NOVEL PHEROMONAL RECEPTOR OF SPODOPTERA LITTORALIS (LEPIDOPTERA, NOCTUIDAE) AND IDENTIFICATION OF NATURAL LIGAND OF SAID RECEPTOR AND USES THEREOF

摘要

The invention relates to the identification of Z9,E12-14:Ac as a natural ligand of the new olfactory/pheromonal receptor SlitOR6, a G-protein coupled-like receptor (GPCR-like). The invention encompasses the use of the interaction of SlitOR6 polypeptides and Z9,E12-14:Ac as the basis of screening assays for agents that modulate the activity of the SlitOR6 receptor. The invention also encompasses diagnostic and other assays performed based upon the SlitOR6/Z9,E12-14:Ac interaction, as well as kits for performing diagnostic and screening assays.