Masler E P, Kelly T J, Menn J J
Plant Sciences Institute, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705.
Arch Insect Biochem Physiol. 1993;22(1-2):87-111. doi: 10.1002/arch.940220109.
New approaches to the development of insect control agents have been revealed through the molecular description of neuropeptides, their biogenesis, action, and degradation. Prerequisite to the exploitation of a neuropeptide as a lead to control agent development is a thorough understanding of the biochemistry of the neuropeptide and appreciation of its physiological impact. Reliable bioassays must be coupled with advanced biochemical and molecular genetic technologies to overcome limitations imposed by the typically low endogenous levels of individual neuropeptides. Purification, amino acid sequencing, and gene cloning provide the molecular tools necessary for studies on neuropeptide synthesis, processing, secretion, receptor binding, and inactivation. Each of these areas consists of a number of amino acid sequence-, and enzyme-dependent steps which may be considered as targets for the development of highly specific control agents. These agents will include antagonist and superagonists, peptidomimetics, recombinant peptides delivered through the baculovirus technology, receptor blockers, and enzyme inhibitors.
通过对神经肽的分子描述、其生物合成、作用及降解的研究，已揭示出开发昆虫控制剂的新方法。将神经肽用作开发控制剂的先导物的前提是要透彻了解神经肽的生物化学及其生理影响。可靠的生物测定必须与先进的生化和分子遗传技术相结合，以克服由于单个神经肽通常内源性水平较低所带来的限制。纯化、氨基酸测序和基因克隆为研究神经肽的合成、加工、分泌、受体结合及失活提供了必要的分子工具。这些领域中的每一个都包含许多依赖氨基酸序列和酶的步骤，这些步骤可被视为开发高度特异性控制剂的靶点。这些控制剂将包括拮抗剂和超激动剂、肽模拟物、通过杆状病毒技术递送的重组肽、受体阻滞剂和酶抑制剂。
