CAREER: Ontogenetic changes in tracheal system structure and function in larval insects

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Insects are the most numerous and diverse animals on the planet and, as they grow from a hatchling to an adult, body mass may increase 200 to 10,000 fold. Although increasing mass must be supported by more oxygen, the insect respiratory system (the tracheal system) increases in size only when the insect molts. The overall goal of this research project is determine how growing insects match oxygen supply to increasing oxygen demand. Several mechanisms are possible. For example, larger insects may have more or larger tracheae or they may breathe faster. In addition, larger insects may change cellular or gene expression patterns that alter oxygen supply or demand. To characterize changes in respiratory structure and function, the studies will employ tools from molecular biology and whole animal physiology. The results of these studies may help to develop non-pesticide methods of insect control, as manipulation of atmospheric gases is increasingly important for controlling insects in grain storage, greenhouses, and museum collections. In addition, understanding the relationship between oxygen supply and demand will help to explain the appearance of gigantic insects in the Paleozoic era, as increased oxygen supply is hypothesized to have driven this phenomenon. Contributing to this research, undergraduate researchers from North Dakota State University and Mississippi Valley State University, a Historically Black University, will participate in a summer research program. Students will assist in data collection at NDSU and accompany the principal investigator to Argonne National Laboratory to image the insect tracheal systems using synchrotron x-rays at the Advanced Photon Source. This educational component will increase participation of underrepresented students in research and will help recruit students to science careers. An online mentoring group will provide support to students and provide a means for assessing the efficacy of this program. Together the scientific components and educational components of this research program serve to advance discovery and understanding while promoting teaching, training and learning.