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Research Interests of Participating Faculty
Brian Tsukimura, Biology.
This laboratory examines the endocrine control of
reproduction. The primary model organisms used in our studies are
crustaceans. In addition, we are studying environmental effects on
gonadogenesis and gametogenesis. A recently discovered hormone,
methyl farnesoate, is also being investigated as both a gonad
inhibitor and enhancer. These functions are similar to insect
juvenile hormone, to which methyl farnesoate is closely related.
Investigations use ELISA’s to measure hemolymph levels of
vitellogenin, a yolk protein that indicates reproductive activity.
We are also attempting to clone the vitellogenin gene, to determine
the site of vitellogenin synthesis, and to develop vitellogenin
transcription assays for experiments that access the effects of
environmental conditions on oogenesis. We are also examining the
synthesis and degradation of methyl farnesoate in tadpole shrimp,
whose foraging activities negatively impact rice farmers. The
laboratory is also examining the role of methyl farnesoate in
ridgeback shrimp in terms of increasing endocytosis of vitellogenin
into developing oocytes. Lastly, the laboratory is examining the
effects of temperature on larval forms of the invasive mitten crab,
in relation to its future adult populations. Data from this effort
are collected in the San Francisco Bay and Delta regions, and
examined at the Fresno State campus.
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