Cellular and molecular mechanisms of ion transport by the insect excretory system

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Insects are the most abundant animal group, representing roughly 90% of the known animal species. Although insects appear to be most abundant in the tropics, they have successfully exploited almost every ecological niche of the terrestrial environment including some that lead to major economic, agricultural or health crisis. In order to deal with the vast number of environmental stresses that these various ecological niches have imposed, insects have evolved sophisticated systems for the control of osmotic and ionic balance that allow most species to regulate their haemolymph composition and volume within a narrow range. How do insects, as tiny animals with large surface to volume ratios that makes water evaporation all the more serious, invade every niche of the terrestrial environment and avoid desiccation? The answer is osmoregulation. The amazing evolutionary adaptations that allow insect to regulate their osmotic state have puzzled researchers for decades. Through my research I will further our understanding of osmoregulation and excretion in insects and the enormous diversity that this group has evolved. In addition, my research project will advance our understanding of fundamental mechanisms of epithelial physiology. One of the most interesting questions on epithelial physiology is the nature of the intracellular cross-talk mechanisms which regulate ion transporters to maintain transepithelial transport while defending cytosolic composition. Insect excretory epithelia are ideal models to study these mechanisms, that have remain elusive so far. The knowledge generated through this research will contribute to improve the life of Canadians by facilitating the rational development of cost-effective, insect specific and environmentally benign pest control measures and by providing new knowledge that may help better understand health conditions. Funding from this grant will support the training of graduate and undergraduate students on molecular biology, advanced electrophysiology and pharmacology that will prepare them for careers in academia and in industry.