معرفی
Donald E. Champagne is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, based in Athens, GA. His research and teaching focus on vector biology and medical entomology, with direct contact via dchampa@uga.edu and 706-542-2279.
His primary research investigates salivary proteins of blood-feeding arthropods (mosquitoes, triatomine bugs, ticks) that circumvent vertebrate hemostasis mechanisms. Key discoveries include apyrases, lipocalin-type proteins, tachykinin peptides (e.g., Sialokinin I/II), and nitrophorins that manipulate platelet aggregation, vasoconstriction, and clotting. He also studies host immune responses to salivary antigens and saliva's role in enhancing pathogen transmission, aiming to develop transmission-blocking strategies.
His 14 publications (1993-2000) reveal consistent biochemical and molecular approaches across vector species, emphasizing protein purification, cloning, and structural analysis. Major themes include nitric oxide transport systems, platelet inhibitors, and vasodilatory mechanisms, published in high-impact journals like Science, PNAS, and Journal of Biological Chemistry.
No scientific awards were mentioned in the source material. Dr. Champagne teaches Medical Entomology (undergraduate), Vector Biology, Molecular Entomology, and Medical/Urban Entomology (graduate), but specific grant funding or student advising details were not provided.
