# ENDOCRINOLOGY OF MOSQUITO REPRODUCTION

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA · 1991 · $212,951

## Abstract

This proposal focuses on the isolation and characterization of
regulatory neuropeptides from heads of Aedes aegypti females.
With the adult ecdysiotropic factor (ETF), which stimulates
secretion of ecdysteroids by the ovaries, purified to homogeniety,
sequencing work will continue.  Even a partial sequence can be
synthesized to produce an antiserum for localization and
quantification of ETF in tissues and hemolymph.  Concurrently,
purification and sequence determination will be initiated for
larval prothoracicotropic hormone, so it too can be localized and
quantified, and the conditions and timing of its release studied.

Two "Aedes RFamide" peptides (ARFa I & III), found in specific
neurons in the adult brain, have been sequenced.  ARFa I, a novel
decapeptide, has been synthesized and its gene cloned.  However,
its physiological function is unknown and will be investigated in a
series of bioassays (diuresis, midgut contraction, allatotropic
action, stimulation or inhibition of trypsin or vitellogenin
synthesis, feeding behavior, etc).  Antiserum to ARFa I will be
produced for immmunolocalization and labelled ARFa I prepared
for in situ receptor studies; both should provide important clues to
its function.  Sequence analysis of a third head peptide (ARFa II)
will be continued.

Our mass-rearing facility produces one million mosquitoes per
week, giving sufficient material for purification of peptides to
homogeneity.  In vivo and in vitro bioassays and
radioimmunoassays are used to detect activity in chromatographic
fractions.  Recently, fractions with antidiuretic activity were
found and will be purified.  Testing fractions in the bioassays will
likely identify other neuropeptides.  While each peptide brings
opportunities for detailed studies of the regulation of specific
physiological processes, some may have application in novel insect
control systems now being developed, i.e., microencapsulation and
protein engineering of peptides as stomach poisons and insertion
of genes for regulatory peptides in species-specific
microorganisms.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3127129
- **Project number:** 5R01AI017297-12
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NMJHD63STRC5
- **Principal Investigator:** ARDEN O. LEA
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1991
- **Award amount:** $212,951
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1980-01-01 → 1993-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3127129

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3127129, ENDOCRINOLOGY OF MOSQUITO REPRODUCTION (5R01AI017297-12). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3127129. Licensed CC0.

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