Molecular Interaction-Based Exploration of the Broad Spectrum Efficacy of a Insecticidal Chimeric Protein, Cry1AcF.

insecticidal proteins ( ICPs) are reliable and valuable options for pest management in crops. Protein engineering of ICPs is a competitive alternative for resistance management in insects. The primary focus of the study was to reiterate the translational utility of a protein-engineered chimeric Cry toxin, Cry1AcF, for its broad spectrum insecticidal efficacy using molecular modeling and docking studies. In-depth bioinformatic analysis was undertaken for structure prediction of the Cry toxin as the ligand and aminopeptidase1 receptors (APN1) from (APN1) and (APN1) as receptors, followed by interaction studies using protein-protein docking tools. The study revealed feasible interactions between the toxin and the two receptors through H-bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Further, molecular dynamics simulations substantiated the stability of the interactions, proving the broad spectrum efficacy of Cry1AcF in controlling and These findings justify the utility of protein-engineered toxins in pest management.