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Xu Z, Shi L, Peng J, Shen G, Wei P, Wu Q, He L. Analysis of the relationship between P-glycoprotein and abamectin resistance in Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval). PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 129:75-82. [PMID: 27017885 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2015.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Abamectin is an effective acaricide and widely used in the control of Tetranychus cinnabarinus. With the increase of control failures, it is however important to clarify the resistance mechanism to improve the control of this mite. P-glycoprotein (Pgp) is an ATP-dependent drug efflux pump for xenobiotic compounds and is involved in multidrug resistance. In this study, the results showed that verapamil, the specific inhibitor of Pgp, could enhance the lethal effect of abamectin on mites, and this effect is more enhanced in abamectin-resistant strain (AbR, mortality increased 74.51%) than that in susceptible strain (SS, 19.91%). Further analysis showed that the activity of Pgp ATPase in AbR was significantly higher (1.65-fold) than that in SS. After exposure to sublethal concentration of abamectin, the ATPase activity in AbR was significantly increased 1.43-fold to that in control; but there was no significant difference in SS after treatment. Two Pgp gene sequences (TcPgp1 and TcPgp2) from ABCB subfamily were characterized, and their expressions were much more sensitive to abamectin's stimulation in AbR strain than SS. These findings indicate a direct relationship between Pgp and abamectin resistance, and abamectin-induced Pgp expression may be involved in the modulation of abamectin efflux in T. cinnabarinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Li Shi
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Jianfang Peng
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Guangmao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Peng Wei
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Lin He
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
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Porretta D, Epis S, Mastrantonio V, Ferrari M, Bellini R, Favia G, Urbanelli S. How heterogeneous is the involvement of ABC transporters against insecticides? Acta Trop 2016; 157:131-5. [PMID: 26855383 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular defense against xenobiotic compounds is a main research issue in medical and veterinary entomology, as insecticide/acaricide resistance is a major threat in the control of arthropods. ABC transporters are recognized as a component of the detoxifying mechanism in arthropods. We investigated the possible involvement of ABC transporters in defense to the organophosphate insecticide temephos in the malarial vector Anopheles stephensi. We performed bioassays on larvae of An. stephensi, using insecticide alone and in combination with ABC-transporter inhibitors, to assess synergism between these compounds. Next, we investigated the expression profiles of six ABC transporter genes in larvae exposed to temephos. Surprisingly, neither bioassays nor gene expression analyses provided any evidence for a major role of ABC transporters in defense against temephos in An. stephensi. We thus decided to review existing literature to generate a record of other studies that failed to reveal a role for ABC transporters against particular insecticides/acaricides. A review of the scientific literature led to the recovery of 569 papers about ABC transporters; among these, 50 involved arthropods, and 10 reported negative results. Our study on An. stephensi and accompanying literature review highlight the heterogeneity that exists in ABC transporter involvement in defense/resistance mechanisms in arthropods.
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Kang XL, Zhang M, Wang K, Qiao XF, Chen MH. MOLECULAR CLONING, EXPRESSION PATTERN OF MULTIDRUG RESISTANCE ASSOCIATED PROTEIN 1 (MRP1, ABCC1) GENE, AND THE SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF VERAPAMIL ON TOXICITY OF TWO INSECTICIDES IN THE BIRD CHERRY-OAT APHID. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 92:65-84. [PMID: 27110952 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are important transmembrane proteins encoded by a supergene family. The majority of ABC proteins are primary active transporters that bind and hydrolyze ATP to mediate the efflux of a diverse range of substrates across lipid membranes. In this study, we cloned and characterized a putative multidrug resistance associated protein 1 (MRP1) from Rhopalosiphum padi encoded by ABCC1. Structural analysis showed that this protein has structural features typical of the ABC transporter family. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the amino acid sequence was highly similar that of the corresponding protein from Acyrthosiphon pisum. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed that ABCC1 was expressed throughout all R. padi developmental stages, with the highest level of expression in the fourth larval instar. We also examined ABCC1 expression in four different tissue types and found that it was most highly expressed in the midgut. Exposing R. padi to imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos increased ABCC1 expression. Furthermore, ABCC1 expression was higher in the imidacloprid-resistant (IR) and chlorpyrifos-resistant (CR) strains than in an insecticide-susceptible strain (SS) of R. padi. Exposing R. padi to verapamil in combination with insecticides significantly increased the toxicity of the insecticides. The respective synergy factor of CR and IR R. padi strain was 1.33 and 1.26, which was lower than that (2.72 and 1.64, respectively) of the SS. Our results clarify the biological function of ABCC1 in R. padi, particularly its role in insecticide resistance, and suggest novel strategies for pest management that use ABC transporter inhibitors to increase the effectiveness of insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Le Kang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xian-Feng Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mao-Hua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Valenzuela-Muñoz V, Gallardo-Escárate C. Transcriptome mining: Multigene panel to test delousing drug response in the sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi. Mar Genomics 2015; 25:103-113. [PMID: 26723558 DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Controlling infestations of copepodid ectoparasites in the salmon industry is increasingly problematic given higher instances of drug resistance or loss of sensitivity. Despite the importance of this issue, the molecular mechanisms and genes implicated in resistance/susceptibility are only scarcely understood. The objective of the present study was to identify and evaluate the expression levels of candidate genes associated with delousing drug response in the sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi. From RNA-seq data obtained for adult male and female sea lice, 62.48 M reads were assembled in 70,349 high-quality contigs. BLASTX analysis against UniprotKB/Swiss-Prot and the ESTs available for crustaceans in the NCBI database identified 870 transcripts previously related to genes associated with delousing drug response. Furthermore, 14 candidate genes were validated through RT-qPCR and were evaluated with deltamethrin and azamethiphos bioassays. The results evidenced an overregulation of genes involved in ion transport in salmon lice treated with deltamethrin, while those treated with azamethiphos evidenced an overregulation of genes such as cytochrome P450, Carboxylesterase, and acetylcholine receptors. The present study provides a multigene panel to test delousing drug response to pyrethroids and organophosphates in a highly prevalent pathogen of the Chilean salmon industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Valenzuela-Muñoz
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Aquatic Genomics, Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Department of Oceanography, University of Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Chile
| | - C Gallardo-Escárate
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Aquatic Genomics, Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Department of Oceanography, University of Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Chile.
