Insect GPCRs and development of mimetic analogs of the insect kinin, pyrokinin-like and sulfakinin neuropeptide classes as pest management tools

Authors: Nachman, Ronald

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/14/2018
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Insect pests have developed resistance to several conventional pesticides, and new approaches are needed for pest management. Although neuropeptides (short chains of amino acids) serve as potent messengers in insects to regulate vital functions, the neuropeptides hold little promise as pest control agents because they can be degraded in the target pest. New, selective control agents may be developed by designing mimics of these neuropeptides that resist degradation and either inhibit or over-stimulate critical neuropeptide-regulated life functions. This book chapter reviews the role of the active sites of neuropeptides in the development of mimics of three classes of neuropeptides. These mimics can disrupt critical life processes that are regulated by neuropeptides such as feeding, digestion, development, water balance, desiccation and cold tolerance as well as the protective overwintering behavior. Many mimic treatments lead to reduced lifespans, higher mortality, and repellency in pest insects. These results provide the basis for the development of practical neuropeptide-like substances that can effectively control pest insects in an environmentally friendly fashion.

Technical Abstract: Insect pests have developed resistance to several conventional pesticides, and new approaches are needed for pest management. Although neuropeptides (short chains of amino acids) serve as potent messengers in insects to regulate vital functions, the neuropeptides hold little promise as pest control agents because they can be degraded in the target pest. New, selective control agents may be developed by designing mimics of these neuropeptides that resist degradation and either inhibit or over-stimulate critical neuropeptide-regulated life functions. This book chapter reviews the role of the active sites of neuropeptides in the development of mimics of three classes of neuropeptides. These mimics can disrupt critical life processes that are regulated by neuropeptides such as feeding, digestion, development, water balance, desiccation and cold tolerance as well as the protective overwintering behavior. Many mimic treatments lead to reduced lifespans, higher mortality, and repellency in pest insects. These results provide the basis for the development of practical neuropeptide-like substances that can effectively control pest insects in an environmentally friendly fashion.