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I'm going to be sequencing the bed bug genome (seriously)!
(5 posts)-
wiggywild
newbite
Joined: Mar '09
Posts: 7
Posted 11 months ago
Thu Apr 2 2009 18:11:43
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I just got hired on to an entomology lab as a lab assistant at the Universiry of Kntucky. I was inspired by my own struggle with what I initially believed to be bed bugs, but now suspect to be bird mites. I probably would have never even considered the job without this wretched affliction.
The professor's research is in developing new pesticides, among other things, so I thought I could maybe help wage the war against biting pests.
I got in to the lab and started performing molecular experiments (PCR, about 200 reactions in the past few days.) Finally, I asked my post doctoral scholar to elaborate on the experiment.
We have taken samples from 180 different bed bugs from all across the world and we are actually testing to see the genetic basis for their tolerance to certain pesticides. I believe she said pyritherase or something but her English is not good. It is a pyritherin.
Apparently this pesticide targets something called a voltage gated sodium channel. Essentially it is responsible for perpetuating signals in the nervous system, and the pesticide either stops the signal or makes it hyperactive, kinda like a seizure, thus causing the bug's death.
My current research is to discover what kind of mutation has caused the pesticide to stop interacting with the channel so that a new pyretheroid could be developed which would overcome this mutation.
As a side note this may be one reason to not spray yourself, as if you don't use a wide enough spectrum to kill every single bug, you may allow those resistant to a single pesticide to live and thus spread their terrible genes.
We are also researching a hormone produced by many types of bugs that could potentially be used as a pesticide.
Perhaps the most exciting news is that there is lots of active funding into bed bug research. So much so that you's truly is going to help in sequencing the entire genome. For all those of you who have rightly complained about the lack of interest in bed bug research, it is coming and I will keep everyone updated with the results.
Interestingly, the bed bugs are fed rabbits blood through some sort of artificial system with no need of a living host.
I am seriously seriously bouncing the idea around that, with real access to bed bugs (although I've not seen and do not want to see these pests) I'd really like to look into training dogs and making some bank.
How much intense training do you think you would have to provide. Any links to info on this subject that are not associated with actual commercial training facilities would be appreciated.
Lastly, I'd like to say that I truly believe that this affliction is a direct sign and blessing from God. I want go to graduate school in medical research but I'm not sure that my grades are sufficient to get into this area. Furtherrmore, the research funding is extremely extremely competitive, and your narrow field of work may or may not be validated by clinical relevance.
What could be more validating than ridding the Earth of this terrible plague. As I start to feel the crawling sensation under my skin, I really don't think there's much at this point!
I challenge you all to one day ask what God was trying to teach you through this ordeal.
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your host
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 6,173
Posted 11 months ago
Thu Apr 2 2009 18:53:50
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Hey-- I assume you're working in Dr. Michael Potter's lab. Good for you!
We're big fans of his around here. -
Adele
senior member
Joined: May '08
Posts: 634
Posted 11 months ago
Thu Apr 2 2009 19:02:18
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Wiggy - you should reach out to David Cain - aka BBcoukHome as I believe he has a significant scientific background and you may be able to benefit from some of his expereince and/or knowledge in your work
good for you!!!!
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Hi,
Adele is correct, my background is in molecular biology and my area of speciality was whole genome sequencing. Back in 96 when I was most active I actually sequenced a few viral genomes and ran a lab with 50 DNA sequencers.
If you want tips on sequencing methods for whole genomes have a look for the work of Bruce Roe at the university of Oklahoma, really nice bloke and some amazing work when I last looked.
The whole science has come along way since I was at the bench and if the genome centres focused research for about 24 hours the Cimex genome could be generated in a mater of days or weeks, a far cry for the years it used to take to do simple tasks back in the early 90's.
If you need more UK strains please let me know, I have sent a few out to Kentucky in the past but they really are hard to post internationally.
David Cain
Bed Bugs Limited -
thebedbugresource
old timer
Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 244
Posted 11 months ago
Fri Apr 3 2009 8:31:33
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I can send you Canadian strains.
Sincerely,
Sean
Entomologist/Pest Professional
www.thebedbugresource.com
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