The mode of action of isocycloseram: A novel isoxazoline insecticide

Antiparasitics discovery: from genotype to phenotype to compounds

For decades, the discovery of antiparasitics was dominated by whole-organism screening of intact parasite organisms or surrogate parasite models, such as Caenorhabitis elegans, using in vivo animal models or in vitro parasite assays, the latter also known as phenotypic screening. Molecular target-based screening played only a minor role, if at all. While publications using phenotypic screening are abundant in the literature, publications of successful, marketed, antiparasitic drugs discovered using the molecular target-based approach are scarce. This approach, therefore, is often perceived as less relevant for antiparasitic drug discovery than the two other approaches. However, antiparasitics belonging, for example, to the isoxazolines, bispyrazoles, depsipeptides or praziquantel (PZQ) derivatives, imposingly demonstrate the value of this approach, when wisely used in a cooperative manner with phenotypic screening.

Alkylsulfones: novel chemical scaffolds targeting the vesicular acetylcholine transporter usher in a new generation of insecticides

Insecticides targeting the nervous system have been the most widely used to control arthropod pests due to their fast onset of action leading to efficient crop protection. With their continued use, resistance has and will become an inevitable challenge that demands continued efforts in identifying and developing new insecticidal chemistries acting on novel targets. In a recent publication, the results of a comprehensive study investigating the mode of action of novel chemical scaffolds based on the 2-(3-ethylsulfonyl-2-pyridyl)-heterocycles, alkylsulfones, was presented, concluding that their primary target is the vesicular acetylcholine transporter. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Isocycloseram seed treatment for reducing wireworm populations (Agriotes obscurus) (Coleoptera: Elateridae) and protecting wheat crops in British Columbia

Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae), the larval stage of several economic click beetle species, have become major cereal crop pests in key agricultural regions of Canada and the United States. In recent trials following minimum tillage practices (Alberta), we determined that isocycloseram, the initial isoxazoline agricultural seed treatment developed, provided exceptional control of cereal crop damage, and significantly reduced neonate and resident wireworm populations of the sugarbeet wireworm, Limonius californicus (Mannerheim). Herein we evaluated isocycloseram in cultivated wheat plots (British Columbia) for control of the dusky wireworm, Agriotes obscurus L., and collectively these studies determined that isocycloseram applied at 5.0 to 7.5 g AI/100 kg seed protected crop stand and yield from these species equal to all currently registered wireworm seed-treatment insecticides (ie, neonicotinoids, diamides, and meta-diamides), and significantly reduced resident and neonate wireworms equal to levels expected from the former industry standard lindane. Abiotic and biotic conditions negatively influencing insecticide performance and ways to mitigate them were also identified. These conditions include soil fertility, moisture, and compaction, and planting after most wireworm feeding in the spring has occurred.

Isoxazoline: An Emerging Scaffold in Pesticide Discovery

Isoxazolines are five-membered heterocycle compounds with a wide range of pharmacological and pesticidal activities. Numerous marketed pesticides contain an isoxazoline motif as a key skeleton. Isoxazoline compounds have relatively simple syntheses and wide biological activities against various weeds, bacteria, and other pests. In recent years, they have received increasing attention and are widely used in organic chemistry research, such as intermediate and catalyst ligands in organic synthesis. They also have excellent optoelectronic properties and are widely used in the field of materials. Hence, the exploration of isoxazoline derivatives remains an important research area in pesticide discovery. This review provides an up-to-date overview of isoxazoline heterocycle compounds utilized as pesticides and in pesticide discovery, highlighting their structure and biological properties. It summarizes relevant publications from the last 10 years, offering insights into the recent advancements in this field of research.

The continuing significance of chiral agrochemicals

Chemical crop protection is one of the most cost-effective methods for agriculture, as crop failures can be prevented, and sustainable growth can be enabled regardless of the seasons. Agricultural production must be significantly increased in the future to meet the food needs of a growing world population. However, the continued loss of established active ingredients due to consumer perceptions, changing needs of farmers and ever-changing regulatory requirements is higher than annually new active ingredients introduced to the market. The development of innovative active ingredients is therefore essential to continuously improve the selectivity, efficacy and favorable environmental profile of agrochemicals. Molecules with stereogenic centers can be considered here, as they often have different properties than non-chiral molecules. Natural products and their congeners are still a valuable source of inspiration for chiral agrochemicals. However, only a few novel chiral agrochemicals are currently produced on an industrial scale as pure stereoisomers or in enriched form. As of 2018, around 43% of the 35 chiral products introduced to the market (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, and nematicides) contain one or more stereogenic centers in the molecule, and almost 69% of them have been marketed as racemic mixtures of enantiomers or stereoisomers. Surprisingly, the proportion of chiral agrochemicals is in the same order of magnitude as in the time frame from 2007 to 2017 with around 42%, respectively. This report therefore provides an overview of the continued importance of chiral agrochemicals brought to market in the last 6 years and describes the inherent related challenges of modern agrochemicals through the management of key aspects arising from innovative crop protection products. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

