11-cis-vaccenyl acetate

Description

## 11-cis-Vaccenyl Acetate: A Pheromone with Research Significance

**11-cis-Vaccenyl acetate (cVA)** is a **pheromone** produced by male insects, particularly **houseflies** and **other dipteran species**. It plays a crucial role in **insect communication**, primarily **attracting females** for mating.

**Why is it important for research?**

cVA has become a valuable tool in various fields of scientific research, including:

* **Pest control:** Understanding cVA's role in insect attraction allows for the development of **pheromone traps**, which can effectively capture and control pest populations. This approach is environmentally friendly and avoids the use of harmful pesticides.
* **Understanding insect behavior:** cVA research provides insights into **insect communication, mating rituals, and population dynamics**. This knowledge is crucial for developing sustainable and effective pest management strategies.
* **Biotechnology and synthetic biology:** cVA's chemical structure and its impact on insect behavior inspire research into **new methods of synthesizing pheromones** for various applications, including **agricultural pest control** and **biocontrol strategies**.
* **Understanding evolution and biodiversity:** Studying the variations in cVA production and perception across different insect species sheds light on the **evolutionary history of insect communication** and provides valuable data for understanding **insect diversity and adaptation**.

**Additional research applications:**

* **Studying olfactory receptors and signal transduction pathways:** cVA is a valuable tool for studying the **molecular mechanisms underlying olfaction** in insects.
* **Developing novel drug targets:** Research into cVA's interactions with insect olfactory receptors may lead to the development of **new drugs for pest control** or even for **treating neurological diseases**.
* **Understanding the impact of environmental factors on insect communication:** cVA research can help us understand how **climate change and pollution** affect insect communication and, consequently, population dynamics.

**Overall, 11-cis-vaccenyl acetate is a powerful tool for studying insect communication and behavior. Its research applications extend to various fields, including pest control, biotechnology, and understanding biodiversity. By further exploring its potential, we can unlock new possibilities for sustainable pest management, develop innovative biocontrol strategies, and gain deeper insights into the fascinating world of insect communication.**

11-cis-vaccenyl acetate: a volatile pheromone; a male-specific lipid that is transferred in the ejaculate to females during copulation [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]