A Novel Peptidomimetic Insecticide: Dippu-AstR-Based Rational Design and Biological Activity of Allatostatin Analogs.

Insect neuropeptides play an essential role in regulating growth, development, reproduction, nerve conduction, metabolism, and behavior in insects; therefore, G protein-coupled receptors of neuropeptides are considered important targets for designing green insecticides. Cockroach-type allatostatins (ASTs) (FGLamides allatostatins) are important insect neuropeptides in Diploptera punctata that inhibit juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis in the corpora allata and affect growth, development, and reproduction of insects. Therefore, the pursuit of novel insecticides targeting the allatostatin receptor (AstR) holds significant importance. Previously, we identified an AST analogue, H17, as a promising candidate for pest control. Herein, we first modeled the 3D structure of AstR in D. punctata (Dippu-AstR) and predicted the binding mode of H17 with Dippu-AstR to study the critical interactions and residues favorable to its bioactivity. Based on this binding mode, we designed and synthesized a series of H17 derivatives and assessed their insecticidal activity against D. punctata. Among them, compound Q6 showed higher insecticidal activity than H17 against D. punctata by inhibiting JH biosynthesis, indicating that Q6 is a potential candidate for a novel insect growth regulator (IGR)-based insecticide. Moreover, Q6 exhibited insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella, indicating that these AST analogs may have a wider insecticidal spectrum. The underlying mechanisms and molecular conformations mediating the interactions of Q6 with Dippu-AstR were explored to understand its effects on the bioactivity. The present work clarifies how a target-based strategy facilitates the discovery of new peptide mimics with better bioactivity, enabling improved IGR-based insecticide potency in sustainable agriculture.

Evaluation of Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) as biological pesticides for control of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are biological hormone analogue or mimics used as pesticides to inhibit the growth of larva during their molting and skin shedding. This study aimed to test the effect of IGRs on the eggs hatching and post-hatching inhibition of Aedes mosquitoes and understanding its effect in the mosquito breeding habitats for reduction in adult emergence. METHODS: Experiments on the evaluation of three insect growth regulators (IGRs) for the control of different stages of Aedes aegypti was carried out during 2020-21. Each experiment consisted of four treatments viz., Pyriproxyfen, Novaluron, and Larvicol at 1.0 ppm and distilled water as a control. All experiments were carried out in completely randomized design (CRD) except eggs which were carried out in factorial design each with three replications. RESULTS: All tested IGRs performed better in affecting eggs, larval and pupal stages of Ae. aegypti. Highest eggs hatching inhibition (80%) of fresh eggs occurred in Pyriproxyfen followed by Novaluron (66%) and lowest in Larvicol (62%). Eggs hatch inhibition of embryonated eggs was lower than fresh eggs. Pyriproxyfen caused 69%, Novaluron 59% and Larvicol 39% eggs hatch inhibition of embryonated eggs. Both Pyriproxyfen and Novaluron performed better in causing 98-100% larval mortality followed by Larvicol (39%). Larval development to pupal stage was completely prevented by both Pyriproxyfen and Novaluron. Although Larvicol resulted in lowest eggs hatch and larval inhibition but prevented pupae to emerge as adults. Results further showed 70-89% mortality of 3rd instar larvae of Ae. aegypti when exposed to Pyriproxyfen and Novaluron solutions after 30 days storage at lab. temperature (27±2°C), RH 70±5. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: None of the IGRs was more effective at the pupal stage but showed carry-on activity of growth inhibition and mortality of the successive stages of development when used against eggs stages. Therefore, we recommend early application of IGRs at mosquito habitats during the beginning and onset of the season when very early stages of mosquitoes are available in the field.

A Potential Multitarget Insect Growth Regulator Candidate: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity of Novel Acetamido Derivatives Containing Hexacyclic Pyrazole Carboxamides.

