Untargeted UHPLC-MS Metabolomics Reveals the Metabolic Perturbations of Helicoverpa armigera under the Stress of Novel Insect Growth Regulator ZQ-8

Abstract

According to the previous research of our group, we found compound ZQ-8 ((1S,2R,4S)-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo [2.2.1]heptan-2-yl-4-(tert-butyl)benzoate). This compound showed a strong growth inhibitory effect on Helicoverpa armigera by inhibiting chitinase 2 and endochitinase. To further understand the mechanism of ZQ-8 interfering with the growth and development of H. armigera, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) was utilized to analyze the metabolomics of the epidermis and viscera of H. armigera after ZQ-8 stress. The results revealed that the content of most metabolites was down-regulated after ZQ-8 treatment. Through the analysis of metabolic pathways, it was found that ZQ -8 mainly interfered with energy metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis pathways, which may be one of the important factors in which ZQ-8 caused the death of H. armigera larvae. Furthermore, ZQ-8 not only inhibits chitin degradation but also inhibits chitin synthesis in vivo. These findings provide new insights into a better understanding of the mechanism of action of ZQ-8.

Validamycin Inhibits the Synthesis and Metabolism of Trehalose and Chitin in the Oriental Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)

“…Chitin is the main component of the cuticle and peritrophic membranes of insects [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ], and the disruption of the chitin metabolism has a lethal effect on insects [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. For example, the silencing a chitin synthase of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) that is highly expressed in the cuticle caused a high rate of larval mortality and pupal malformation [ 20 ].…”