More specific insecticides: harnessing knowledge of insect receptors

Informations projet

LessToxCites

N° de convention de subvention: 101113423

DOI

10.3030/101113423

Projet clôturé

Date de signature de la CE 27 Février 2023

Date de début 1 Juin 2023

Date de fin 30 Novembre 2024

Financé au titre de

• European Research Council (ERC)

Coût total

Aucune donnée

Contribution de l’UE

€ 150 000,00

Coordonné par

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS
France

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - LessToxCites (More specific insecticides: harnessing knowledge of insect receptors)

Période du rapport: 2023-06-01 au 2024-11-30

Résumé du contexte et des objectifs généraux du projet

Agricultural pest control heavily relies on insecticides, but these chemicals can harm ecosystems, particularly pollinators like bees. In response, Europe has banned several insecticides to protect these essential species. However, this creates an urgent need for new solutions that target pests without harming beneficial organisms. Current options lack the precision needed to protect ecosystems while controlling pests. In this context, the ERC-funded LessToxCites project will develop species-specific insecticides using peptides that target pest neurotransmitter receptors. By adapting existing tools from mammalian research and screening peptide libraries, the project aims to create safer pest control methods. Alongside scientific development, the project explores commercialisation to ensure the widespread application of these innovative solutions.

Travail effectué depuis le début du projet jusqu’à la fin de la période considérée dans le rapport et principaux résultats atteints jusqu’à présent

During the ERC-PoC project, we developed biochemical tools to obtain pure insect neurotransmitter receptors. We tailored the Yeast Surface Display technology for those receptors, and screened libraries of de novo designed protein binders.
At the end of the project, we have identified a set of binders for a key GABAA insect receptor

Progrès au-delà de l’état des connaissances et impact potentiel prévu (y compris l’impact socio-économique et les conséquences sociétales plus larges du projet jusqu’à présent)

Further research is needed to replicate the results on key pest species receptors. This will require additional maturation funding, before translation into a product