A sexy moth model - the molecular basis of sex pheromone biosynthesis in the silkmoth Bombyx mori

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

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/12/2019
Publication Date: 3/23/2020
Citation: Hull, J.J., Fónagy, A. 2020. A sexy moth model - The molecular basis of sex pheromone biosynthesis in the silkmoth Bombyx mori. In: Ishikawa, Yukio, editor. Insect Sex Pheromone Research and Beyond. Singapore. Springer. p. 111-150. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-3082-1_6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-3082-1_6

Interpretive Summary: The reproductive behaviors of many insects are coordinated by the synthesis and release of species-specific chemical mixtures that communicate the location of potential mates. Typically produced as blends of volatile compounds with differing chemistries and in varying ratios, these sex pheromones have been the focus of numerous studies. Initially viewed through the prism of pest management, pheromone-based studies have broadened to provide critical insights into the evolutionary underpinnings of insect chemical communication. Since chemical elucidation of the silkmoth (Bombyx mori) sex pheromone in 1959, lepidopteran-based studies have arguably dominated the research field with structural information on pheromonal components for 67 families representing >1500 species. In parallel with the chemical studies, diverse research programs have focused on elucidating the the biochemical and molecular basis underlying sex pheromone biosynthesis. In honor of the 60 year anniversary of the structural determination of (E,Z)-10,12-hexadecadien-1-ol (i.e. bombykol) as the principle silkmoth sex pheromone, we provide a perspective on the spectrum of studies that have made Butenandt’s “sexy” moth one of the principle models for understanding the molecular processes pre- and post-eclosion that culminate in moth sex pheromone production.

Technical Abstract: The reproductive behaviors of many insects are coordinated by the synthesis and release of species-specific chemical mixtures that communicate the location of potential mates. Typically produced as blends of volatile compounds with differing chemistries and in varying ratios, these sex pheromones have been the focus of numerous studies. Initially viewed through the prism of pest management, pheromone-based studies have broadened to provide critical insights into the evolutionary underpinnings of insect chemical communication. Since chemical elucidation of the silkmoth (Bombyx mori) sex pheromone in 1959, lepidopteran-based studies have arguably dominated the research field with structural information on pheromonal components for 67 families representing >1500 species. In parallel with the chemical studies, diverse research programs have focused on elucidating the the biochemical and molecular basis underlying sex pheromone biosynthesis. In honor of the 60 year anniversary of the structural determination of (E,Z)-10,12-hexadecadien-1-ol (i.e. bombykol) as the principle silkmoth sex pheromone, we provide a perspective on the spectrum of studies that have made Butenandt’s “sexy” moth one of the principle models for understanding the molecular processes pre- and post-eclosion that culminate in moth sex pheromone production.