Protein targeting can be an effective method of targeting harmful insects. By harnessing this, Dr. Tian Liu’s research examines distinctive characteristics of insects, including their exoskeleton and molting process, to pinpoint key proteins for the development of targeted insecticides. View Halo Profile >>
About Tian Liu
Dr. Tian Liu is a Professor at the Dalian University of Technology. Wone is from Dalian, China and completed his PhD at the Dalian University of Technology.
Tell us about your research.
My research interest is focused on the insect cuticle. I study the component and formation process of insect cuticle to find new targets and technologies for pest control, to find new inspiration to design biomaterials, and to develop new biocatalysts for the utilization of biological resources. Candidate targets currently being investigated include key structural proteins in the cuticle formation and key enzymes in the synthesis and hydrolysis of chitin and trehalose.
I study the component and formation process of insect cuticle to find new targets and technologies for pest control, to find new inspiration to design biomaterials, and to develop new biocatalysts for the utilization of biological resources.
Can you explain that to a non-scientist?
The exoskeleton (cuticle) is one of the keys to the success of insects, and periodic molt is also a unique physiological process of insects compared to higher animals and plants. Therefore, key proteins involved in cuticle synthesis and degradation have the potential to be targets for selective insecticides. Even if a pest-specific molecular target can be found, such as chitinase-h mentioned in this project, insecticides designed for it can achieve selectivity between pests and beneficial insects (bees and natural enemies). This is undoubtedly very meaningful for sustainable agriculture.