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are important green insecticides that disrupt normal growth and development in insects to reduce the harm caused by pests to crops. The ecdysone receptor (EcR) and three chitinases OfChtI, OfChtII, and OfChi-h are closely associated with the molting stage of insects. Thus, they are considered promising targets for the development of novel insecticides such as IGRs. Our previous work identified a dual-target compound 6j, which could act simultaneously on both EcR and OfChtI. In the present study, 6j was first found to have inhibitory activities against OfChtII and OfChi-h, too. Subsequently, taking 6j as a lead compound, 19 novel acetamido derivatives were rationally designed and synthesized by introducing an acetamido moiety into the amide bridge based on the flexibility of the binding cavities of 6j with EcR and three chitinases. Then, their insecticidal activities against Plutella xylostella (P. xylostella), Ostrinia furnacalis (O. furnacalis), and Spodoptera frugiperda (S. frugiperda) were carried out. The bioassay results revealed that most of these acetamido derivatives possessed moderate to good larvicidal activities against three lepidopteran pests. Especially, compound I-17 displayed excellent insecticidal activities against P. xylostella (LC50, 93.32 mg/L), O. furnacalis (LC50, 114.79 mg/L), and S. frugiperda (86.1% mortality at 500 mg/L), significantly better than that of 6j. In addition, further protein validation and molecular docking demonstrated that I-17 could act simultaneously on EcR (17.7% binding activity at 8 mg/L), OfChtI (69.2% inhibitory rate at 50 µM), OfChtII (71.5% inhibitory rate at 50 µM), and OfChi-h (73.9% inhibitory rate at 50 µM), indicating that I-17 is a potential lead candidate for novel multitarget IGRs. This work provides a promising starting point for the development of novel types of IGRs as pest management agents.

Chronic Effects of an Insect Growth Regulator (teflubenzuron) on the Life Cycle and Population Growth Rate of Folsomia candida.

Current standard toxicity tests on nontarget soil invertebrates mainly focus on the endpoints survival and reproduction. Such results are likely insufficient to predict effects at higher organizational levels, for example, the population level. We assessed the effects of exposure to the pesticide teflubenzuron on the collembolan Folsomia candida, by performing a full life-cycle experiment exposing single individuals via contaminated food (uncontaminated control and 0.2, 0.32, 0.48, 0.72, 1.08, and 1.6 mg/kg dry yeast). Several life-history traits were considered by following the growth and development of newly hatched individuals over a period of 65 days. We assessed survival, body length, time to first oviposition, cumulative egg production, and hatchability of eggs. A two-stage model was applied to calculate the population growth rate (λ) combined with elasticity analysis to reveal the relative sensitivity of λ to the effects of teflubenzuron on each life-history parameter. Body length was the least sensitive life-history parameter (median effective concentration = 1.10 mg teflubenzuron/kg dry yeast) followed by time to first oviposition (0.96 mg/kg), survival (median lethal concentration = 0.87 mg/kg), cumulative egg production (0.32 mg/kg), and egg hatchability (0.27 mg/kg). Population growth decreased with increasing concentrations of teflubenzuron (λ = 1.162/day in control to 1.005/day in 0.72 mg/kg dry yeast, with populations going extinct at 1.08 and 1.6 mg/kg dry yeast). Elasticity analysis showed that changes in juvenile survival had a greater impact on the population growth rate compared with the other life-history traits. Our study provides a comprehensive overview of individual-level effects of long-term exposure to teflubenzuron and integrates these effects to assess the potential risk to collembolan populations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1173-1183. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Ecdysone and gene expressions for chromatin remodeling, histone modification, and Broad Complex in relation to pupal commitment in Bombyx mori.

In the present study, we tried to clarify when and how pupal commitment (PT) better to use PC occurs and what is involved in the PT of Bombyx mori. To clarify this, we examined the responsiveness of a wing disc to ecdysone, referring to metamorphosis-related BR-C, development-related Myc and Wnt, and chromatin remodeling-related genes at around the predicted PT stage of the Bombyx wing disc. Wing disc responsiveness to juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysone was examined using Methoprene and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) in vitro. The body weight of B. mori increased after the last larval ecdysis, peaked at Day 5 of the fifth larval instar (D5L5), and then decreased. The responsiveness of the wing disc to JH decreased after the last larval ecdysis up to D3L5. Bmbr-c (the Broad Complex of B. mori) showed enhanced expression in D4L5 wing discs with 20E treatment. Some chromatin remodeler and histone modifier genes (Bmsnr1, Bmutx, and Bmtip60) showed upregulation after being cultured with 20E in D4L5 wing discs. A low concentration of 20E is suggested to induce responsiveness to 20E in D4L5 wing discs. Bmbr-c, Bmsnr1, Bmutx, and Bmtip60 were upregulated after being cultured with a low concentration of 20E in D4L5 wing discs. The expression of Bmmyc and Bmwnt1 did not show a change after being cultured with or without 20E in D4L5 wing discs, while enhanced expression was observed with 20E in D5L5 wing discs. From the present results, we concluded that PT of the wing disc of B. mori occurred beginning on D4L5 with the secretion of low concentrations of ecdysteroids. Bmsnr1, Bmutx, Bmtip60, and BR-C are also involved.

