Area(s) of Specialization:
- Host-pathogen interactions; Bacterial and fungal entomopathogens; Vector biology
My laboratory studies the innate immune system of mosquitoes and how it relates to the pathogens these insects transmit.
Specifically, we are currently focusing our research effort on a group of serine protease inhibitors called serpins.
Our laboratory studies host-pathogen interactions important for mosquito-borne disease transmission.
Specifically, we study the immune system of mosquitoes and how it relates to the pathogens these insects transmit. Our efforts are focused in two major research areas.
The second is to understand the interactions of mosquitoes and fungi ranging from food source to mortal enemy. We study how these encounters shape the mosquito's immune system and physiology.
Research Areas:
- The mosquito's immune system
- Serpins
- Serpins in epithelial immunity
- SRPN2 is the key inhibitor of melanization in mosquitoes
- Hemocytes
Additionally, some serpins act as tumor suppressors, such that elimination of their function leads to cancer. My laboratory studies serpin functions in mosquitoes to understand how these molecules can influence the transmission of malaria.
Area(s) of Specialization:
- Regulation of mosquito innate immunity, malaria parasite-mosquito interactions
Subject areas:
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Genetics, Developmental and Cell Biology
Research:
- Biology – Studies serpin function in mosquito-transmitted malaria, and potential relationship to human cancer
Expertise: Studies insect immunity and vector-pathogen interactions
