Multiple classes of cell surface receptors and ion channels participate in the detection of changes in environmental stimuli, and thereby influence animal behavior. Among the many classes of ion channels, Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) cation channels are notable in contributing to virtually every sensory modality and in controlling a daunting array of behaviors. The Drosophila TRP channel Painless is a direct sensor for noxious heat and painless mutant flies display defects in heat sensing and avoidance. Our results showed that Painless could also be a direct target for plant-derived repellents in chemical nociception. Thus, we cloned the AaPainless gene from the mosquito Aedes aegypti and generated a inducible cell line to perform high-throughput screening for agonists activating AaPainless. The hit compounds are potential leads to develop insect repellents with novel mode of action.

High-throughput screening with mosquito TRP channels for potential insect repellents

248th National Meeting (2014)

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