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Ke Dong

Professor in Biology
Biology
Office hours 9 am - 5 pm, Mon - Fri  

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


Professor in Biology · 2020 - Present Biology, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences

In the News


Published September 13, 2023
Mysterious Family of Microbial Proteins Hijack Crops’ Cellular Plumbing
Published August 1, 2021
Natural Mosquito Repellent's Powers Finally Decoded
Published May 11, 2021
How One of the Oldest Natural Insecticides Keeps Mosquitoes Away

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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 Cite

A 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 Cite
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Recent Grants


Duke University Program in Environmental Health

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2029

Electrophysiological analysis of midgut pore formation

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC · 2024 - 2025

High-resolution insights into insecticide interactions with voltage-gated sodium channels

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2020 - 2025

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Education, Training & Certifications


Cornell University · 1993 Ph.D.