Effects of the Insect Growth Regulators Azadirachtin, Pyriproxyfen, and Tebufenozide on the Fatty Acid Metabolome of Bactrocera Dorsalis Larvae.

Insects' lipids, including fatty acids, as the second largest constituents in insects, play a variety of fundamental and vital functions. However, there is a lack of reports on the effects of insect growth regulators on fatty acid profiles and metabolic mechanisms. Therefore, in this study, a comparative study of three growth regulators, azadirachtin, pyriproxyfen, and tebufenozide, on fatty acids was carried out using a targeted metabolomics approach to fill this gap. The results showed that when exposed to azadirachtin, pyriproxyfen, and tebufenozide, there were 14, 17, and 11 differentially regulated fatty acids, respectively. The pathway of biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids was the common shared pathway, while fatty acid biosynthesis and linoleic acid metabolism were the specific pathways affected by the 3 insect growth regulators. Therefore, the results could be helpful to deepen the effects of azadirachtin and insect growth regulators on terrestrial insects.

Accelerating sexual maturation of male Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) fruit flies by adding two juvenile hormone analogues.

BACKGROUND: Improving the mating competitiveness and survival of sterile males are direct means to increase the effectiveness of the sterile insect technique (SIT). Some insecticide growth regulators, such as the juvenile hormone analogue (JHA) methoprene, have been used to improve the mating competitiveness of male tephritid flies by reducing their sexual maturation period. However, the application of methoprene reduces fly resistance to stress and decreases survival. Here, we compared the effects of methoprene and pyriproxyfen (PPF), another JHA, in Anastrepha ludens males. PPF is an insect growth regulator that exhibits higher negative effects on the larval molting process than methoprene or natural juvenile hormone. Both compounds were administered at two doses (0.05% and 0.10%) via the male diet immediately after emergence. RESULTS: Our results show that both PPF and methoprene reduced male sexual maturation. However, PPF-treated males exhibited a shorter maturation period and obtained more matings at a given age than methoprene-treated males. No significant differences were observed between the two PPF doses tested (0.05% and 0.10%). Male survival was equally reduced by the two compounds. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that PPF accelerated sexual development without reducing the mating propensity of sterile male flies and can be used as a suitable alternative for methoprene. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Quercetin stimulates an accelerated burst of oviposition-based reproductive strategy in codling moth controlled by juvenile hormone signaling pathway.

The advantageous characteristics of invasive pests, particularly their ability to reproduce and adapt to the environment, have been observed. However, it remains unclear what specific inherent superiority enables fruit pests to successfully invade and dominate in interactions with other species. In this study, we report that Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus), a notorious invasive pest of pome fruits and walnuts globally, employs unique reproductive strategies in response to quercetin, a plant compound in host fruits. By monitoring adult dynamics and fruit infestation rates, we observed a competitive relationship between C. pomonella and the native species Grapholita molesta (Busck). C. pomonella was able to occupy vacant niches to ensure its population growth. We also found that quercetin had different effects on the reproductive capacity and population growth of C. pomonella and G. molesta. While quercetin stimulated the fecundity and population growth of G. molesta, it inhibited C. pomonella. However, C. pomonella was able to rapidly increase its population after exposure to quercetin by adopting an 'accelerated burst' of oviposition strategy, with each individual making a greater reproductive contribution compared to the control. We further demonstrated that the effect of quercetin on oviposition is regulated by the juvenile hormone (JH) signaling pathway in C. pomonella, allowing it to prioritize survival. The enhanced reproductive fitness of G. molesta in response to quercetin is attributed to the regulation of JH titers and key genes such as Met and Kr-h1, which in turn up-regulate reproduction-related genes Vg and VgR. In contrast, C. pomonella is inhibited. These findings shed light on the mechanisms interspecific competition and help to improve our understanding of the global spread of C. pomonella, which can be attributed to its inherent superiority in terms of reproductive strategy.

