Our research is centered on the physiology of the insect gut and the molecular characterization of the interactions between the gut epithelium and invading microbes.

There are two main areas of work in our lab:

1) Characterization of the mechanisms involved in gut homeostasis and succesful pathogenesis or midgut colonization. More specifically, we currently focus on the interactions between bacterial toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and the midgut cells and their alterations in Bt-resistant insects. Current projects are aimed at studying the role of stem cell differentiation and midgut regeneration as a defense mechanism against intoxication, characterize mechanisms of resistance to Cry toxins, and identify insect molecules involved in the Cry toxin mode of action.

2) Identification and characterization of novel insect enzymes with biotechnological applications. Currently we are identifying novel digestive enzymes to be used in the production of biofuels from plant biomass.

Results from these research projects have direct applications in biotechnology, cell culturing, design of novel insecticides, improvement of insect pathogens as biological pest control agents, and the inhibition of disease transmission by vector insects.

Contact us:

Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology

The University of Tennessee

2431 Joe Johnson Drive

205 Ellington Plant Sciences Building

Knoxville, TN 37996

jurat@utk.edu

(865) 974-5931