Enzymes in the juvenile hormone biosynthetic pathway can be potential targets for pest control

Discovery of novel insecticides and targets has received global attention in recent years. Ten genes coding for enzymes involved in the juvenile hormone biosynthetic pathway of Manduca sexta were studied as potential insecticide targets.

We determined the expression of genes encoding some critical enzymes in the JH biosynthetic pathway. Farnesol dehydrogenase (FOLD), Juvenile hormone acid O-methyltransferase (JHAMT) and Juvenile hormone epoxidase (CYP15C1) were selected as the candidate targets based on gene expression results. RNAi silencing and enzyme inhibitor tests were performed to validate whether these candidate genes could be the potential insecticide targets. The down-regulation of FOLD, JHAMT and CYP15C1 resulted in a 68%, 82% and 79% reduction in the rates of JH biosynthesis in vitro, respectively. In addition, RNA interference and inhibitor studies of these enzymes following oral administration demonstrated the potential application in pest management, with respect to high mortality and effects on growth.

Based on our study, FOLD, JHAMT and CYP15C1 could be potential targets for pest control as a consequence of their important roles in insect development. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.