Insect ryanodine receptor (RyR)

The insect ryanodine receptor (RyR) is a large, homotetrameric calcium release channel located primarily in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of muscle cells and the endoplasmic reticulum of neurons (UniProt; PMID: 23931161). It is essential for excitation-contraction coupling, where it facilitates the rapid release of calcium ions into the cytoplasm to trigger muscle movement (PubMed: 28215961). In entomology and agriculture, the insect RyR is the molecular target for the diamide class of insecticides, including chlorantraniliprole and flubendiamide (IRAC Group 28). These compounds act as potent activators that lock the channel in a partially open state, causing depletion of internal calcium stores, muscle paralysis, and death of the pest (PubChem). Although ryanodine receptors are conserved across species, the insect variant possesses unique structural features that allow diamides to exhibit high selectivity for insects over mammals, minimizing non-target toxicity (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry). Resistance to these insecticides has emerged in several species, often linked to specific amino acid substitutions such as G4946E or I4790M within the receptor's C-terminal domain (Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology). This target remains a cornerstone of modern integrated pest management due to its high efficacy and favorable safety profile for vertebrates.

Other names

Ryanodine receptorRyRCalcium release channel

Ryanodine receptor modulators (Group 28 insecticides) bind to the receptor and lock it in a partially open state, causing an uncontrolled release of internal calcium stores from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, leading to muscle paralysis and death.