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| Research Interests / Job description |
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Insect physiology - pheromones, hormones, neurobioactive compounds, receptors, transducers and second messengers. My main interests lie in information molecules that may be regarded as bio-regulators. I utilise insects as model biological systems for my studies at the organism, tissue, cell and molecular levels. My aim is to exploit these information molecules for developing the next generation of insect specific bio-rational insecticides with enhanced safety. The understanding of these processes at the physiological, cellular and molecular levels will reveal new designs for the modelling of antagonists which may be used to block the physiological process in the insect.
I believe that through a thorough understanding of the endogenous regulatory mechanisms of key processes that are crucial for the pest survival capabilities e.g. sex pheromone communication, we will be able to design products that will disrupt these mechanisms.
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| Research Projects: - Defining regulation of pheromone biosynthesis at the receptor site by isolating and characterising the receptor of the pheromonotropic regulatory peptide, PBAN (pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide) using biochemistry, molecular biology and molecular dynamics.
- Identifying and characterising male accessory gland factors, which inhibit pheromone production in female moths.
- Identifying specific biological neuromodulators that could be used as effective inhibitors of pheromone production e.g. octopamine agonists.
- Evaluating the physiological mechanisms responsible for the lethal activity of essential oils against insect pests.
- Identification and gene regulation of the desaturase enzymes involved in sex-pheromone biosynthesis of pest moths that infest grain.
- Inhibition of reproductive behaviour in moths: Acetyl Coenzyme-A Carboxylase inhibitors as a basis for preventing sex pheromone biosynthesis.
- Prevention of Sap Beetle (Carpophilus sp.) damage in organically grown date palm using pre-harvest mass-trapping and post-harvest heat-treatments.
Position available in my lab for in silico studies: We are searching for a postdoctoral scientist to conduct in silico modeling studies, which will complement our molecular and biochemical experimental studies. Requirements: Education: Chemistry, Physics, Computer Sciences, Bioinformatics (some combination of these); Experience: Molecular modeling or computer simulations is a plus; Ability and skills: Programming or bioinformatics skills and learning new in silico methods on one's own initiative. This position could also be filled by a Graduate student fulfilling the above requirements. Please apply to Prof. Ada Rafaeli via Email enclosing your CV. Teaching: Faculty of Agricultural Food and Environmental Sciences, Plant Protection: http://departments.agri.huji.ac.il/plantpath715/staff.htm Courses: |
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| Updated on: 26/01/10 13:26 |
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