Molecular basis of pheromonogenesis regulation in moths

Authors: Hull, Joe; FONAGY, ADRIEN - Hungarian Academy Of Sciences

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/9/2018
Publication Date: 5/17/2019
Citation: Hull, J.J., Fonagy, A. 2019. Molecular basis of pheromonogenesis regulation in moths. In: Picimbon, J.F., editor. Olfactory Concepts of Insect Control - Alternative to insecticides. Cham, Switzerland: Springer. p. 115-202. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05060-3_8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05060-3_8

Interpretive Summary: For many moths, females release sex pheromones as a means of signaling their sexual maturity and location to males. The synthesis and release of these pheromones is tightly regulated by pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN), which acts directly on pheromone producing cells via a cell surface receptor termed the PBAN receptor (PBANR). Given the critical role PBAN and PBANR have in moth mating, targeted disruption of their functionality has great potential for the control of diverse lepidopteran (i.e. caterpillar) pests. Consequently, elucidating the molecular basis underlying conversion of the extracellular PBAN signal into pheromone production has been a focus of research. Studies over the past 20-30 years utilizing pharmacological, molecular, biochemical, and behavioral techniques with a multitude of species of moths have contributed to the development of a general model of PBAN regulation. This chapter summarizes that research and highlights recent developments in the literature that disrupt/exploit this critical pathway.

Technical Abstract: Sexual communication among the vast majority of moths typically involves the synthesis and release of species-specific, multicomponent blends of sex pheromones (types of insect semiochemicals) by females. These compounds are then interpreted by conspecific males as olfactory cues regarding female reproductive readiness and assist in pinpointing the spatial location of emitting females. Studies by multiple groups using different model systems have shown that most sex pheromones are synthesized de novo from acetyl-CoA by functionally specialized cells that comprise the pheromone gland. Although significant progress was made in identifying pheromone components and elucidating their biosynthetic pathways, it wasn’t until the advent of modern molecular approaches and the increased availability of genetic resources that a more complete understanding of the molecular basis underlying pheromonogenesis was developed. Pheromonogenesis is regulated by a neuropeptide termed Pheromone Biosynthesis Activating Neuropeptide (PBAN) that acts on a G protein-coupled receptor expressed at the surface of pheromone gland cells. Activation of the PBAN receptor (PBANR) triggers a signal transduction cascade that utilizes an influx of extracellular Ca2+ to drive the concerted action of multiple enzymatic steps (i.e. chain-shortening, desaturation, and fatty acyl reduction) that generate the multicomponent pheromone blends specific to each species. In this chapter, we provide a brief overview of moth sex pheromones before expanding on the molecular mechanisms regulating pheromonogenesis, and conclude by highlighting recent developments in the literature that disrupt/exploit this critical pathway.