| en |
The search for novel insecticide targets in the post-genomics era, with a specific focus on G-protein coupled receptors
Ngai, Michelle & McDowell, Mary Ann
Abstract
Insects are considered pests globally, implicated in the destruction of agricultural fields and transmission of
pathogens that cause deadly human diseases, such as dengue, Zika and malaria. The diversity of the insecticide
arsenal has remained stagnant for decades, but the recent rise of insecticide resistance fueled the discovery of novel
modes of action, and the power of genomics has reinvigorated this search. This review discusses the importance of
comparative and functional insect genomics in the identification of potential gene targets for an insecticidal mode
of action with low off-target toxicity. Due to the global participation in the sequencing and annotation of insect
genomes, the targeting of specific genes with molecular tools like RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 for genome engineering
and consequent functional identification and validation has become more efficient. While there are multiple avenues
to explore for insecticidal candidates, this review identifies G-protein coupled receptors as attractive targets, and
hones in on the octopamine and dopamine receptors due to their potential.
Keywords
genomics; insecticides; G-protein-coupled receptors
|
