| Silk as a source of new materials |
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| In our previous research we identified silk components that do not contribute to fiber formation but seem to have protective functions. The aim of our current research is to identify and to prepare silk proteins promising practical applications. Attention is paid to recombinant proteinase inhibitors based on the Kazal-type inhibitor identified in the silk of Galleria mellonella. We also search for the homologues of these inhibitors and for other types of protective molecules in the silk of caddis-flies.
PI: F. Sehnal |
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| Biology of insect neurohormones |
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 Neurohormones play a crucial role in insect life: they control almost all important developmental, physiological and behavioural activities. We have discovered and/or contributed to a characterisation of several insect neuropeptides. The goal of this project is detailed molecular and biochemical characterisation of these peptides on structural and functional level that should contribute to better understanding of their function and evolution. Such fundamental studies are also prerequisite for future possible use of the neuropeptides in insect biocontrol.
PI: D. Kodrík |
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| Physiological and pharmacological effects of insect neurohormones |
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 Physiological and pharmacological effects of insect neuropeptides are virtually unknown mainly because of technical obstacles involved in experiments with living insects. We have developed a number of electrophysiological methods suitable for monitoring changes in haemocoelic pressure, heartbeat, extracardiac haemocoelic pulsations, respiratory movements, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide release in insects of relatively small body size. We have also elucidated the principles of heartbeat reversal and described relationships between the cardiac and extracardiac haemocoelic pulsations in pupae of the mealworm, codling moth and tobacco hornworm. The possibility of prolonged monitoring of changes in haemocoelic pressure and also development of novel optoelectronic recording methods recently led us to discovery of the prolonged, in vivo pharmacological effects of certain neuropeptides (proctolin, CCAP, LEM) in insect body.
PI: K. Sláma |
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