Exploitation of insect neuropeptides in pest management as a novel strategy: A review

Abstract

Neuropeptides are produced in the cell body of neuron and released into the haemolymph which regulate major bio-chemical, physiological and behavioural activities in insects. Proctolin was the first neuropeptide isolated from Periplanta americana L. during 1975. Modifying the normal function of G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) by blocking or over stimulating its action may either results in the pest death or its normal functions gets disrupted. The novel insect control agents are also developed based on backbone cyclic (BBC) peptidomimetic antagonists of insect-neuropeptides. In this review, backbone cyclic PK⁄ PBAN neuropeptide antagonist (BBC-25) is discussed. The databases for neuropeptides are DINeR, NeuropPedia, NeuroPep, NeuroPID, NeuroPred and NeuroPP. NeuroPIpred is a tool to predict, design and scan insect neuropeptides. The research in the field of neuroendocrinology is still limited, hence the fundamental studies on the neuropeptides as a novel insecticidal agent is vital for the development to proceed in future.