A short neuropeptide F analog (sNPF), III-2 may particularly regulate juvenile hormone III to influence Spodoptera frugiperda metamorphosis and development.

Allatostatin (AS) or Allatotropin (AT) is a class of insect short neuropeptide F (sNPF) that affects insect growth and development by inhibiting or promote the synthesis of juvenile hormone (JH) in different insects. III-2 is a novel sNPF analog derived from a group of nitroaromatic groups connected by different amino acids. In this study, we found that III-2 showed high insecticidal activity against S. frugiperda larvae with a LC50 of 18.7 mg L-1. As demonstrated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), III-2 particularly facilitated JH III and hindered 20E synthesis in S. frugiperda. The results of RNA-Seq and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) showed that III-2 treatment promoted the expression of key genes such as SfCYP15C1 in JH synthesis pathway and inhibited the expression of SfCYP314A1 and other genes in the 20E synthetic pathway. Significant differences were also observed in the expression of the genes related to cuticle formation. We report for the first time that sNPF compounds specifically interfere with the synthesis and secretion of a certain JH in insects, thus affecting the ecdysis and growth of insects, and leading to death. This study may provide a new plant conservation concept for us to seek the targeted control of certain insects based on specific interference with different JH.

Mechanism of destruxin a inhibits juvenile hormone binding protein transporting juvenile hormone to affect insect growth.

Destruxin A, a non-ribosomal peptide toxin produced by Metarhizium, exhibits potent insecticidal activity by targeting various tissues, organs, and cells of insects. Our previous research has revealed that DA possesses the ability to bind to multiple proteins. In this study, we aimed to identify the most sensitive binding proteins of DA and investigate the physiological processes in which DA regulated. Through RNAi technology, we screened 22 binding proteins of DA in silkworm hemolymph. Among them, the juvenile hormone binding protein (JHBP), a hormone transport protein crucial for growth and development regulation, exhibited the highest sensitivity to DA. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that DA could inhibit the body weight gain of silkworm larvae, accelerate the pupation occurrence, and modulate the content of free juvenile hormone (JH) in the hemolymph. We also observed that DA could induce conformational changes in both the JHBP and the JHBP-JH binding complex. Notably, at low dosage, DA influenced the binding of JHBP to JH, while at high dosage, it irreversibly affected the binding of JHBP to JH. Molecular docking and point-mutant experiments suggested that DA might affect the N-arm of JHBP, which is responsible for JH binding. Additionally, we discovered that JHBP is widely distributed in various tissues of the silkworm, including the epidermis, gut, fat body, Malpighian tubule, gonad, muscle, trachea, and hemocyte. This study provides novel insights into the insecticidal mechanism of DA and enhances our understanding of the pathogenic process of Metarhizium.

