Mosquitoes, like any living animal, synthesize and release chemical molecules called hormones. These hormones control important life processes in the insect such as molting, metamorphosis and reproduction. Some hormones are made by cells in the brain of the insect and these hormones are called neurohormones. These neurohormones usually control the release of non-brain hormones. This project is designed to identify specific neurohormones which act to cause the synthesis and release of a specific non-brain hormone. The non-brain hormone, called ecdysone, is responsible for initiating molting and reproduction in mosquitoes. The goal of this project is to purify the neurohormone and design experiments to determine how the neurohormone can control the synthesis and release of ecdysone. The results of these studies will increase knowledge of how neurohormones control development and reproduction in mosquitoes. Furthermore, this information can be useful in understanding the role of neurohormones in other animals. Finally, these studies could provide information leading to the development of more effective means of controlling mosquito populations.
