Research Advances in Pheromone Biosynthesis Regulation via the PBAN Signaling Pathway in Insects

Nowadays, the application of insect sex pheromones in pest control technology has reached a relatively advanced technological maturity stage. However, the traditional research and development of sex pheromones requires a “one pest, one strategy” approach, which has drawbacks such as being time-consuming and focused on a single control target. The insect sex pheromone synthesis pathway involves multiple molecular components that work together to promote the synthesis and release of sex pheromone from the pheromone gland. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying pheromone biosynthesis offers the potential to uncover universal strategies for pheromone development, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of pest management. This study arranged knowledge of the upstream regulatory pathways and summarized the structure and function of the molecular components involved. We also investigated the divergence of neuropeptides and their receptors that regulate pheromone biosynthesis among different insect species from an evolutionary perspective. Future research should integrate multi-omics, bioinformatics, structural biology, and artificial intelligence technologies to elucidate the synthesis and regulatory processes of insect semiochemicals, develop specific dsRNA and small molecule inhibitors, and accelerate the transformation and application of related molecular targets into highly effective and green pesticides.