Luke Cartwright

• BSc Cell and Molecular Biology
• Verification of Biopesticide Targets using RNA Interference and Confocal Microscopy.

Recombinant fusion proteins containing toxins produced by insect predators (e.g. spiders) are being developed as biopesticides. The toxin is fused to a carrier that transports it across the insect gut, giving oral toxicity.  Two approaches will be used to investigate modes of action of an insecticidal fusion protein. Transport and localisation of labelled fusion protein after oral administration will be studied by confocal microscopy, to show that the toxin reaches its potential target in nerve tissue. The target of the toxin will be investigated by "knock-outs" of expression of genes encoding neuronal ion channels using RNAi, to produce insecticidal effects. 

Funding source: Newcastle University