My laboratory is broadly concerned with the mechanisms of development and
the physiological ecology of marine and other invertebrates, especially
those mechanisms involving hormonal and pheromonal cues. More specifically,
we are conducting projects on: 1) the molecular cloning of peptide hormones
from the eyestalk of crustaceans (principally the lobster) that control
molting and metabolism, 2) the characterization of insulin-like growth
factors from crustaceans, 3) pheromones and neurotransmitters that influence
reproductive and aggressive behavior in crustaceans, 4) endocrine control of
female reproduction in lobsters and marine shrimp, 5) the actions of ecdysteroids (molting hormones) and methyl farnesoate in crustaceans via
their hormone receptors, 6) characterization of muscle proteins in
crustacean limbs during the molt cycle and development, 7) the physiological
ecology of development and metamorphosis of marine invertebrates, and 8)
stress responses (hormones and heat-shock proteins) in crustaceans.
We are interested in the integration of control mechanisms from the
organismal (and even the community) level down to the cellular basis of gene
expression. Our research combines a blend of both applied aquaculture and
basic research into invertebrate behavior, physiology, and cell biology. Our
laboratory keeps a broad perspective and tries not to become too narrowly
focused. Our research perspectives are to remain integrative and comparative.
