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Title: MASS SPECTROMETRIC ANALYSIS OF PUTATIVE CAPA-GENE PRODUCTS IN MUSCA DOMESTICA AND NEOBELLIERIA BULLATA

Author
item PREDEL, REINHARD - SAXON ACAD OF SCIENCE
item RUSSELL, WILLIAM - TEXAS A&M UNIV
item TICHY, SHANE - TEXAS A&M UNIV
item RUSSELL, DAVID - TEXAS A&M UNIV
item Nachman, Ronald

Submitted to: Peptides
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/26/2003
Publication Date: 12/1/2003
Citation: Predel, R., Russell, W.K., Tichy, S.E., Russell, D.H., Nachman, R.J. 2003. Mass spectrometric analysis of putative capa-gene products in Musca domestica and Neobellieria bullata. Peptides. 24(10):1487-1491.

Interpretive Summary: Because of problems with the development of resistance to conventional pesticides, there is a critical need for new concepts and alternative approaches in controlling insect pests. The basic premise of this research is that neuropeptides (short chains of amino acids) serve as potent messengers in insects to regulate vital functions. New, selective control measures may be developed by designing metabolically stable mimics of these neuropeptides that actively inhibit or over-stimulate functions regulated by them. We report on the use of state-of-the-art analytical techniques to identify the structures of specific members of the 'capa/PK/PVK' class of neuropeptides from gland tissue of the flesh fly and housefly, the latter a pest of humans and poultry. This neuropeptide class is involved in regulation of aspects of reproduction, development, digestion and water balance in insects. The study further delineates structural features that distinguish members of this neuropeptide class found in these flies from those in several other fly species and a mosquito. These differences make possible the development of neuropeptide mimics that target only specific groups or species of pests. A deeper understanding of how these neuropeptides regulate critical processes in insects will aid in the design of strategies to disrupt feeding and survival. The work brings us one step closer to the development of practical neuropeptide-like substances that will be effective in controlling pest insects in an environmentally friendly fashion.

Technical Abstract: Neuropeptides of the capa-gene are typical of the abdominal neurosecretory system of insects. In this study, we investigated these peptides in two widely distributed and large pest flies, namely Musca domestica and Neobellieria bullata. Using a combination of MALDI-TOF and ESI-QTOF mass spectrometry, periviscerokinins and a pyrokinin were analyzed from single perisympathetic organ preparations. The species-specific peptide sequences differ remarkably between the related dipteran species. These differences could make it possible to develop peptide-analogs with group- or species-specific efficacy.