| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4504269 | Biological Control | 2011 | 8 Pages |
Juvenile hormone esterase (JHE), a member of the carboxylesterase family (EC 3.1.1.1), metabolizes JH that is found in juvenile insects. A highly conserved amphipathic alpha helix is found on the surface of known JHEs. This helix is implicated in receptor-mediated binding and endocytosis of JHE by the pericardial cells resulting in the clearance of JHE activity from the hemolymph. In this study, Lys-204 and Arg-208 of the amphipathic alpha helix of the JHE of Manduca sexta (MsJHE) were mutated to histidine residues generating MsJHE-HH. Pharmacokinetic studies following the injection of MsJHE-HH into the hemocoel of larval M. sexta, Heliothis virescens, and Agrotis ipsilon indicated that MsJHE-HH and wild type MsJHE are cleared at similar rates. The infectivity (lethal concentration and lethal time) of a recombinant baculovirus, AcMsJHE-HH, expressing MsJHE-HH was not significantly different than that of a recombinant baculovirus, AcMsJHE, expressing MsJHE in first instars of H. virescens and A. ipsilon. However, the mass of AcMsJHE-HH-infected larvae was 40–50% lower than that of larvae infected with AcMsJHE, and 70–90% lower than that of wild type AcMNPV-infected larvae.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The amphipathic alpha helix of JH esterase (JHE) of Manduca sexta was mutated. ► A recombinant baculovirus (AcMsJHE-HH) expressing mutated JHE was generated. ► Larvae infected with AcMsJHE-HH showed significantly reduced weight gain. ► Larvae infected with AcMsJHE-HH showed reduced leaf damage.
