYP6B8/CYP6B28 and CYP6B9 is a mechanism associated with cypermethrin survivorship in field-collected Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) moths.

# publications[].label
Mosquito (Aedes aegypti ) aquaporin, present in tracheolar cells, transports water, not glycerol, and forms orthogonal arrays in Xenopus oocyte membranes.

# publications[].label
The mode of action of Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxins.

# publications[].label
Insect insulin receptors: insights from sequence and caste expression analyses of two cloned hymenopteran insulin receptor cDNAs from the fire ant.

# publications[].label
Cloning of an aquaporin-like cDNA and in situ hybridization in adults of the mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

# publications[].label
Role in diuresis of a calcitonin receptor (GPRCAL1) expressed in a distal-proximal gradient in renal organs of the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.).

# publications[].label
Detection and evolution of resistance to the pyrethroid cypermethrin in Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations in Texas.

# publications[].label
Functional analysis of a G protein-coupled receptor from the southern cattle tick Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) identifies it as the first arthropod myokinin receptor.

# publications[].label
Biostable agonists that match or exceed activity of native insect kinins on recombinant arthropod GPCRs.

# publications[].label
Cloning and transcriptional expression of a leucokinin-like peptide receptor from the southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

# publications[].label
A "Dual-Addition" Calcium Fluorescence Assay for the High-Throughput Screening of Recombinant G Protein-Coupled Receptors.

# publications[].label
Cloning of the 16-kDa V-ATPase proteolipid subunit from the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

# publications[].label
Kdr genotyping (V1016I, F1534C) of the Nav channel of Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquito populations in Harris County (Houston), Texas, USA, after Permanone 31-66 field tests and its influence on probability of survival.

# publications[].label
Monitoring Bemisia resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides in floriculture crops

# publications[].label
Tick CAPA propeptide cDNAs and receptor activity of endogenous tick pyrokinins and analogs: Towards discovering pyrokinin function in ticks.

# publications[].label
GPCR annotation, G proteins, and transcriptomics of fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) queen and worker brain: An improved view of signaling in an invasive superorganism.

# publications[].label
G protein-coupled receptors in arthropod vectors: omics and pharmacological approaches to elucidate ligand-receptor interactions and novel organismal functions

# publications[].label
MECHANISM OF ACTION OF THE CYTOLYTIC TOXIN OF BACILLUS-THURINGIENSIS-ISRAELENSIS

# publications[].label
Molecular and functional characterization of the first tick CAP2b (periviscerokinin) receptor from Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

# publications[].label
Differences in sNPF receptor-expressing neurons in brains of fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) worker subcastes: indicators for division of labor and nutritional status?

# publications[].label
Survivorship and development of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae), on conventional and transgenic maize cultivars expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Cry9C and Cry1A(b) endotoxins

# publications[].label
The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) kept Y not F: predicted sNPY endogenous ligands deorphanize the short NPF (sNPF) receptor.

# publications[].label
Sequence of a 17 kDa vacuolar H(+)-ATPase proteolipid subunit from insect midgut and Malpighian tubules.

# publications[].label
Leucokinin mimetic elicits aversive behavior in mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) and inhibits the sugar taste neuron.

# publications[].publisher
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

# publications[].label
Molecular cloning and functional expression of a serotonin receptor from the Southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

# publications[].label
Immunolocalization of the 17 kDa vacuolar H(+)-ATPase subunit c in Heliothis virescens midgut and malpighian tubules with an anti-peptide antibody.

# publications[].label
A random small molecule library screen identifies novel antagonists of the kinin receptor from the cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

# publications[].label
The kinin receptor is expressed in the Malpighian tubule stellate cells in the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.): a new model needed to explain ion transport?

# publications[].label
Diuretic hormone 44 receptor in Malpighian tubules of the mosquito Aedes aegypti: evidence for transcriptional regulation paralleling urination.

# publications[].label
The Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) voltage-gated sodium channel and mutations associated with pyrethroid resistance in field-collected adult males.

# publications[].label
The Cattle Fever Tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, as a Model for Forward Pharmacology to Elucidate Kinin GPCR Function in the Acari.

# publications[].label
Evaluation of Aib and PEG-polymer insect kinin analogs on mosquito and tick GPCRs identifies potent new pest management tools with potentially enhanced biostability and bioavailability.

# publications[].label
The short neuropeptide F-like receptor from the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

# publications[].label
A DIURETIC KININ ANALOG ELICITS FOOD AVERSION IN FEMALES OF AEDES AEGYPTI MOSQUITOES APPARENTLY THROUGH A SENSORY FUNCTION OF THE KININ RECEPTOR IN LEGS

# publications[].label
Interaction of mimetic analogs of insect kinin neuropeptides with arthropod receptors.

# publications[].label
Genomic insights into the Ixodes scapularis tick vector of Lyme disease.

# publications[].label
Neuropeptide signaling in the red imported fire ant in nutrition, reproduction, and division of labor

# publications[].label
Brain gene expression analyses in virgin and mated queens of fire ants reveal mating-independent and socially regulated changes.

