Pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide: from discovery to current status

Area of Science:

• Insect reproductive biology
• Neuroendocrinology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Sex pheromone production in female moths is primarily regulated by pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN).
• PBAN, a 33-amino acid peptide from Helicoverpa zea (Hez-PBAN), is found in both male and female moths, with similar activities reported in other insects.
• PBAN-like activity has been observed in various Lepidoptera species, as well as in a cockroach and a grasshopper.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the structure-activity relationships of Hez-PBAN.
• To identify the potential site of PBAN release and its mechanism of action.
• To explore the genetic and molecular aspects of PBAN synthesis and function.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of C-terminal pentapeptide fragments for pheromonotropic activity.
• Immunohistochemical detection of PBAN-like immunoreactivity in corpora cardiaca.
• Gene cloning and sequencing of Hez-PBAN.
• Initiation of studies on PBAN receptors and metabolic fate.

Main Results:

• The C-terminal pentapeptide of Hez-PBAN exhibits minimum pheromonotropic activity.
• Another pentapeptide fragment also demonstrated high pheromonotropic activity.
• Corpora cardiaca show PBAN-like immunoreactivity and biological activity, suggesting it as a potential release site.
• Evidence indicates PBAN action is mediated by a second messenger system.
• The gene for Hez-PBAN has been successfully cloned and sequenced.

Conclusions:

• The C-terminal region of Hez-PBAN is critical for its pheromonotropic function.
• Corpora cardiaca are likely involved in the release of PBAN.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the PBAN signaling pathway, including receptor identification and metabolic studies.