Allen G. Gibbs

Associate Professor

Ph.D. University of California, San Diego

Evolutionary Physiology

allen.gibbs@unlv.edu

Evolution of physiological systems, particularly insect water balance and energetics. Our research includes comparative analyses of insects from different habitats, and laboratory evolution as a model for selection in nature. We seek an integrated understanding of physiological evolution, from species to organisms to genes.

Selected Publications

• Smigel, J. and A.G. Gibbs. Conglobation in the pill bug (Armadillidium vulgare) as a terrestrial adaptation. Journal of Insect Science Submitted.
• Kaun, K.R., C.A.L. Riedl, M.Chakaborty-Chatterjee, A.T. Belay, S.J. Douglas, A.G. Gibbs and M.B. Sokolowski (2007). Natural variation in a cGMP-dependent protein kinase affects food-related traits in Drosophila. Journal of Experimental Biology In press.
• Gibbs, A.G. (2007). Waterproof cockroaches: the early work of J. A. Ramsay. Invited commentary for JEB Classics. Journal of Experimental Biology 210: 921-922.
• Aguila, J.R., J. Suszko, A.G. Gibbs and D.K. Hoshizaki (2007). The role of larval fat cells in adult Drosophila melanogaster. Journal of Experimental Biology 210: 956-963.
• Hoshizaki, D.K. and A.G. Gibbs (2007). Integrating insulin signaling and stress responses. Invited commentary for Fly. 1: 110-112.
• Sinclair,.B.J., S. Nelson, T.L. Nilson, S.P. Roberts and A.G. Gibbs (2007). The effect of selection for desiccation resistance on cold tolerance of Drosophila melanogaster. Physiological Entomology Published online July 17, 2007: doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3032.2007.00585.x
• Sinclair, B.J., A.G. Gibbs and S.P. Roberts (2007). Gene transcription during exposure to, and recovery from, cold and desiccation stress in Drosophila melanogaster. Insect Molecular Biology Published online May 16, 2007: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1365-2583.2006.00698.x.
• Quinlan, M.C. and A.G. Gibbs (2006). Discontinuous gas exchange in terrestrial insects. Respiration Physiology and Neurobiology 154: 18-29.
• Gefen, E., A.J. Marlon and A.G. Gibbs (2006). Selection for desiccation resistance in adult Drosophila melanogaster affects larval development and metabolite accumulation. Journal of Experimental Biology 209: 3293-3300.
• Chown, S.L., A.G. Gibbs, S.K. Hetz, C.J. Klok, J.R.B. Lighton, E. Marais (2006). Discontinuous gas exchange in insects: a clarification of hypotheses and approaches. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 79: 333-343.
• Gibbs, A.G. and R.A. Johnson (2004). The role of discontinuous gas exchange in insects: the chthonic hypothesis does not hold water. Journal of Experimental Biology 207: 3477-3482.
• Johnson, R.A. and A.G. Gibbs (2004). Effects of mating stage on water balance, metabolism and cuticular hydrocarbons of the desert harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus. Journal of Insect Physiology 50: 943-953.
• Gibbs, A.G., F. Fukuzato and L.M. Matzkin (2003). Evolution of water conservation mechanisms in desert Drosophila. Journal of Experimental Biology 206: 1183-1192.
• Gibbs, A.G., M.C. Perkins, and T.A. Markow (2003). No place to hide: microclimates of Sonoran Desert Drosophila. Journal of Thermal Biology 28: 353-362.
• Marron, M.T., T.A. Markow, K.J. Kain and A.G. Gibbs (2003). Effects of starvation and desiccation on energy metabolism in Drosophila. Journal of Insect Physiology 49: 261-270.
• Montooth, K.L. and A.G. Gibbs (2003). Cuticular pheromones and water balance in the housefly, Musca domestica. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A 135: 457-465.
• Gibbs, A.G. (2002). Water balance in desert Drosophila: lessons from non-charismatic microfauna. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology 133: 781-789.
• Gibbs, A.G. (2002). Lipid melting and cuticular permeability: new insights into an old problem. Journal of Insect Physiology 48: 391-400.