NACHO permits functional heterologous expression of an insect homomeric α6 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

Identification of sulfonamide compounds active on the insect nervous system: Molecular modeling, synthesis and biological evaluation

Insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are a recognized target for insecticide design. In this work, we have identified, from a structure-based approach using molecular modeling tools, ligands with potential selective activity for pests versus pollinators. A high-throughput virtual screening with the Openeye software was performed using a library from the ZINC database, thiacloprid being used as the target structure. The top sixteen molecules were then docked in α6 cockroach and honeybee homomeric nAChRs to check from a theoretical point of view relevant descriptors in favor of pest selectivity. Among the selected molecules, one original sulfonamide compound has afterward been synthesized, together with various analogs. Two compounds of this family have been shown to behave as activators of the cockroach cholinergic synaptic transmission.

Pesticide Research and Development: General Discussion and Spinosad Case

On average, it has taken approximately 10 years and $250 million to discover and develop one pesticide out of approximately 100 000 compounds. A successful pesticide researcher nowadays needs to be knowledgeable and skillful in multiple disciplines. As a result of the high costs and unique requirements, only a handful of companies in the world can afford to continue pesticide research and development (R/D) in the $70 billion pesticide market. Pesticide R/D is a high-risk yet high-reward business. In this perspective, pesticide R/D is briefly discussed and a case study is used to illustrate how spinosad was discovered and became a successful product, despite the many challenges facing pesticide R/D.