Cuticle Modifications and Over-Expression of the Chitin-Synthase Gene in Diflubenzuron-Resistant Phenotype

Overview

Journal Insects

Specialty Biology

Date 2022 Dec 23

PMID 36555019

Authors

Valentina Lucchesi

Lorenzo Grimaldi

Valentina Mastrantonio

Daniele Porretta

Letizia Di Bella

Tania Ruspandini

Martino Luigi di Salvo

John Vontas

Romeo Bellini

Agata Negri

Sara Epis

Silvia Caccia

Claudio Bandi

Sandra Urbanelli

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Insecticide resistance is a major threat challenging the control of harmful insect species. The study of resistant phenotypes is, therefore, pivotal to understand molecular mechanisms underpinning insecticide resistance and plan effective control and resistance management strategies. Here, we further analysed the diflubenzuron (DFB)-resistant phenotype due to the point-mutation I1043M in the chitin-synthase 1 gene (1) in the mosquito . By comparing susceptible and resistant strains of through DFB bioassays, molecular analyses and scanning electron microscopy, we showed that the I1043M-resistant mosquitoes have: (i) a striking level of DFB resistance (i.e., resistance ratio: 9006); (ii) a constitutive 11-fold over-expression of the 1 gene; (iii) enhanced cuticle thickness and cuticular chitin content. is one of the most important vector species in Europe and the rapid spread of DFB resistance can threaten its control. Our results, by adding new data about the DFB-resistant phenotype, provide important information for the control and management of insecticide resistance.

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