Robert D. Renthal

Robert D. Renthal is a Professor in the Department of Biology at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), within the College of Sciences. He also holds a joint appointment with the Biochemistry Department at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. His research focuses on the biochemistry and biophysics of cell membranes, insect chemical communication, and the structural dynamics of transmembrane proteins.

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Columbia University (1972)
• A.B. in Chemistry, Princeton University (1967)

Dr. Renthal's research interests center on membrane protein structure and function, particularly bacteriorhodopsin and transmembrane helix interactions. He has pioneered methods in pheromone discovery in insects, especially in the red imported fire ant. His work bridges biophysics, biochemistry, and entomology, with applications in pest control and protein engineering.

His recent publications reflect a strong focus on membrane dynamics, protein-lipid interactions, and insect sensory biology. Themes include helix-helix association in transmembrane domains, antennal chemosensory proteins, and energy transfer in live bacterial cells. These works span structural biology, chemical ecology, and molecular imaging.

• University of Texas at San Antonio President's Distinguished Service Award for Research (1989)
• University of Texas at San Antonio Innovation of Excellence Award (2013)

Dr. Renthal has mentored numerous students and researchers through his lab at UTSA. His research has been supported by various grants, particularly in the areas of membrane biophysics and insect pheromone discovery. He holds two U.S. patents for methods of pheromone discovery in insects, indicating translational impact. His lab actively investigates membrane protein folding, insect antennal structures, and live-cell imaging techniques.

The Renthal Lab conducts interdisciplinary research in three main areas: membrane biophysics (focusing on transmembrane helices and protein folding), insect chemical ecology (including pheromone-binding proteins and antennal glands), and cell imaging (using luminescence resonance energy transfer in live bacteria). The lab integrates biochemical, biophysical, and entomological approaches to study fundamental biological processes.