New isolated polynucleotide based on gene isolated from Heliothis virescens, encoding insect neurokinin receptor, useful as target in screening for receptor modulating pesticides

摘要

An isolated insect polynucleotide (I) encoding insect neurokinin receptor, is new : An isolated insect polynucleotide (I) encoding insect neurokinin receptor, is new (I) comprises a nucleotide sequence which: (a) encodes a polypeptide sequence given in the specification as SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:4, (b) have at least 75% nucleotide sequence identity with a sequence given in the specification as SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3, or (c) hybridizes under stringent conditions with nucleic acid molecules having sequences as specified in (b). Independent claims are included for: (A) a recombinant vector including (I); (B) a recombinant host cell including the recombinant vector; (C) the production of insect neurokinin receptor (NKD), by culturing the above host cells under conditions suitable for expression of the protein insect NKD, then recovering the protein; (D) a purified protein (II), having at least 80% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:4; (E) a method for detecting an agent (A) for reducing the calcium ion channel activity of insect NKD by contacting a test compound with insect NKD (or its active fragment) and detecting any inhibitory action, where the insect NKD has a sequence as defined for (II); (F) a method for controlling pests, involving contacting the pest with a compound (A) identified by the above method; and (G) an isolated agent which reduces the calcium ion channel activity of insect NKD.