The promoting effects of pyriproxyfen on autophagy and apoptosis in silk glands of non-target insect silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Pyriproxyfen is a juvenile hormone analogue. The physiological effects of its low-concentration drift during the process of controlling agricultural and forestry pests on non-target organisms in the ecological environment are unpredictable, especially the effects on organs that play a key role in biological function are worthy of attention. The silk gland is an important organ for silk-secreting insects. Herein, we studied the effects of trace pyriproxyfen on autophagy and apoptosis of the silk gland in the lepidopteran model insect, Bombyx mori (silkworm). After treating fifth instar silkworm larvae with pyriproxyfen for 24 h, we found significant shrinkage, vacuolization, and fragmentation in the posterior silk gland (PSG). In addition, the results of autophagy-related genes of ATG8 and TUNEL assay also demonstrated that autophagy and apoptosis in the PSG of the silkworm was induced by pyriproxyfen. RNA-Seq results showed that pyriproxyfen treatment resulted in the activation of juvenile hormone signaling pathway genes and inhibition of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling pathway genes. Among the 1808 significantly differentially expressed genes, 796 were upregulated and 1012 were downregulated. Among them, 30 genes were identified for autophagy-related signaling pathways, such as NOD-like receptor signaling pathway and mTOR signaling pathway, and 30 genes were identified for apoptosis-related signaling pathways, such as P53 signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway. Further qRT-PCR and in vitro gland culture studies showed that the autophagy-related genes Atg5, Atg6, Atg12, Atg16 and the apoptosis-related genes Aif, Dronc, Dredd, and Caspase1 were responsive to the treatment of pyriproxyfen, with transcription levels up-regulated from 24 to 72 h. In addition, ATG5, ATG6, and Dronc genes had a more direct response to pyriproxyfen treatment. These results suggested that pyriproxyfen treatment could disrupt the hormone regulation in silkworms, promoting autophagy and apoptosis in the PSG. This study provides more evidence for the research on the damage of juvenile hormone analogues to non-target organisms or organs in the environment, and provides reference information for the scientific and rational use of juvenile hormone pesticides.

Investigating the Regulatory Mechanism of the Sesquiterpenol Nerolidol from a Plant on Juvenile Hormone-Related Genes in the Insect Spodoptera exigua.

Various plant species contain terpene secondary metabolites, which disrupt insect growth and development by affecting the activity of juvenile hormone-degrading enzymes, and the juvenile hormone (JH) titers maintained in insects. Nerolidol, a natural sesquiterpenol belonging to the terpenoid group, exhibits structural similarities to insect JHs. However, the impact of nerolidol on insect growth and development, as well as its underlying molecular mechanism, remains unclear. Here, the effects of nerolidol on Spodoptera exigua were investigated under treatment at various sub-lethal doses (4.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.25 mg/mL). We found that a higher dose (4.0 mg/mL) of nerolidol significantly impaired the normal growth, development, and population reproduction of S. exigua, although a relatively lower dose (0.25 mg/mL) of nerolidol had no significant effect on this growth and development. Combined transcriptome sequencing and gene family analysis further revealed that four juvenile hormone esterase (JHE)-family genes that are involved in juvenile hormone degradation were significantly altered in S. exigua larvae after nerolidol treatment (4.0 mg/mL). Interestingly, the juvenile hormone esterase-like (JHEL) gene Sexi006721, a critical element responsive to nerolidol stress, was closely linked with the significant augmentation of JHE activity and JH titer in S. exigua (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.01). Taken together, we speculate that nerolidol can function as an analog of JH by modulating the expression of the enzyme genes responsible for degrading JH, resulting in JH disorders and ultimately disrupting the development of insect larvae. This study ultimately provides a theoretical basis for the sustainable control of S. exigua in the field whilst proposing a new perspective for the development of novel biological pesticides.

Juvenile hormone receptor Methoprene tolerant: Functions and applications.

During the past 15years, after confirming Methoprene tolerant (Met) as a juvenile hormone (JH) receptor, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the function of Met in supporting JH signal transduction. Met role in JH regulation of development, including metamorphosis, reproduction, diapause, cast differentiation, behavior, im`munity, sleep and epigenetic modifications, have been elucidated. Met's Heterodimeric partners involved in performing some of these functions were discovered. The availability of JH response elements (JHRE) and JH receptor allowed the development of screening assays in cell lines and yeast. These screening assays facilitated the identification of new chemicals that function as JH agonists and antagonists. These new chemicals and others that will likely be discovered in the near future by using JH receptor and JHRE will lead to highly effective species-specific environmentally friendly insecticides for controlling pests and disease vectors.

Influence of juvenile hormone analog on behavior in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta.

Division of labor is a hallmark characteristic of social insect colonies. While it is understood that worker differentiation is regulated through either the queen or her brood, the understanding of the physiology behind task regulation varies within social species. Studies in eusocial insects have shown that juvenile hormone (JH) is associated with division of labor and the onset of foraging tasks. Although, outside of a few key species, this interaction has yet to be elucidated in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. In this study, we evaluated the role of a JH analog, S-hydroprene in worker task transition in Solenopsis invicta. S-hydroprene was applied to nurses to observe behavioral changes. S-hyroprene application to nurses did not affect phototaxis, but there was a shift in behavior from internal, nest-based behaviors to external, foraging-based behaviors. These results show that JH may be implicated in worker task transition in S. invicta and may function similarly as it does in other eusocial insects.

