Neuropeptide Systems as Targets for Parasite and Pest Control

1. Receptor?Based Discovery Strategies for Insecticides and Parasiticides: A Review Debra Woods, Cheryl Butler, Tracey Williams and Karen Greenwood Abstract Introduction Mechanistic Receptor?Based Screens Selection of Compounds for Screening'Hit?to?Lead': Converting a Mechanistic Screen Active into a Lead Molecule Lead?to?Candidate: Identification of Molecules for Progressionto Market Conclusion and Discussion 2. Nonpeptide Ligands for Peptidergic G Protein?Coupled Receptors Timothy G. Geary Abstract Introduction Druggable Targets in Neuropeptidergic Signaling Neuropeptide?Targeted Drugs: Basic Features Historical Perspectives Screening for Novel Nonpeptide Ligands Discovery of Novel Nonpeptide Ligands through Screening Design Current Status Applications in Invertebrate Systems: General Considerations Conclusion 3. Interaction of Mimetic Analogs of Insect Kinin Neuropeptides with Arthropod Receptors Ronald J. Nachman and Patricia V. Pietrantonio Abstract Introduction Functional Analysis of Arthropod Receptors Selective for Insect Kinins Chemical, Conformational and Stereochemical Aspects of Receptor Interaction Interaction of Biostable Insect Kinin Analogs with Receptors and Activity in In Vitro and In Vivo Bioassays C?Terminal Aldehyde Analogs of Insect Kinins Nonpeptide Mimetic Agonists/Antagonists of Expressed Insect Kinin Receptors Prospects for Enhanced Topical and/or Oral Bioavailability Conclusion 4. Neuropeptides in Helminths: Ocurrence and Distribution Nikki J. Marks and Aaron G. Maule Abstract Introduction Nematode Neuropeptides Platyhelminth Neuropeptides Targets for Parasite Control Conclusion Note Added in Proof 5. Neuropeptide Physiology in Helminths Angela Mousley, Ekaterina Novozhilova, Michael J. Kimber and Tim A. Day Abstract Introduction Neuropeptide Function in Nematodes Neuropeptide Function in Platyhelminths Conclusion 6. Neuropeptide Gene Fa milies in Caenorhabditis elegans Chris Li and KyuhyungKim Abstract Identification of Neuropeptide Genes in C. elegans Expression of Neuropeptide Genes Cleavage and Processing of Neuropeptides Biochemical Isolation of Neuropeptides Neuropeptide Function Behaviors Affected by Multiple Classes of Neuropeptides Neuropeptide Receptors Pharmacology of FLP Neuropeptides Conclusion 7. Control of Nematode Parasites with Agents Acting on Neuro?Musculature Systems: Lessons for Neuropeptide Ligand Discovery Richard J. Martin and Alan P. Robertson Abstract The Existing Anti?Nematodal Drugs with Effects on Neuromuscular Systems Resistance Is Predicted Broad Spectrum or Narrow Spectrum Potential Problems Associated with Neuropeptide Receptors as Target Sites for Anthelmintics High?Throughput Screens for Neuropeptide Ligands Toxicity and Safety Conclusion 8. Neuropeptide signaling in insects Miriam Altstein and Dick R. Nässel Abstract Introduction Neuropeptides: Their biosynthesis, processing and expression Neuropeptides families, GPCRs and peptide functions Insect neuropeptides as potential targets for pest management Conclusion Addendum 9. Neuropeptide Physiology in Insects William G. Bendena Abstract Introduction Neuropeptide Biosynthesis and Action Potential Physiological Targets for Pest Control Future Developments Conclusion 10. Neuropeptide Biology in Drosophila Elke Clynen, Ank Reumer, Geert Baggerman, Inge Mertens and Liliane Schoofs Abstract Introduction: Drosophila as a Model to Study Neuropeptide Signaling Bioinformatics Neuropeptidomics Deorphanization of Drosophila Neuropeptide GPCRs Functional Role of Neuropeptides: Localization, Reverse Genetics and Bioassays Other Neuronal Molecules as Potential Targets for Insecticides Conclusion 11. Neuropeptide Receptors as Possible Targets for Development of Insect Pest Control Agents Matthias B. Van Hiel, Tom Van Loy, Jeroen Poels, Hans Peter Vandersmissen, Heleen Verlinden, Liesbeth Badisco and Jozef Vanden Broeck Abstract Introduction Receptors Controlling Insect
About the Author: TIMOTHY G. GEARY is a Tier I Canada Research Chair and is Professor and Director of the Institute of Parasitology at McGill University in Montréal, Québec, Canada. Geary received a BSc degree from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN (USA) and a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI (USA, 1980). He worked on malaria chemotherapy at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI (USA) until 1985, when he joined The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, MI (USA) as a staff scientist working on discovery of antiparasitic drugs. Geary joined the Faculty at McGill in 2005; research interests include proteomics and genomics analyses of the host-parasite interface, discovery of anthelmintics and the pharmacology of antiparasitic drugs. AARON G. MAULE is a Director of Research for Molecular Biosciences and Professor of Molecular Parasitology at Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland. Maule was awarded a BSc(Hons) in Biology (1986) and a PhD in Experimental Parasitology (1989) at Queen's where he began working on parasite neuromuscular systems. He focused on molecular aspects of parasite neurobiology during postdoctoral positions at Queen's and at The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, MI (USA). Maule returned to Queen's as a member of academic staff in 1995 to pursue the basic biology of helminth signaling systems. Research interests include parasite neurobiology and the development and exploitation of gene silencing platforms for target validation and parasite control.