Methods for deployment of spider venom peptides as bioinsecticides

摘要: Despite intensive control measures, insect pests cause enormous damage to crops and stored grain. In addition, insects vector some of the world's most devastating human diseases, including malaria, dengue Chagas disease. Chemical insecticides remain dominant method controlling but arsenal extant is rapidly diminishing due evolution resistance in pest species a more difficult regulatory environment heightened concern about potential adverse impacts chemical on health environment. Along with predatory beetles, spiders are successful predators planet their venoms contain diverse array small, disulfide-rich insecticidal peptides. addition being potent highly selective for insects, they collectively offer very pharmacology should degrade innocuous breakdown products field. However, major disadvantage low level intrinsic oral activity. Consequently, much research has been directed towards improving activity these peptide toxins or, alternatively, obviating problem altogether by incorporating transgenes encoding into suitable biological delivery vehicles. Here, we discuss recent advances both areas. We also an approach that merges advantages small-molecule peptide-based insecticides, namely using pharmacophore spider-venom rationally develop mimetic improved activity, retains novel insecticide target.