Synthesis of 1,4-benzodioxan derivatives and the evaluation of their biological activity as a novel juvenile hormone signaling inhibitor.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile hormone (JH) signaling inhibitors may be used as insect growth regulators because of their ability to control metamorphosis and reproduction in insects by regulating the action of JH. RESULTS: We identified ethyl (E)-3-(4-{[7- (4-methoxycarbonylbenzyloxy)-1,4-benzodioxan-6-yl]methyl}phenyl)prop-2-enoate (EMBP) and observed its strong precocious metamorphosis-inducing activity against silkworm larvae. To further elucidate its mechanism of action, we investigated the effect of EMBP on the JH-mediated signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. In a reporter assay using a Bombyx mori cell line, EMBP strongly suppressed the induction of reporter gene expression by Juvenile hormone I (JH I) in a concentration-dependent manner. A parallel rightward shift was observed in the dose-response curve of JH I after treatment with EMBP, indicating that EMBP competitively inhibited JH. Moreover, we monitored developmental changes in the JH-responsive gene, Krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1), and ecdysone-responsive gene, Broad-Complex (BRC), in EMBP-treated silkworm larvae. EMBP suppressed only the expression of Kr-h1 in third-instar larvae. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that EMBP specifically regulates the JH-mediated Kr-h1 signaling pathway. EMBP could be used as a lead compound in the development of new insect growth regulators. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative bioactivity of S-methoprene and novel S-methobutene against mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae).

Mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses significantly impact public health and human well-being. To address this concern, environmentally compatible larvicides have become a critical component of integrated mosquito management. However, the number of available larvicides is at a historical low. Currently, larvicides that harness microbials and insect growth regulators account for most products. Screening of new active ingredients (AIs) or improvement of existing AIs is thus necessary to augment the capacity for mosquito control. S-methoprene possesses a similar molecular structure and identical function to mosquito juvenile hormone and has been one of the main targets for research and development. The efficacy and safety of S-methoprene have been well documented since the late 1960s, and numerous products have been commercialized to combat pests of economic importance. However, S-methoprene is vulnerable to environmental factors that lead to its degradation, which has created challenges in formulation development, particularly where extended efficacy is desired. A derivative of S-methoprene, namely S-methobutene, with molecular modification has become available. This derivative has demonstrated an enhanced activity of inhibition of emergence (IE) against species across the Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex genera at IE10, IE50, and IE90. Furthermore, S-methobutene consistently outperformed S-methoprene during a 120-day aging process against the southern house mosquito Cx. quinquefasciatus, where the IE% in S-methobutene was significantly higher than that in S-methoprene on most aging intervals. The former had significantly longer residual activity than the latter. The potential of S-methobutene for further development and application is discussed in consideration of its enhanced activity and stability.

A Potential Lead for Insect Growth Regulator: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity Evaluation of Novel Hexacyclic Pyrazolamide Derivatives.

Ecdysone receptor (EcR) and chitinase play a critical role in the molting stage of insect pests. Each of them is considered a promising target for the development of novel insect growth regulators (IGRs). In the present paper, a total of 24 (23 novel) hexacyclic pyrazolamide derivatives were designed and synthesized by reducing the heptacycle and inserting small flexible linkers on the basis of the previously discovered dual-target compound D-27 acting simultaneously on EcR and Ostrinia furnacalis chitinase (OfChtI). Their insecticidal activities against Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera frugiperda, and Ostrinia furnacalis larvae were evaluated. The results revealed that the insecticidal activity was not significantly enhanced when the heptacycle on the pyrazole ring was reduced to a hexacycle. However, the insertion of an additional methylene spacer between the substituted phenyl ring and the amide bond can improve the insecticidal activity. Among the derivatives, the most potent compound, 6j, exhibited promising insecticidal activities against P. xylostella and S. frugiperda. Further protein binding assays and molecular docking indicated that 6j could target both EcR and OfChtI, and is a potential lead compound for IGRs. The present work provides valuable clues for the development of new dual-target IGRs.

