Synergistic Pest Control Composition via GPCR Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern pesticides often face challenges with target organism tolerance and resistance due to receptor desensitization, limiting their effectiveness in controlling pests, especially invertebrates.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a first agent interacting with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and a second agent acting on non-receptor molecules associated with receptor cycling, creating a synergistic interaction that disrupts normal biological functions and prolongs pest control activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If modern pesticides target specific biochemical reactions or GPCRs in target organisms, then effectiveness against pests is improved, but target organism tolerance or resistance develops due to receptor desensitization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a first agent to pre-desensitize or internalize GPCRs before the second agent (pesticide) is applied. This preliminary modification of receptor state prevents the pesticide from binding to functional receptors, thereby preventing resistance development and maintaining long-term effectiveness. The first agent prepares the target site in advance to enhance the subsequent action of the pesticide.
2Adaptability or versatility
If receptor desensitization occurs through phosphorylation and endocytosis, then resistance to GPCR-targeted pesticides develops, but the natural cycling process limits the duration of pest control activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the periodic nature of GPCR cycling (signaling-desensitization-internalization-resensitization-recycling) by applying the first agent at specific intervals to synchronize with or disrupt this cycle. The periodic application of the first agent modifies receptor availability in a rhythm that enhances pesticide effectiveness while preventing resistance, converting the natural periodic cycling into a controlled periodic action that favors pest control.
3Reliability
If a single agent targets GPCRs for pest control, then initial effectiveness is achieved, but resistance develops rapidly limiting long-term control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two distinct agents with different modes of action: a first agent that modulates GPCR activity and a second agent (pesticide) that targets other biochemical pathways. This combination creates a synergistic effect where the first agent enhances the efficacy of the second agent while the second agent provides the primary pesticidal action. The merged approach delays resistance development because the pest would need to develop resistance to both agents simultaneously, extending the operational lifespan of the pest control composition.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide compositions for controlling a target pest including a first agent and a second agent comprising a pest control product or a signal cascade modulator, wherein the first agent and the second agent act synergistically to control the target pest. The first agent can be capable of interacting with a receptor in the target pest. The pest control product can have a first activity against the target pest when applied without the active agent and the compositions can have a second activity against the target pest; and the second activity can be greater than the first activity. Embodiments of the invention can include compositions that modulate the signal cascade initiated by the binding of ligands to, for example, cell surface receptors. Methods of screening such compositions are also disclosed.