Overview
Research in the Dong lab centers on the molecular, neuronal and behavioral bases of insect responses to natural/synthetic neuroactive compounds, including pyrethrum and pyrethroid insecticides. We aim to elucidate the mechanisms of action of neuroactive compounds on insect ion channels and receptors and mechanisms of insect resistance to neuroactive chemicals. We are also interested in understanding the physiological functions of various ion channels and receptors, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels, the DSC1 cation channel and odorant receptors, in Drosophila melanogaster (a genetically tractable model) and Aedes aegypti (a major vector of human diseases, such as yellow fever, Dengue and Zika). We take a combination of molecular genetic, neurophysiological, toxicological and behavioral approaches to evaluate the effects of neuroactive compounds at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels. Our goal is to make fundamental discoveries in insect-chemical interactions that impact practical solutions to control disease vectors in the global fight against vector-borne human diseases.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Recent Publications
Grapefruit-derived nootkatone potentiates GABAergic signaling and acts as a dual-action mosquito repellent and insecticide.
Journal Article Current biology : CB · January 2025 Humanity has long battled mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit-a struggle intensified by climate change and globalization, which have expanded mosquito ranges and the spread of associated diseases.1 Additionally, widespread insecticide resi ... Full text CiteA unique mechanism of transfluthrin action revealed by mapping its binding sites in the mosquito sodium channel.
Journal Article Insect biochemistry and molecular biology · December 2024 Pyrethroid insecticides exert their toxic action by prolonging the opening of insect voltage-gated sodium channels, resulting in the characteristic tail current during membrane repolarization in voltage clamp experiments. Permethrin (PMT) and deltamethrin ... Full text CiteAuthor Correction: Bacterial pathogens deliver water- and solute-permeable channels to plant cells.
Journal Article Nature · January 2024 Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Duke University Program in Environmental Health
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2029Electrophysiological analysis of midgut pore formation
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC · 2024 - 2025High-resolution insights into insecticide interactions with voltage-gated sodium channels
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2020 - 2025View All Grants