# publications[].label
Monitoring for Pyrethroid Resistance in Bollworm ( Helicoverpa zea ) Populations in Texas: Trends from 2003-2005

# publications[].label
A fluorescently-tagged tick kinin neuropeptide triggers peristalsis and labels tick midgut muscles.

# publications[].label
Fourth International Bemisia Workshop International Whitefly Genomics Workshop December 38, 2006, Duck Key, Florida, USA

# publications[].label
Glucose transporter 8 (GLUT8) from the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

# publications[].label
Comparative structure-activity analysis of insect kinin core analogs on recombinant kinin receptors from Southern cattle tick Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) and mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

# publications[].label
A calcium bioluminescence assay for functional analysis of mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) G protein-coupled receptors.

# publications[].label
Isolation of the V-ATPase A and c subunit cDNAs from mosquito midgut and Malpighian tubules.

# publications[].label
Comparison of insect kinin analogs with cis-peptide bond, type VI-turn motifs identifies optimal stereochemistry for interaction with a recombinant arthropod kinin receptor from the southern cattle tick Boophilus microplus.

# publications[].label
Monitoring for resistance to cypermethrin in budworm (H. Virescens) and bollworm (H. Zea) and to malathion in boll weevil in the brazos river bottom, Texas

# publications[].label
Caste-based differential transcriptional expression of hexamerins in response to a juvenile hormone analog in the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta).

# publications[].label
Identification of selective and non-selective, biostable beta-amino acid agonists of recombinant insect kinin receptors from the southern cattle tick Boophilus microplus and mosquito Aedes aegypti.

# publications[].label
Characterization of a leucokinin binding protein in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Malpighian tubule.

# publications[].label
The leucokinin-like peptide receptor from the cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, is localized in the midgut periphery and receptor silencing with validated double-stranded RNAs causes a reproductive fitness cost.

# publications[].label
Toward the development of novel pest management agents based upon insect kinin neuropeptide analogues.

# publications[].label
A Calcium Bioluminescence Assay for Functional Analysis of Mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and Tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) G Protein-coupled Receptors

# publications[].label
Impact of the V410L kdr mutation and co-occurring genotypes at kdr sites 1016 and 1534 in the VGSC on the probability of survival of the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) to Permanone in Harris County, TX, USA.

# publications[].label
Surface functionalization of silver nanoparticles: novel applications for insect vector control.

# publications[].label
Characterization of the first insect prostaglandin (PGE2) receptor: MansePGE2R is expressed in oenocytoids and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) increases transcript expression.

# publications[].label
Fire ant ovary gene expression analyses revealed immune and insulin pathways underlie the reproductive transition from virgin to mated queen.

# publications[].label
Structural and conformational aspects of the interaction of insect kinin and pyrokinin-like neuropeptides on expressed receptors

# publications[].label
Driving forces for target-based insecticide design in the twenty-first century

# publications[].label
Pyrokinin receptor silencing in females of the southern cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is associated with a reproductive fitness cost.

# publications[].label
Molecular and pharmacological characterization of the Chelicerata pyrokinin receptor from the southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.

# publications[].label
Myotropic Activities of Tick Pyrokinin Neuropeptides and Analog in Feeding Tissues of Hard Ticks (Ixodidae).

# publications[].label
The parasporal inclusion of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. shandongiensis: characterization and screening for insecticidal activity.

# publications[].label
Detection of the Nav channel kdr-like mutation and modeling of factors affecting survivorship of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes from six areas of Harris County (Houston), Texas, after permethrin field-cage tests.

# publications[].label
Status of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea, susceptibility to pyrethroids: IRAC-US 1998 update

# publications[].label
The mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) leucokinin receptor is a multiligand receptor for the three Aedes kinins.

# publications[].label
Distribution of Heliothine larvae in B.t. and non-B.t. cotton in Texas

# publications[].label
Identification of tick periviscerokinin, the first neurohormone of Ixodidae: single cell analysis by means of MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry.

# publications[].label
Oocyte membrane localization of vitellogenin receptor coincides with queen flying age, and receptor silencing by RNAi disrupts egg formation in fire ant virgin queens.

# publications[].label
Immunolocalization of the short neuropeptide F receptor in queen brains and ovaries of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren).

# publications[].label
Cloning and expression analysis of a 5HT7-like serotonin receptor cDNA from mosquito Aedes aegypti female excretory and respiratory systems.

# publications[].label
Pyrethroid resistance in Aedes aegypti: genetic mechanisms worldwide, and recommendations for effective vector control.

