Cockroaches isoprenoid pheromones

Abstract Pheromones are utilized by many insects in a complex chemical communication system. This review will look at the biosynthesis of sex and aggregation pheromones in the model insects, moths, flies, cockroaches, and beetles. The biosynthetic pathways involve altered pathways of normal metabolism of fatty acids and isoprenoids. Endocrine regulation of the biosynthetic pathways will also be reviewed for the model insects. A neuropeptide named pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide regulates sex pheromone biosynthesis in moths. Juvenile hormone regulates pheromone production in the beetles and cockroaches, while 20-hydroxyecdysone regulates pheromone production in the flies. 

In addition, the developed reactions are suitable for the design of linear E-isoprenoids with a specified number of C5 moieties (Scheme 24) and can also be used in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, for example, in pheromones of the conifer sawfly, German cockroach, and the confused and red flour beetles [133-136]. 

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