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Title: Gqalpha-linked PLCbeta and PLCgamma are essential components of the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) signal transduction cascade

Author
item Hull, Joe
item LEE, JAE - Riken Institute
item MATSUMOTO, SHOGO - Riken Institute

Submitted to: Insect Molecular Biology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/17/2010
Publication Date: 8/1/2010
Citation: Hull, J. J., Lee, J. M., Matsumoto, S. 2010. Gq alpha-linked phospholipase C beta1 and phospholipase C gamma are essential components of the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) signal transduction cascade. Insect Molecular Biology. 19(4):553-566.

Interpretive Summary: The mating behaviors of many lepidopteran pests are stimulated by sex pheromones. Consequently, targeted disruption of sex pheromone production pathways has the potential to augment, or even displace, current pest eradication programs. To achieve this goal, we first need a clear understanding of how sex pheromone pathways are regulated. It is already known that the initiation of sex pheromone production is dependent on an influx of calcium through a specific class of cell surface channels, but little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. A series of experiments were conducted using the silkmoth to better resolve our understanding of this issue. We determined the specific molecular identity of three of the proteins that comprise the signal cascade that culminates in the opening of the cell surface channels. This knowledge enhances our understanding of the molecular events involved in initiating sex pheromone production and can be used to facilitate the development of biorationally designed compounds and/or methodologies that will serve as the basis for a new generation of highly selective and ecologically friendly insect control agents.

Technical Abstract: Sex pheromone production for most moths is regulated by pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN). In Bombyx mori, PBAN binding triggers the opening of store-operated Ca2+ channels, suggesting the involvement of a receptor-activated phospholipase C (PLC). In this study, we found that PLC inhibitors U73122 and compound 48/80 reduced sex pheromone production and that intracellular levels of 3H-inositol phosphate species increased following PBAN stimulation. In addition, we amplified cDNAs from pheromone glands corresponding to PLC'1, PLC'4, PLC', and two G protein ' subunits, Go and Gq. In vivo RNA interference-mediated knockdown analyses revealed that BmPLC'1, BmGq1, and unexpectedly, BmPLC'' are part of the PBAN signal transduction cascade.