New Isoxazoline Cyclopropyl-Picolinamide Derivatives as Potential Insecticides

Isoxazoline insecticides exhibit broad-spectrum insecticidal activity against insect pests. However, the high toxicity to honeybees limits their application in pest management. To explore reducing the toxicity of isoxazoline derivatives to bees, a series of new isoxazoline cyclopropyl-picolinamide derivatives were designed and synthesized. Bioassays revealed that FSA37 showed excellent insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera litura, and Spodoptera exigua, with LC50 values of 0.077, 0.104, and 0.198 mg/L, respectively. These results surpass those of fluxametamide, which displayed LC50 values of 0.605, 0.853, and 1.254 mg/L. Furthermore, FSA37 exhibited notable insecticidal activity against Solenopsis invicta. Importantly, bee toxicity studies indicated that FSA37 possesses significantly lower acute oral toxicity compared to fluralaner and fluxametamide. Quantum chemical calculations and molecular docking studies suggest that the cyclopropyl-picolinamide fragment may be crucial for both biological activity and the safety of nontarget organisms. In conclusion, FSA37 represents a promising candidate for a highly effective and environmentally friendly insecticide.

Laboratory Evaluation of a Novel Insecticide, Isocycloseram, Against the Common Bed Bug (Cimex lectularius L.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

Isocycloseram is a novel insecticide belonging to the class of isoxazoline (IRAC MoA Group 30) that exhibits excellent efficacy and selectivity against invertebrate pests. We evaluated the efficacy of two 0.1% isocycloseram formulations against a laboratory and four insecticide-resistant field strains of common bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) by direct spray and forced exposure on three surfaces (fabric, vinyl tiles, and unpainted pinewood). Their efficacy was compared with that of five commercial insecticides including Demand CS (0.03% λ-cyhalothrin), Temprid FX (0.05% imidacloprid and 0.025% β-cyfluthrin), Crossfire (0.4% clothianidin, 0.01% metofluthrin, and 1.0% piperonyl butoxide), Bedlam Plus (0.4% d-phenothrin, 1.0% MGK 264, and 0.05% imidacloprid), and PT Phantom II (0.5% chlorfenapyr). Both isocycloseram 45 SC and 400 SC formulations were the most effective among the tested insecticides. The isocycloseram 45 SC formulation caused faster mortality than the 400 SC formulation. Four hours of exposure to 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1% isocycloseram 45 SC residue on porous and non-porous surfaces caused 100% bed bug mortality after 3-4 days. Exposure to 30-day-aged 0.1% isocycloseram 45 SC residue for 4 h still caused 100% mortality, compared to 0-73% mortality by the five commercial insecticides. Isocycloseram is a highly effective compound for controlling resistant C. lectularius populations.

Determining selectivity of isocycloseram and afidopyropen and their compatibility with conservation biological control in Arizona cotton

BACKGROUND

Selective tools, including selective insecticides and transgenic cotton, have been crucial in reducing insecticide usage within the integrated pest management (IPM) plan for Arizona cotton. To guide growers effectively, cotton field trials evaluated the effects of the novel insecticides, isocycloseram and afidopyropen against our primary pests, Bemisia argentifolii and Lygus hesperus, and their impacts on nontarget arthropods, including key predators: Collops spp., Orius tristicolor, Geocoris spp., Misumenops celer, Drapetis nr. divergens and Chrysoperla carnea s.l. Assessments involved over 27 arthropod taxa through community analyses, individual predator abundance, and biological control function via predator to prey ratios and a sentinel prey method. Comparisons were made with an untreated check, a proven fully selective insecticide (flonicamid) and acephate-treated positive controls.

RESULTS

Overall, relative to the untreated check, afidopyropen showed no significant differences, whereas isocycloseram exhibited some negative impacts, primarily reducing M. celer and Geocoris spp. nymphs, yet it was less detrimental compared with the positive control, acephate, and it did not affect four of the six key predators and most nontarget arthropods.

CONCLUSION

Afidopyropen was classified as a fully selective insecticide and isocycloseram as a partially selective insecticide. Their fit for conservation biological control in Arizona cotton IPM and similar systems is discussed. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Efficacy and utility of isocycloseram a novel isoxazoline insecticide against urban pests and public health disease vectors

BACKGROUND

Isoxazolines inhibit γ-aminobutyric acid chloride channels in insects and acarids by binding to postsynaptic receptors. This prevents chloride influx, leading to depolarization/hyperexcitation, paralysis, and death. Here, we evaluated the potential utility of a novel isoxazoline, isocycloseram, against several urban insect pests.

RESULTS

Isocycloseram was active at low doses against the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) [median lethal dose (LD50) 5-15 ng per insect at 72 h, topical assays]; Argentine ant (Linepithema humile Mayr), Pharaoh ant (Monomorium pharaonis (L.), common bed bug (Cimex lectularius (L.) (approximately 40 mg m-2, residual surface spray); Eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) and Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki) (5 μg g-1 w/w, tunneling assays); and mosquito, Anopheles stephensi Liston (120 and 150 mg m-2 treated surfaces, aged indoors for 9 months). Additionally, cockroach gel bait at 1% isocycloseram (w/w) caused 95-100% mortality in German, American (Periplaneta americana (L.), and oriental (Blatta orientalis (L.) cockroaches within 5-14 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Isocycloseram proved to be active against both laboratory and field populations of German cockroaches at doses lower or equal to those of other chemicals. Ants, bed bugs, and mosquitoes readily acquired lethal doses of isocycloseram from different surfaces treated with formulated products. Given its non-repellent nature, delayed effects, and activity at low rates, isocycloseram can be a very effective compound against subsocial, social, and other human disease vector insect pests. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Semi-Preparation and X-ray Single-Crystal Structures of Sophocarpine-Based Isoxazoline Derivatives and Their Pesticidal Effects and Toxicology Study

