Dr. Jurenka's research interest and teaching expertise is in the area of insect physiology. He is specifically interested in the physiological and biochemical mode of action of peptide hormones. His recent research has focused on the neuroendocrine control of sex pheromone biosynthesis in moths. Studies in this area include site of synthesis of peptide hormones utilizing immunocytochemical techniques, control of peptide release from neurohemal areas, and the mode of action at target tissue, including determination of the signal transduction cascade and receptor characterization.
His research also focuses on lipid metabolism, especially the characterization of enzymes involved in sex pheromone biosynthetic pathways and the biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids and prostaglandins in various insects. The knowledge gained in these types of studies is applied to the development of novel biorational control strategies for insect pests.