# publications[].label
A "Dual-Addition" Calcium Fluorescence Assay for the High-Throughput Screening of Recombinant G Protein-Coupled Receptors

# publications[].label
cDNA cloning and transcriptional regulation of the vitellogenin receptor from the imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

# publications[].label
Differential efficacy of three commonly used pyrethroids against laboratory and field-collected larvae and adults of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and significance for pyrethroid resistance management.

# publications[].label
Status of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea, susceptibility to pyrethroids in the Mid-South and Southeast: IRAC-US 1999 update

# publications[].label
Mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) leucokinin receptor is critical for in vivo fluid excretion post blood feeding.

# publications[].label
Effect of new cotton insecticide chemistries, tebufenozide, spinosad and chlorfenapyr, on Orius insidious and two Cotesia species

# publications[].label
Note: Biotype status ofBemisia tabaci from various crops in Cyprus

# publications[].label
Periviscerokinin (Cap2b; CAPA) receptor silencing in females of Rhipicephalus microplus reduces survival, weight and reproductive output.

# publications[].label
A non-peptide mimetic insect kinin agonist interacts with an expressed receptor and an in vitro diuretic assay in the mosquito Aedes aegypti

# publications[].label
Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxins: action on the insect midgut

# publications[].label
In vitro expression and pharmacology of the 5-HT7-like receptor present in the mosquito Aedes aegypti tracheolar cells and hindgut-associated nerves.

# publications[].label
Activity of native tick kinins and peptidomimetics on the cognate target G protein-coupled receptor from the cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

# publications[].label
Correction: Role in Diuresis of a Calcitonin Receptor (GPRCAL1) Expressed in a Distal-Proximal Gradient in Renal Organs of the Mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.)

# publications[].label
Calcitonin receptor 1 (AedaeGPCRCAL1) hindgut expression and direct role in myotropic action in females of the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.).

# researcherOn[].label
Towards novel acaricide development against cattle fever tick: GPCR target validation and identification of chemical leads

# researcherOn[].awardedBy.label
United States Department of Agriculture - (Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States)

# researcherOn[].awardedBy.preferredLabel
USDA-National Institute of Food And Agriculture

# researcherOn[].label
Facilitating Registration of Pest Management Technology for Specialty Crops and Specialty Uses

# researcherOn[].awardedBy.label
National Institute of Food and Agriculture - (Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States)

# researcherOn[].label
A Comprehensive Physiology - Toxicology Program for Arthropod Pests Significant to Texas

# researcherOn[].awardedBy.label
National Institute of Food and Agriculture - (Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States)

# researcherOn[].awardedBy.label
Agricultural Research Service - (Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States)

# researcherOn[].label
Neuropeptide Receptors and Identification of Genes in Signaling Networks Involved in Reproduction and Nutrition in the Red Imported Fire Ant

# researcherOn[].awardedBy.label
National Science Foundation - (Arlington, Virginia, United States)

# streetAddress
Texas A&M University; Entomology; 2475 TAMU

# organizations[]
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

# schools[]
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

# etdChairOf[].label
Chen, Mei-Er (2003-12). cDNA cloning and transcriptional regulation of the vitellogenin receptor from the imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Doctoral Dissertation.

# etdChairOf[].label
Lu, Hsiao Ling (2011-12). Vitellogenin Receptor and Neuropeptide Receptors Involved in Reproduction of the Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren). Doctoral Dissertation.

# etdChairOf[].label
Kwon, Hyeog Sun (2013-05). Cloning, Immunolocalization and Functional Analyses of Calcitonin Receptor 1 (AedaeGPRCAL1; Diuretic Hormone 31 Receptor) in Females of Mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Doctoral Dissertation.

# etdChairOf[].label
Castillo Bravo, Paula Andrea (2015-12). Short Neuropeptide F Receptor in the Worker Brain of the Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) and Methodology for RNA Interference. Master's Thesis.

# etdChairOf[].label
Kersch, Cymon (2011-12). Immunolocalization and in vivo Functional Analysis by RNAi of the Aedes Kinin Receptor in Female Mosquitoes of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera, Culicidae). Master's Thesis.

# etdChairOf[].label
Hopkins, Bradley Wayne (2010-05). Resistance to Pyrethroid Insecticides in Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Bioassay Validation, Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Mutations and CYP6B Overexpression Analysis. Doctoral Dissertation.

# etdChairOf[].label
Holmes, Steven P. (2003-12). The characterization, functional expression, and localization of the first arthropod myokinin receptor from the southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Acari: ixodidae). Doctoral Dissertation.

# etdChairOf[].label
Jagge, Christopher Lloyd (2009-12). The Molecular Characterization of a Diuretic Hormone Receptor (GPRdih1) From Females of the Yellow Fever Mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.). Doctoral Dissertation.

# etdChairOf[].label
Blandon, Maria Adylia (2003-05). Target validation of a myokinin receptor from the southern cattle tick Boophilus microplus (Canestrini). Master's Thesis.