Recently, research and development of novel pesticides from natural plant products have received much attention. To accelerate the application of sophocarpine as the agrochemical candidate, a series of novel sophocarpine-based isoxazoline derivatives were prepared by the 1,3-dipolar [2 + 3] cycloaddition reaction of sophocarpine with different chloroximes. Their structures were well characterized by high-resolution mass spectra, infrared spectra, and proton/carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Eight steric configurations of compounds 5a, 5e', 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5r, and 5u' were further determined by X-ray single-crystallography. Against Aphis citricola Van der Goot, compounds 5n (LD50: 0.032 μg/nymph) and 5o (LD50: 0.024 μg/nymph) exhibited greater than 3.7- and 4.9-fold potent aphicidal activity compared to sophocarpine (LD50: 0.118 μg/nymph). Against Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval, derivative 5g displayed the most promising acaricidal activity with the LC50 value of 0.247 mg/mL, which was 14.2-fold that of sophocarpine. Compounds 5d and 5g also exhibited good control efficacy against T. cinnabarinus. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated that compound 5g can destroy the mite cuticle layer. These results will provide the foundation for the structural modification and use of sophocarpine derivatives as agrochemicals in the future.

Novel "Phenyl-Pyrazoline-Oxadiazole" Ternary Substructure Derivatives: Synthesis, Insecticidal Activities, and Structure-Activity Relationship Study

In recent years, isoxazole insecticides or parasiticides targeting the γ-aminobutyric acid receptor, such as fluralaner or fluxametamide, featured a novel chemical structure and exhibited potent insecticidal activity with no-cross resistance. Thus, many research institutes have tried to modify the structures of these agents to find a new insecticide. Previously, the majority of researchers stuck to the "phenyl-isoxazole-phenyl" structure, making modifications only to other components. In this study, the "phenyl-isoxazole-phenyl" ternary motif was modified for the first time based on bioisosterism theory. A series of new derivatives carrying pyrazoline and 1,3,4-oxadiazole moieties were designed and synthesized to investigate their insecticidal activities against the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Preliminary bioassay data showed that some of the target compounds exhibited good insecticidal activities against P. xylostella and S. frugiperda. Especially, compound A21 showed insecticidal activity against P. xylostella (LC50 = 1.2 μg/mL) better than commercial insecticide ethiprole (LC50 = 2.9 μg/mL) but worse than parasiticide fluralaner (LC50 = 0.5 μg/mL). Similarly, compound A21 exhibited insecticidal activity to S. frugiperda (LC50 = 13.2 μg/mL) better than commercial insecticide fipronil (LC50 = 78.8 μg/mL) but worse than fluralaner (LC50 = 0.7 μg/mL). Compound A21 could serve as a potential lead compound to control P. xylostella and S. frugiperda. The three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship model revealed that the further introduction of an electron-donating group in the 2- or 3-site may increase the insecticidal activity of A21. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the hydrogen bond of A21 and receptor was important for the binding receptor. This study has identified a new substructure called "phenyl-pyrroline-oxadiazole" instead of the previously known "phenyl-isoxazole-phenyl" substructure, offering a useful guide for the design of novel insecticide molecules.

Isocycloseram, a novel isoxazoline insecticide seed treatment for protection of wheat and barley and mortality of wireworms, Limonius californicus (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

Populations of various economic species of wireworms are increasing in the key cereal crop production areas of Canada and the United States. To address this problem, seed treatments are under development that both provide crop protection and significantly reduce populations equivalent in effectiveness to the formerly used but now deregistered organochlorine lindane. Herein, we evaluated isocycloseram (PLINAZOLIN technology), the first isoxazoline (GABA-gated Chloride Channel Allosteric Modulator) agricultural insecticide, as a seed treatment for the protection of cereal crops from the sugarbeet wireworm, Limonius californicus (Mannerheim). In wheat and barley field trials conducted over 4 years under extreme wireworm pressure, isocycloseram applied as a seed treatment at 5.0-7.5 g AI/100 kg seed was as effective as or more effective than the current industry standard thiamethoxam at 20.0 g AI/100 kg seed in protecting crop stand and yield. Isocycloseram also reduced neonate wireworms (produced from eggs during the growing season) and resident wireworms (in the field at the time of planting) to levels expected from the formerly used seed treatment lindane.

Design, Synthesis, and Insecticidal Activity of Isoxazoline Derivatives Incorporating an Acylhydrazine Moiety

The long-term use of agricultural insecticides has led to the development of resistant strains. In this context, the isoxazoline structure has become an active area of pesticide research owing to its wide insecticidal spectrum, nontoxicity to mammals, and lack of cross-resistance with known insecticides. In the present study, based on the discovery of compound G22 in our previous work, a series of novel isoxazoline compounds containing acylhydrazine were designed and synthesized using a scaffold hopping strategy. The insecticidal activities of the target compounds were assessed, and compound L17 (LC50 = 0.489 mg/L) showed insecticidal activity against Spodoptera frugiperda superior to those of the commercial insecticides indoxacarb (LC50 = 3.14 mg/L) and fluralaner (LC50 = 0.659 mg/L). Theoretical calculations indicated that the introduction of acylhydrazine plays an important role in the biological activity of the target compounds. Furthermore, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and molecular docking results indicated that L17 may act on the GABA receptor of the target insect. These results indicated that L17 is a potential candidate compound for controlling S. frugiperda populations in agriculture.

Chirality in Insecticide Design and Efficacy

Chirality plays a crucial role in the design and efficacy of insecticides, significantly influencing their biological activity, selectivity, and environmental impact. Recent advancements in chiral insecticides have focused on enhancing their effectiveness, reducing toxicity to nontarget organisms, and improving environmental sustainability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on chiral insecticides, including neonicotinoids, isoxazolines, and sulfiliminyls. We discuss the stereochemistry, synthetic development, mode of action, and environmental fate of these compounds. The review highlights the importance of chirality in optimizing insecticidal properties and underscores the need for continued research into novel chiral compounds and advanced synthesis technologies. By understanding the role of chirality, we can develop more effective and environmentally friendly insecticides for sustainable pest management.

Comparative Insecticidal Activity and Mechanism of Isocycloseram versus Other GABAergic Insecticides against the Fall Armyworm

The fall armyworm (FAW) is a serious agricultural pest and has developed resistance to multiple insecticides. It is necessary to introduce novel insecticide(s) for controlling FAW. Isocycloseram is a completely novel isoxazoline insecticide. However, its activity and mode of action against FAW have not been reported. In this study, isocycloseram exhibited a higher insecticidal activity (LC50 = 0.26 mg/kg) than fipronil (LC50 = 7.72 mg/kg) against FAW. The median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of isocycloseram (IC50 = 8.52 nM) was almost equal to that of the desmethyl-broflanilide (IC50 = 7.32 nM) to the SfrRDL1 receptor. The IC50 of isocycloseram to the SfrRDL2 receptor was 11.13 nM, which was obviously less than that of desmethyl-broflanilide, dieldrin, fipronil, fluxametamide. Compared with the SfrRDL2 receptor, the SfrRDL1 receptor exhibited higher sensitivity to GABAergic insecticides. The recombinant SfrGluCl receptor was successfully stimulated by l-glutamate; however, the currents were low and weakly inhibited by isocycloseram at 10 μM. In conclusion, our results provided the theoretical basis for usage of GABAergic insecticides for controlling FAW.

Recent Research Progress in Oxime Insecticides and Perspectives for the Future

In recent decades, the unique structural attributes and purported insecticidal properties of oximes have garnered increasing attention. A variety of insecticides, encompassing fluxametamide, fluhexafon, and lepimectin, have been synthesized, all of which incorporate oximes. This review endeavors to encapsulate the insecticidal efficacy, structure-activity correlations, and operative mechanisms of oxime-containing compounds. Furthermore, it delves into the conceptual frameworks underpinning the design of innovative oxime-based insecticides, thereby shedding light on prospective advancements in this field.

Assessing human carcinogenicity risk of agrochemicals without the rodent cancer bioassay

The rodent cancer bioassays are conducted for agrochemical safety assessment yet they often do not inform regulatory decision-making. As part of a collaborative effort, the Rethinking Carcinogenicity Assessment for Agrochemicals Project (ReCAAP) developed a reporting framework to guide a weight of evidence (WOE)-based carcinogenicity assessment that demonstrates how to fulfill the regulatory requirements for chronic risk estimation without the need to conduct lifetime rodent bioassays. The framework is the result of a multi-stakeholder collaboration that worked through an iterative process of writing case studies (in the form of waivers), technical peer reviews of waivers, and an incorporation of key learnings back into the framework to be tested in subsequent case study development. The example waivers used to develop the framework were written retrospectively for registered agrochemical active substances for which the necessary data and information could be obtained through risk assessment documents or data evaluation records from the US EPA. This exercise was critical to the development of a framework, but it lacked authenticity in that the stakeholders reviewing the waiver already knew the outcome of the rodent cancer bioassay(s). Syngenta expanded the evaluation of the ReCAAP reporting framework by writing waivers for three prospective case studies for new active substances where the data packages had not yet been submitted for registration. The prospective waivers followed the established framework considering ADME, potential exposure, subchronic toxicity, genotoxicity, immunosuppression, hormone perturbation, mode of action (MOA), and all relevant information available for read-across using a WOE assessment. The point of departure was estimated from the available data, excluding the cancer bioassay results, with a proposed use for the chronic dietary risk assessment. The read-across assessments compared data from reliable registered chemical analogues to strengthen the prediction of chronic toxicity and/or tumorigenic potential. The prospective case studies represent a range of scenarios, from a new molecule in a well-established chemical class with a known MOA to a molecule with a new pesticidal MOA (pMOA) and limited read-across to related molecules. This effort represents an important step in establishing criteria for a WOE-based carcinogenicity assessment without the rodent cancer bioassay(s) while ensuring a health protective chronic dietary risk assessment.

Assessment of Boll Weevil Susceptibility to Isocycloseram and Ethiprole and Differential Toxicity to Natural Enemies

Insecticides efficient against the target species while conserving natural enemies in the agroecosystem are required for IPM. With the imminent discontinuation of fipronil, a broad-spectrum insecticide, ethiprole, which belongs to the same group as phenylpyrazole (2B), and isocycloseram, a novel isoxazoline insecticide with distinct mode of action (30), provide options for controlling boll weevil. The susceptibility of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis (Boh.), and two natural enemies [Eriopis connexa (Germar) and Bracon vulgaris Ashmead] to these insecticides were studied. Furthermore, the survival and biological traits of the lady beetle, E. connexa, exposed to fipronil, isocycloseram, and ethiprole were assessed. The LC50s values for fipronil, ethiprole, and isocycloseram for A. grandis grandis were 2.71, 0.32, and 0.025 mg a.i./L, respectively; 0.86, > 200, and 3.21 mg a.i./L for E. connexa; and 2.31, 592.94, and 0.18 mg a.i./L for B. vulgaris, respectively. The recommended rates of ethiprole did not cause mortality in adult lady beetles, although fipronil and isocycloseram were highly toxic. Lady beetle larvae and adults survived more than 80% when exposed to dried residues of ethiprole, but less than 10% when exposed to fipronil and isocycloseram. Lady beetle larvae development, reproduction, and predation rates of adults were similar between ethiprole and the control group. Although fipronil and ethiprole belong to the same insecticide group, the difference in toxicity to boll weevils and natural enemies is presented and discussed. Ethiprole was more toxic to boll weevils than to its parasitoid and lady beetle, and isocycloseram was highly toxic to all three species.

Isocycloseram: A new active ingredient for leaf-cutting ants control

Leaf-cutting ants are the most important pests in several cropping systems in the Neotropics. Granulated baits containing active ingredients, considered hazardous by the Stockholm Convention, are the usual method to control these ants. Isocycloseram is a new insecticide molecule with high safety margin for mammals, but without registration for the ants in general. Thus, this study investigated the effectiveness of granulated baits with isocycloseram in leaf-cutting ants control under laboratory and field conditions. Initially, the mortality of Atta sexdens workers, fed with dehydrated citrus pulp paste containing different concentrations of isocycloseram was evaluated in the laboratory for 21 days, for toxicological classification. Subsequently, the loading, devolution, and incorporation of baits with different concentrations of isocycloseram and the mortality of A. sexdens colonies were evaluated in the laboratory. After that, the percentages of loading and devolution of baits, foraging activity, and colony mortality treated with 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% of isocycloseram were evaluated for the species A. sexdens, A. laevigata, and Acromyrmex lundii in field conditions. All concentrations of isocycloseram killed more than 15% of ants in 24 h and more than 90% in 21 days in the laboratory, being classified as a fast-acting and highly effective active ingredient. Baits with 0.001 to 0.03% of isocycloseram were highly loaded and exhibited low rate of devolution. The mortality of A. sexdens colony was higher at concentrations between 0.075 and 0.3%, in the laboratory. Baits containing isocycloseram at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.3% were highly loaded, presented low devolution rates, and were highly efficient in controlling A. sexdens, A. laevigata, and A. lundii in the field, at dosages of 6, 10, and 12 g/m² of nest. This is the first report of the use of isocycloseram against leaf-cutting ants, contributing to the development of efficient and toxicologically safer ant baits.

Effects of RDL GABA Receptor Point Mutants on Susceptibility to Meta-Diamide and Isoxazoline Insecticides in Drosophila melanogaster

Ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in insects, specifically those composed of the RDL (resistant to dieldrin) subunit, serve as important targets for commonly used synthetic insecticides. These insecticides belong to various chemical classes, such as phenylpyrazoles, cyclodienes, meta-diamides, and isoxazolines, with the latter two potentially binding to the transmembrane inter-subunit pocket. However, the specific amino acid residues that contribute to the high sensitivity of insect RDL receptors to these novel insecticides remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the susceptibility of seven distinct Drosophila melanogaster Rdl point mutants against four meta-diamide and isoxazoline insecticides: isocycloseram, fluxametamide, fluralaner, and broflanilide. Our findings indicate that, despite exhibiting increased sensitivity to fluralaner in vitro, the RdlI276C mutant showed resistance to isocycloseram and fluxametamide. Similarly, the double-points mutant RdlI276F+G279S also showed decreased sensitivity to the tested isoxazolines. On the other hand, the RdlG335M mutant displayed high levels of resistance to all tested insecticides. Molecular modeling and docking simulations further supported these findings, highlighting similar binding poses for these insecticides. In summary, our research provides robust in vivo evidence supporting the idea that the inter-subunit amino acids within transmembrane M1 and M3 domains form the binding site crucial for meta-diamide and isoxazoline insecticide interactions. This study highlights the complex interplay between mutations and insecticide susceptibility, paving the way for more targeted pest control strategies.

A novel class of insecticidal alkylsulfones are potent inhibitors of vesicular acetylcholine transport

Pyridine alkylsulfone derivatives typified by oxazosulfyl (Sumitomo Chemical Company Ltd.) and compound A2 (Syngenta) represent a new class of insecticides, with potent activity against several insect orders. Whilst the MOA of this class has been attributed to interaction with the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC), here we present strong evidence that their toxicity to insects is mediated primarily through inhibition of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). Alkylsulfone intoxication in insects is characterised by (i) a reduction in cholinergic synaptic transmission efficiency demonstrated by a depression of cercal afferent activity in giant-interneurone preparations of American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), (ii) selective block of cholinergic-transmission dependent post-synaptic potentials in the Drosophila giant-fibre pathway and (iii) abolition of miniature excitatory post-synaptic currents (mEPSCs) in an identified synapse in Drosophila larvae. Ligand-binding studies using a tritiated example compound ([3H]-A1) revealed a single saturable binding-site, with low nanomolar Kd value, in membrane fractions of green bottle fly (Lucilia sericata). Binding is inhibited by vesamicol and by several examples of a previously identified class of insecticidal compounds known to target VAChT, the spiroindolines. Displacement of this binding by analogues of the radioligand reveals a strong correlation with insecticidal potency. No specific binding was detected in untransformed PC12 cells but a PC12 line stably expressing Drosophila VAChT showed similar affinity for [3H]-A1 as that seen in fly head membrane preparations. Previously identified VAChT point mutations confer resistance to the spiroindoline class of insecticides in Drosophila by Gal-4/UAS directed expression in cholinergic neurones and by CRISPR gene-editing of VAChT, but none of these flies show detectable cross-resistance to this new chemical class. Oxazosulfyl was previously shown to stabilise voltage-gated sodium channels in their slow-inactivated conformation with an IC50 value of 12.3μM but inhibits binding of [3H]-A1 with approximately 5000 times greater potency. We believe this chemistry class represents a novel mode-of-action with high potential for invertebrate selectivity.

Construction and Single-Crystal Structures of N-Isoxazolin-5-ylcarbonylindole Derivatives, and Their Pesticidal Activities and Toxicology Study

To explore natural product-based pesticide candidates, a series of indole derivatives containing the isoxazoline skeleton at the N-1 position were synthesized by 1,3-dipolar [2 + 3] cycloaddition reaction. Their structures were characterized by melting points (mp), infrared (IR) spectra, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (1H NMR), carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (13C NMR), and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The single-crystal structures of five compounds were presented. Against Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval, compound 3b showed greater than 3.8-fold acaricidal activity of indole and good control effects under glasshouse conditions. Against Aphis citricola Van der Goot, compounds 3b and 3q exhibited 48.3- and 36.8-fold aphicidal activity of indole and 6-methylindole, respectively. Particularly, compound 3b showed good bioactivities against T. cinnabarinus and A. citricola. Against Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann, compound 3h and 3i showed 2.1 and 1.9 times higher aphicidal activity compared to indole. Furthermore, the construction of the epidermal cuticle layer of 3b-treated carmine spider mites was distinctly damaged, which ultimately led to their death.

Functional validation of A2'N mutation of the RDL GABA receptor against fipronil via molecular modeling and genome engineering in drosophila

BACKGROUND

Insect RDL (resistant to dieldrin) receptors are essential pentameric ligand-gated chloride channels that mediate the neuroinhibitory effect of GABA, the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. These receptors serve as primary targets for various insecticides, including noncompetitive antagonists (NCAs) such as cyclodiene organochlorines and phenylpyrazoles, as well as allosteric modulators like meta-diamides and isoxazolines. This study focuses on a newly discovered A2'N mutation within the RDL receptors, identified in fipronil-resistant planthoppers. Despite in vitro electrophysiological studies have proposed its role in conferring target-site resistance, in vivo genetic functional validation of this mutation remains unexplored.

RESULTS

Our research employed toxicity bioassays, assessing various Rdl genotypes against a spectrum of insecticides, including fipronil, α-endosulfan, broflanilide, and isocycloseram. Results revealed distinct resistance profiles for A2'N and A2'S mutants, indicating different binding interactions of RDL receptors with NCAs. Significantly, the A2'N heterozygote showed substantial resistance to fipronil, despite its homozygous lethality. Molecular modeling and docking simulations further supported these findings, highlighting unique binding poses for fipronil and α-endosulfan.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed that A2'N mutation of the RDL GABA receptor confer high resistance to fipronil in vivo. The observed resistance in A2'N mutants is likely attributable to a steric hindrance mechanism, wherein the introduction of larger side chains hampers fipronil binding, even in a heterozygous state. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Discovery of new N-Phenylamide Isoxazoline derivatives with high insecticidal activity and reduced honeybee toxicity

Isoxazoline is a novel structure with strong potential for controlling agricultural insect pests, but its high toxicity to honeybees limits its development in agriculture. Herein, a series of N-phenylamide isoxazoline derivatives with low honeybee toxicity were designed and synthesized using the intermediate derivatization method. Bioassay results showed that these compounds exhibited good insecticidal activity. Compounds 3b and 3f showed significant insecticidal effects against Plutella xylostella (P. xylostella) with median lethal concentrations (LC50) of 0.06 and 0.07 mg/L, respectively, comparable to that of fluralaner (LC50 = 0.02 mg/L) and exceeding that of commercial insecticide fluxametamide (LC50 = 0.52 mg/L). It is noteworthy that the acute honeybee toxicities of compounds 3b and 3f (LD50 = 1.43 and 1.63 μg/adult, respectively) were significantly reduced to 1/10 of that of fluralaner (LD50 = 0.14 μg/adult), and were adequate or lower than that of fluxametamide (LD50 = 1.14 μg/adult). Theoretical simulation using molecular docking indicates that compound 3b has similar binding modes with fluralaner and a similar optimal docking pose with fluxametamide when binding to the GABA receptor, which may contribute to its potent insecticidal activity and relatively low toxicity to honey bees. This study provides compounds 3b and 3f as potential new insecticide candidates and provides insights into the development of new isoxazoline insecticides exhibiting both high efficacy and environmental safety.

Knock-in mutagenesis in Drosophila Rdl underscores the critical role of the conserved M3 glycine in mediating the actions of broflanilide and isocycloseram on GABA receptors

γ-Aminobutyric acid receptors (GABARs) are crucial targets for pest control chemicals, including meta-diamide and isoxazoline insecticides, which act as negative allosteric modulators of insect GABARs. Previous cell-based assays have indicated that amino acid residues in the transmembrane cavity between adjacent subunits of Drosophila RDL GABAR (i.e., Ile276, Leu280, and Gly335) are involved in mediating the action of meta-diamides. In this study, to confirm this result at the organismal level, we employed CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, generated six transgenic Drosophila strains carrying substitutions in these amino acid residues, and investigated their sensitivity to broflanilide and isocycloseram. Flies homozygous for the I276F mutation did not exhibit any change in sensitivity to the tested insecticides compared to the control flies. Conversely, I276C homozygosity was lethal, and heterozygous flies exhibited ∼2-fold lower sensitivity to broflanilide than the control flies. Flies homozygous for the L280C mutation survived into adulthood but exhibited infertility. Both heterozygous and homozygous L280C flies exhibited ∼3- and ∼20-fold lower sensitivities to broflanilide and isocycloseram, respectively, than the control flies. The reduction in sensitivity to isocycloseram in L280C flies diminished to ∼3-fold when treated with piperonyl butoxide. Flies homozygous for the G335A mutation reached the adult stage. However, they were sterile, had small bodies, and exhibited reduced locomotion, indicating the critical role of Gly335 in RDL function. These flies exhibited markedly increased tolerance to topically applied broflanilide and isocycloseram, demonstrating that the conserved Gly335 is the target of the insecticidal actions of broflanilide and isocycloseram. Considering the significant fitness costs, the Gly335 mutation may not pose a serious risk for the development of resistance in field populations of insect pests. However, more careful studies using insect pests are needed to investigate whether our perspective applies to resistance development under field conditions.

A reductionist paradigm for high-throughput behavioural fingerprinting in Drosophila melanogaster

Understanding how the brain encodes behaviour is the ultimate goal of neuroscience and the ability to objectively and reproducibly describe and quantify behaviour is a necessary milestone on this path. Recent technological progresses in machine learning and computational power have boosted the development and adoption of systems leveraging on high-resolution video recording to track an animal pose and describe behaviour in all four dimensions. However, the high temporal and spatial resolution that these systems offer must come as a compromise with their throughput and accessibility. Here, we describe coccinella, an open-source reductionist framework combining high-throughput analysis of behaviour using real-time tracking on a distributed mesh of microcomputers (ethoscopes) with resource-lean statistical learning (HCTSA/Catch22). Coccinella is a reductionist system, yet outperforms state-of-the-art alternatives when exploring the pharmacobehaviour in Drosophila melanogaster.

Insect transient receptor potential vanilloid channels as potential targets of insecticides

Chordotonal organs are miniature sensory organs present in insects. Chordotonal organs depend on transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels are the only TRPs identified that can act as targets of insecticides. By binding with TRPV channels, insecticides targeting the chordotonal organs trigger the inflow of calcium ions, resulting in abnormal function of the chordotonal organ to achieve the goal of eliminating pests. TRPV channels are highly expressed in various developmental stages and tissue parts of insects and play an important role in the whole life history of insects. In this review, we will discuss the structure and types of TRPV channels as well as their genetic relationships in different species. We also systematically reviewed the recent progress of TRPV channels as insecticide targets, demonstrating that TRPV channels can be used as the target of new high-efficiency insecticides.

Design, Synthesis, Insecticidal Activity, and SAR of Aryl Isoxazoline Derivatives Containing Pyrazole-5-carboxamide Motif

It is important to develop new insecticides with a new mode of action because of increasing pesticide resistance. In this study, a series of novel aryl isoxazoline derivatives containing the pyrazole-5-carboxamide motif were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. Bioassays indicated that the 24 compounds synthesized possessed excellent insecticidal activity against Mythimna separate and no activity against Aphis craccivora and Tetranychus cinnabarinus. Among these aryl isoxazoline derivatives, 3-(5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydrozol-3-yl)-N-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide (IA-8) had the best insecticidal activity against M. separate, which is comparable with the positive control fluralaner. The molecular docking results of compound IA-8 and fluralaner with the GABA model demonstrated the same docking mode between compound IA-8 and positive control fluralaner in the active site of GABA. Molecular structure comparisons and ADMET analysis can potentially be used to design more active compounds. The structure-activity relationships are also discussed. This work provided an excellent insecticide for further optimization.

Rational Design of Insecticidal Isoxazolines Containing Sulfonamide or Sulfinamide Structure as Antagonists of GABA Receptors with Reduced Toxicities to Honeybee and Zebrafish

To develop highly effective, nontarget organism-friendly insecticides based on the isoxazoline scaffold, we rationally designed and synthesized 25 isoxazoline derivatives containing sulfonamides and sulfinamides. Their insecticidal activities against the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua), and Spodoptera litura Fabricius (S. litura) were evaluated. The trifluoromethyl sulfinamide-containing compound 7w displayed excellent activities with LC50 values being 0.09, 0.84, 0.87, and 0.68 mg/L against P. xylostella, S. frugiperda, S. exigua, and S. litura, respectively, which were superior to fluxametamide (LC50 = 0.09, 1.24, 1.10, and 0.65 mg/L, respectively) and maintained at the same order of magnitude LC50 values as fluralaner (LC50 = 0.02, 0.17, 0.12, and 0.19 mg/L, respectively). Importantly, compound 7w showed a medium toxicity level of acute toxicity to honeybee (LD50 = 2.22 μg/adult), which is significantly lower than the fluralaner (high toxicity level, LD50 = 0.09 μg/adult). Acute toxicity experiments with zebrafish (Danio rerio) indicated that compound 7w was safe with the LC50 value being 42.4 mg/L (low toxicity level). Furthermore, electrophysiological experiments and molecular docking studies preliminarily verified that compound 7w acts on the insect GABA receptor, and the theoretical calculations explained that the sulfinamide structure may play an important role in exhibiting biological activities. The above results suggest that compound 7w could be employed as a potentially highly effective, environmentally friendly insecticide to control multiple agricultural pests.

A review of the molecular mechanisms of acaricide resistance in mites and ticks

The Arachnida subclass of Acari comprises many harmful pests that threaten agriculture as well as animal health, including herbivorous spider mites, the bee parasite Varroa, the poultry mite Dermanyssus and several species of ticks. Especially in agriculture, acaricides are often used intensively to minimize the damage they inflict, promoting the development of resistance. Beneficial predatory mites used in biological control are also subjected to acaricide selection in the field. The development and use of new genetic and genomic tools such as genome and transcriptome sequencing, bulked segregant analysis (QTL mapping), and reverse genetics via RNAi or CRISPR/Cas9, have greatly increased our understanding of the molecular genetic mechanisms of resistance in Acari, especially in the spider mite Tetranychus urticae which emerged as a model species. These new techniques allowed to uncover and validate new resistance mutations in a larger range of species. In addition, they provided an impetus to start elucidating more challenging questions on mechanisms of gene regulation of detoxification associated with resistance.

G3'MTMD3 in the insect GABA receptor subunit, RDL, confers resistance to broflanilide and fluralaner

Meta-diamides (e.g. broflanilide) and isoxazolines (e.g. fluralaner) are novel insecticides that target the resistant to dieldrin (RDL) subunit of insect γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABARs). In this study, we used in silico analysis to identify residues that are critical for the interaction between RDL and these insecticides. Substitution of glycine at the third position (G3') in the third transmembrane domain (TMD3) with methionine (G3'M TMD3), which is present in vertebrate GABARs, had the strongest effect on fluralaner binding. This was confirmed by expression of RDL from the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (CsRDL) in oocytes of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, where the G3'MTMD3 mutation almost abolished the antagonistic action of fluralaner. Subsequently, G3'MTMD3 was introduced into the Rdl gene of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Larvae of heterozygous lines bearing G3'MTMD3 did not show significant resistance to avermectin, fipronil, broflanilide, and fluralaner. However, larvae homozygous for G3'MTMD3 were highly resistant to broflanilide and fluralaner whilst still being sensitive to fipronil and avermectin. Also, homozygous lines showed severely impaired locomotivity and did not survive to the pupal stage, indicating a significant fitness cost associated with the G3'MTMD3. Moreover, the M3'GTMD3 in the mouse Mus musculus α1β2 GABAR increased sensitivity to fluralaner. Taken together, these results provide convincing in vitro and in vivo evidence for both broflanilide and fluralaner acting on the same amino acid site, as well as insights into potential mechanisms leading to target-site resistance to these insecticides. In addition, our findings could guide further modification of isoxazolines to achieve higher selectivity for the control of insect pests with minimal effects on mammals.

Discovery of a Novel Class of Acylthiourea-Containing Isoxazoline Insecticides against Plutella xylostella

Isoxazoline structures are widely found in natural products and are rich in biological activities. This study discloses the development of a series of novel isoxazoline derivatives by introducing acylthiourea fragments to access insecticidal activity. All synthetic compounds were examined for their insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella, with results showing moderate to strong activity. Based on this, the structure-activity relationship analysis was carried out via the constructed three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship model to further guide the structure optimization, resulting in the optimal compound 32. The LC₅₀ of compound 32 against Plutella xylostella was 0.26 mg/L, demonstrating better activity than the positive control, ethiprole (LC₅₀ = 3.81 mg/L), avermectin (LC₅₀ = 12.32 mg/L), and compounds 1-31. The insect GABA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated that compound 32 might act on the insect GABA receptor, and the molecular docking assay further illustrated the mode of action of compound 32 with the GABA receptor. In addition, the proteomics analysis indicated that the action of compound 32 on Plutella xylostella was multi-pathway.