Ion transport mechanisms in transporting epithelia of aquatic insect larvae

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My research examines how ions such as sodium, chloride and potassium are transported across cells of organs that are responsible for maintaining appropriate ion levels in the blood. This is a fundamentally important process for all living animals because blood ion levels affect the function of the nervous system, the heart, and most other organs. I am focusing on how ion transport occurs in anal papillae of mosquito and midge fly larvae, and how these processes can be regulated via the nervous system when larvae are subjected to a changing environment (from freshwater to salt-water and vice versa). This routinely happens in the natural habitats of mosquitoes through heavy rainfall and evaporation. Anal papillae are sac like organs that project out from the rear end of the animal. These anal papillae help mosquito larvae to survive under freshwater conditions by taking ions from the water and transporting them into the haemolymph (insect blood). Many mosquito species are capable of surviving in salt-water and the role of the anal papillae in these mosquitoes is not well understood. Therefore I am studying 2 closely related mosquitoes, one of which lives in freshwater and the other in salt-water. In addition, I am examining the midge fly larvae because their anal papillae receive direct inputs from the nervous system. Through these studies I will train students in physiological techniques that are applied in basic, medical and pharmaceutical research in both academic and private sector settings. My research will contribute to the understanding of ion transport mechanisms of transporting tissues and their regulation by the nervous system, fundamentally important processes for all animals. In addition my research can lead to the development of new and specific ways of controlling mosquito populations that transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus and Malaria.