Juvenile hormone suppresses sensory organ precursor determination to block Drosophila adult abdomen morphogenesis.

Juvenile hormone (JH) has a classic "status quo" action at both the pupal and adult molts when administrated exogenously. In Drosophila, treatment with JH at pupariation inhibits the formation of abdominal bristles, which are derived from the histoblasts. However, the mechanism via which JH exerts this effect remains poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the effect of JH on histoblast proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Our results indicated that whereas the proliferation and migration of histoblasts remained unaffected following treatment with a JH mimic (JHM), their differentiation, particularly the specification of sensor organ precursor (SOP) cells, was inhibited. This effect was attributable to downregulated proneural genes achaete (ac) and Scute (sc) expression levels, which prevented the specification of SOP cells in proneural clusters. Moreover, Kr-h1 was found to mediate this effect of JHM. Histoblast-specific overexpression or knockdown of Kr-h1, respectively mimicked or attenuated the effects exerted by JHM on abdominal bristle formation, SOP determination, and transcriptional regulation of ac and sc. These results indicated that the defective SOP determination was responsible for the inhibition of abdominal bristle formation by JHM, which, in turn, was mainly mediated via the transducing action of Kr-h1.

Assessment of insecticide resistance of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) populations to insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen, in the northeast region of Brazil.

Vector control has been an essential strategy in Brazil to manage vector-borne diseases, and the use of insecticides plays an important role in this effort. Pyriproxyfen (PPF) has become a common insect growth regulator used to control juvenile stages of mosquitoes by disturbing their growth and development. This study assesses the susceptibility and resistance status of Brazilian Ae. aegypti populations that previously showed low resistance levels to PPF. Eggs of Ae. aegypti were collected from six cities located in the northeast states of Ceará (Quixadá, Icó, and Juazeiro do Norte), and Bahia (Itabuna, Brumado, and Serrinha). We used the Ae. aegypti Rockefeller strain as an experimental control and a strain known to be susceptible to insecticides. Inhibition of emergence rates by 50% of Ae. aegypti populations varied from 0.0098-0.046 µg/L. Mosquitoes from Icó, Serrinha, and Brumado showed low resistance levels [resistance ratio (RR50) = 2.33, 4.52, and 4.83, respectively], whereas moderate levels of resistance were detected in populations from Juazeiro do Norte (RR50=5.83) and Itabuna (RR50=7.88). Aedes aegypti collected from the Quixadá population showed a high resistance level to pyriproxyfen (RR50=11). The evolution of resistance in Brazilian Ae. aegypti populations to PPF can compromise vector control efforts. Continuous monitoring of insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti is essential for making timely management decisions for effective vector control and management.

Juvenile hormone suppresses the FoxO-takeout axis to shorten longevity in male silkworm.

Juvenile hormone (JH) plays a crucial endocrine regulatory role in insect metamorphosis, reproduction, and longevity in multiple organisms, such as flies, honeybees, and migratory monarch butterflies. However, the molecular mechanism of JH affecting longevity remains largely unknown. In this study, we showed that JH III and its analog methoprene shortened the survival days significantly in the adulthood of male silkworm. At the same time, the allatostatin, a neuropeptide that inhibits the secretion of JH by the corpora allata, could extend the survival days dramatically after adult eclosion in male silkmoth. Interestingly, a central pro-longevity FoxO transcription factor was reduced upon JH stimulation in silkworm individuals and BmN-SWU1 cells. Furthermore, the analysis of the upstream sequence of the FoxO gene identified a JH response element which suggested that FoxO might be regulated as a target of JH. Surprisingly, we identified a Bmtakeout (BmTO) gene that encodes a JH-binding protein and contains a FoxO response element. As expected, FoxO overexpression and knockdown up- and down-regulated the expression of BmTO respectively, indicating that BmTO functions as a FoxO target. BmTO overexpression could release the inhibitory effect of JH on the BmFoxO gene by reducing JH bioavailability to block its signal transduction. Collectively, these results may provide insights into the mechanism of the JH-FoxO-TO axis in aging research and pest control.