| Due to the increase of environmental concerns and the development of insecticide resistance, there are great demands for alternatives that are safe to the environment and humans. Since insects are auxotrophic for exogenous cholesterol, targeting molecules that are involved in cholesterol uptake and transportation have been thought to be good strategies for novel insecticide development. The sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2), a non-specific lipid binding protein, is thought to mediate cholesterol uptake and trafficking in vertebrates. This study focused on the elucidation of biological functions of SCP-2 in lipids uptake in insects and the identification of sterol carrier protein inhibitors (SCPIs). Sterol carrier protein inhibitors (SCPIs) hindered the biological function of SCP-2 and showed a strong larvicidal activity. The biological function of SCP-2 in insects, effects of SCPIs in lipid uptake, and the larvicidal and antifeeding activities of SCPIs against some pest species are discussed. |
