The effects of Enterolobium contortisiliquum serine protease inhibitor on the survival of the termite Nasutitermes corniger, and its use as affinity adsorbent to purify termite proteases

Author(s)

Ferreira, Rodrigo da Silva ^[1] ; Napoleao, Thiago Henrique ^[2] ; Silva-Lucca, Rosemeire A. ^[3] ; Cabral Silva, Mariana Cristina ^[1] ; Guedes Paiva, Patricia Maria ^[2] ; Vilela Oliva, Maria Luiza ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Biochem, BR-04044020 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Pernambuco, Dept Biochem, Recife, PE - Brazil

^[3] Western Parana State Univ, Engn Sci, Toledo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Pest Management Science; v. 75, n. 3, p. 632-638, MAR 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Termites are one of the main wood destroying insects. Nasutitermes corniger (Isoptera: Termitidae), can invade and attack urban wooden environments used in the structures of buildings. The use of synthetic pesticides is the traditional method used to prevent termite attack; however, these compounds generally cause harm to the environment. This paper describes the insecticidal activity of Enterolobium contortisiliquum protease inhibitor (EcTI) on Nasutitermes corniger workers and soldiers. RESULTS: EcTI induced mortality in Nasutitermes corniger workers (LC50 0.242 mg mL(-1) at 6 days of exposure). Gut extracts from workers and soldiers showed protease activity on the H-D-Pro-Phe-Arg-pNan substrate. EcTI inhibited gut proteases in N. corniger at nM concentrations in vitro. The inhibitory activity towards termite enzymes was stable within the range of 25-65 degrees C. The inhibitor's unordered structure showed a high content of beta-sheets; its secondary structure and the thermal denaturation monitored by CD showed a two-state transition and melting temperature (T-m) of approximately 73 degrees C. CONCLUSION: Our results contribute to the understanding of Nasutitermes corniger complexity and provide newclues to achieve a better comprehension of themolecular mechanism of action of insecticides to this pest. (c) 2018 Society of Chemical Industry (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/07972-9 - Development of lead agents for prophylaxis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases
• Grantee: Maria Luiza Vilela Oliva
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/06630-7 - Fragments derived from the structure of protease inhibitors with selectivity for inhibition of mammalian and microorganism enzymes and its role as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antithrombotic and anti- tumor agent: mechanism of action
• Grantee: Maria Luiza Vilela Oliva
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants