Identification and functional analysis of ABC transporter genes related to deltamethrin resistance in Culex pipiens pallens

• Published in: Pest management science 2023-10, Vol.79 (10), p.3642-3655
• Main Authors: Xu, Jingwei, Zheng, Junnan, Zhang, Ruimin, Wang, Huan, Du, JiaJia, Li, Jinze, Zhou, Dan, Sun, Yan, Shen, Bo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ABC transporter; ABC transporters; ABCG6032427; Adenosine triphosphate; ATP; Culex mosquitoes; Culex pipiens; Culicidae; cuticle; Deltamethrin; deltamethrin resistance; Epicuticle; Functional analysis; Gene expression; Genes; Immunofluorescence; Insecticide resistance; Insecticides; Insects; Mosquitoes; Pesticide resistance; Phylogeny; Pyrethroids; RNA-mediated interference; Thickness; Transmission electron microscopy; Verapamil
• ISSN: 1526-498X; 1526-4998
• DOI: 10.1002/ps.7539

BACKGROUND Pathogens that reproduce or develop in mosquitoes can transmit several diseases, endanger human health, and overwhelm health systems. Synthetic pyrethroids are the most widely used insecticides against adult mosquitoes, but their widespread use has led to resistance. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters are involved in the resistance monitoring of insects, but their role and underlying mechanisms in insecticide resistance have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we identified ABC transporter genes in Culex pipiens and investigated their role in the development of insecticide resistance. RESULTS We identified 63 ABC transporter genes in Cx. pipiens and classified them as per the ABC transporter subfamilies. We also performed phylogenetic analysis. The knockdown rate of the mosquitoes orally fed with the ABC transporter inhibitor verapamil increased after deltamethrin treatment compared with that of the control group. Several genes from the ABCB, ABCC, and ABCG subfamilies were highly expressed in resistant mosquitoes. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that ABCG6032427 was expressed in the head, chest, abdomen, wings, and legs, and the expression was the highest in the legs. Subsequently, knockdown of ABCG6032427 using RNA interference (RNAi) increased the sensitivity of the mosquitoes to deltamethrin, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that ABCG6032427 knockdown reduced cuticle thickness and the cuticle became loose and irregular. CONCLUSIONS ABCG6032427 may modulate cuticle thickness and structure, thus play an important role in the development of deltamethrin resistance in mosquitoes. Thus, it could be a potential target for deltamethrin resistance management in Cx. pipiens. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. Culex ABC transporters play an important role in deltamethrin resistance. ABCG6032427 play an important role in deltamethrin resistance through modulating the thickness and structure of cuticle.