The Pennsylvania State University
512 ASI Building
University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814-865-2435
Fax: 814-865-3048
Email: camullin@psu.edu

Education:

B.S., Lehigh University, 1973
Ph.D., Cornell University, 1979

Link to: Center for Chemical Ecology

Department Focus Areas:

Chemical Ecology
Ecological Applications

Research Interests :

Toxicology, molecular mode of action of natural and synthetic toxins, insect gustation, selective biopesticides

Teaching:

Chemical Ecology
Modes of Toxicity

Research Activities & Interests:

I enjoy exploring the molecular mechanisms that determine the incredible differences in susceptibilities of species to the behavioral and internal effects of synthetic or natural poisons.  My approach to elucidate precise, selective chemical methods of pest control is to choose insects that feed on specialized plant organs as guides to discovery.  Pollen-, root- or phloem-feeding insects that are major crop pests provide a route to define adaptive mechanisms critical for feeding specialization, insect-plant interactions, and for resistance to food borne-toxicants.  Our studies have identified amino acid receptors as models for selective taste and insecticide action, and the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and epoxide hydrolases as model detoxification enzymes for degrading sensory chemicals at respective nerve receptor sites.

Our recent investigations have focused on peptide and protein taste receptors in beetles. Pivotal to future success in this work is ascertaining the regulatory role of enzymes, proteins or small molecules present in saliva or other secretions that bathe the taste neurons.  Knowing the distinctive chemical sensory code that determines the beetle's decision to consume pollens or other foods would permit new biopesticide approaches such as selective feeding stimulants for baits, non-antifeedant ingestive poisons, and non-allergenic, anti-pest peptides for transgenic crops. 

Relevant Publications: