Exploring Bug-Killing Power of Curcumin Derivatives

Jenn Hoskins
27th April, 2024

Exploring Bug-Killing Power of Curcumin Derivatives

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Scientists at COMSATS University Islamabad found a potential new insecticide against the cotton bollworm
  • Curcumin derivatives from turmeric can block a key protein in the pest, hindering its growth
  • One compound, Cur10, showed the strongest effect in inhibiting the protein's function
In the battle against agricultural pests, scientists are constantly seeking new ways to protect crops without harming the environment or human health. A recent study from COMSATS University Islamabad has made a significant contribution to this effort by exploring a novel approach to controlling one of the world's most destructive insect pests, the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera)[1]. This pest is notorious for its ability to eat a wide variety of crops, leading to substantial economic losses for farmers globally. Unlike humans and other mammals, insects cannot make their own steroids, which are vital components for their growth and development. They must obtain these compounds through their diet. This difference offers a unique opportunity to develop targeted insecticides that disrupt the pest's ability to absorb these essential nutrients without affecting other animals. The focus of the study is on a specific protein found in the cotton bollworm, known as sterol carrier protein-2 (HaSCP-2), which is crucial for the transportation and uptake of cholesterol and other sterols in the insect[2]. Previous research has identified HaSCP-2 as a promising target for insecticides because of its role in cholesterol uptake, which is essential for the growth and development of the cotton bollworm[2][3]. Building on this knowledge, the team at COMSATS University Islamabad tested a series of curcumin derivatives—compounds derived from the spice turmeric—against HaSCP-2 to see if they could inhibit its function and thereby serve as potential insecticidal agents. Using a combination of computer simulations and laboratory experiments, the researchers assessed how well these curcumin derivatives could bind to the HaSCP-2 protein and block its activity. The simulations predicted that several of the compounds would fit snugly into the protein's active site, the part of the protein responsible for binding to cholesterol. This prediction was confirmed by laboratory tests that measured the binding strength of each compound to HaSCP-2. Among the compounds tested, one in particular, named Cur10, showed the strongest ability to bind to the protein and potentially inhibit its function, with the lowest concentration required to achieve a significant effect (IC50 value of 9.64 μM). Further analysis showed that the curcumin derivatives' ability to displace a fluorescent probe from the sterol binding site of HaSCP-2 correlated with their ability to inhibit the growth of insect cells in culture. This suggests that these compounds could act by blocking the uptake of sterols, which would impair the growth and survival of the cotton bollworm. The study also looked at the stability of the interactions between HaSCP-2 and the curcumin derivatives over time using molecular dynamics simulation studies. These simulations supported the initial findings, suggesting that the interactions were stable and could effectively block the protein's activity. This research builds upon earlier studies that have demonstrated the importance of targeting sterol metabolism in the cotton bollworm. For instance, the identification of key functional sites on the HaSCP-2 protein provided a roadmap for where insecticides could bind to disrupt its activity[2]. Moreover, the discovery of specific compounds that can reduce the survival and reproductive rates of H. armigera by interfering with SCP-2 function has paved the way for the development of new chemical treatments[3]. The findings also complement studies that have reported the evolution of resistance in pests to Bt crops, which produce insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis. Such resistance poses a significant challenge to sustainable agriculture, highlighting the need for alternative strategies like the one explored in the COMSATS study[4]. Additionally, the understanding of resistance mechanisms, such as those involving the cadherin gene in the cotton bollworm, can inform the design of more effective and long-lasting pest control methods[5]. In conclusion, the research from COMSATS University Islamabad offers promising insights into the development of curcumin-based insecticides targeting HaSCP-2. These compounds could potentially provide a new, safe, and environmentally friendly way to control the cotton bollworm, a pest that has developed resistance to many of the current insecticidal options. With further testing and development, these curcumin derivatives could become valuable tools in the global effort to protect crops from this pervasive and adaptable insect pest.

BiotechBiochemAgriculture

References

Main Study

1) Investigation of the insecticidal potential of curcumin derivatives that target the Helicoverpa armigera sterol carrier protein-2.

Published 30th April, 2024 (future Journal edition)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29695

Related Studies

2) NMR structure and function of Helicoverpa armigera sterol carrier protein-2, an important insecticidal target from the cotton bollworm.

https://doi.org/10.1038/srep18186

3) In Silico and In Vivo Evaluation of Synthesized SCP-2 Inhibiting Compounds on Life Table Parameters of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner).

https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13121169

4) Insect resistance to Bt crops: lessons from the first billion acres.

https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt.2597

5) Disruption of a cadherin gene associated with resistance to Cry1Ac {delta}-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis in Helicoverpa armigera.

Journal: Applied and environmental microbiology, Issue: Vol 71, Issue 2, Feb 2005


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