Investigations of Novel Target-Specific Ligands for Acetylcholinesterases of Arthropod Pests

Approach:
We will provide enzymatically active recombinant acetylcholinesterases from several economically important pests, beginning with rBmAChE1, the major acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, and following with AChEs from other pest species, including sand flies, ticks, and biting flies. Cooperator will screen various ligands for specific binding to the AChEs that result in blocking the enzymatic activity. It is also possible that other binding sites may result in pesticidal activity without blocking enzymatic activity. Candidate control ligands will, in turn, be provided to KBUSLIRL scientists for in vivo and in vitro screening to test control efficacy against target pests.