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

Valentina LucchesiLorenzo GrimaldiValentina MastrantonioDaniele PorrettaLetizia Di BellaTania RuspandiniMartino Luigi di SalvoJohn VontasRomeo BelliniAgata NegriSara EpisSilvia CacciaClaudio BandiSandra Urbanelli
Published in: Insects (2022)
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 ( chs 1) in the mosquito Culex pipiens . By comparing susceptible and resistant strains of Cx. pipiens 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 chs 1 gene; (iii) enhanced cuticle thickness and cuticular chitin content. Culex pipiens 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.
Keyphrases
  • aedes aegypti
  • poor prognosis
  • electron microscopy
  • escherichia coli
  • copy number
  • zika virus
  • gene expression
  • dengue virus
  • high resolution
  • big data
  • long non coding rna
  • deep learning