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Ruiz-Sanchez E, O'Donnell MJ. The insect excretory system as a target for novel pest control strategies. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 11:14-20. [PMID: 28285757 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The insect excretory system plays essential roles in osmoregulation, ionoregulation and toxin elimination. Understanding the mechanisms of fluid and ion transport by the epithelial cells of the excretory system provides a foundation for development of novel pest management strategies. In the present review, we focus on two such strategies: first, impairment of osmoregulation by manipulation of diuretic or antidiuretic signaling pathways and second, interference with toxin elimination by inhibition of toxin transport systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esau Ruiz-Sanchez
- Instituto Tecnologico de Conkal, Km. 16.3, Ex-Carretera Merida-Motul, Conkal , Yucatan C.P. 97345, Mexico
| | - Michael J O'Donnell
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
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A Survey of the ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) Gene Superfamily in the Salmon Louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137394. [PMID: 26418738 PMCID: PMC4587908 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Salmon lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer, 1837), are fish ectoparasites causing significant economic damage in the mariculture of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar Linnaeus, 1758. The control of L. salmonis at fish farms relies to a large extent on treatment with anti-parasitic drugs. A problem related to chemical control is the potential for development of resistance, which in L. salmonis is documented for a number of drug classes including organophosphates, pyrethroids and avermectins. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) gene superfamily is found in all biota and includes a range of drug efflux transporters that can confer drug resistance to cancers and pathogens. Furthermore, some ABC transporters are recognised to be involved in conferral of insecticide resistance. While a number of studies have investigated ABC transporters in L. salmonis, no systematic analysis of the ABC gene family exists for this species. This study presents a genome-wide survey of ABC genes in L. salmonis for which, ABC superfamily members were identified through homology searching of the L. salmonis genome. In addition, ABC proteins were identified in a reference transcriptome of the parasite generated by high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of a multi-stage RNA library. Searches of both genome and transcriptome allowed the identification of a total of 33 genes / transcripts coding for ABC proteins, of which 3 were represented only in the genome and 4 only in the transcriptome. Eighteen sequences were assigned to ABC subfamilies known to contain drug transporters, i.e. subfamilies B (4 sequences), C (11) and G (2). The results suggest that the ABC gene family of L. salmonis possesses fewer members than recorded for other arthropods. The present survey of the L. salmonis ABC gene superfamily will provide the basis for further research into potential roles of ABC transporters in the toxicity of salmon delousing agents and as potential mechanisms of drug resistance.
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Epis S, Porretta D, Mastrantonio V, Urbanelli S, Sassera D, De Marco L, Mereghetti V, Montagna M, Ricci I, Favia G, Bandi C. Temporal dynamics of the ABC transporter response to insecticide treatment: insights from the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi. Sci Rep 2014; 4:7435. [PMID: 25504146 PMCID: PMC4262823 DOI: 10.1038/srep07435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In insects, ABC transporters have been shown to contribute to defence/resistance to insecticides by reducing toxic concentrations in cells/tissues. Despite the extensive studies about this detoxifying mechanism, the temporal patterns of ABC transporter activation have been poorly investigated. Using the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi as a study system, we investigated the expression profile of ABC genes belonging to different subfamilies in permethrin-treated larvae at different time points (30 min to 48 h). Our results showed that the expression of ABCB and ABCG subfamily genes was upregulated at 1 h after treatment, with the highest expression observed at 6 h. Therefore, future investigations on the temporal dynamics of ABC gene expression will allow a better implementation of insecticide treatment regimens, including the use of specific inhibitors of ABC efflux pumps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Epis
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Porretta
- Department of Environmental Biology, University "La Sapienza" of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sandra Urbanelli
- Department of Environmental Biology, University "La Sapienza" of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Sassera
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Leone De Marco
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valeria Mereghetti
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Montagna
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Ricci
- School of Bioscience and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Guido Favia
- School of Bioscience and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Claudio Bandi
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Hull JJ, Chaney K, Geib SM, Fabrick JA, Brent CS, Walsh D, Lavine LC. Transcriptome-based identification of ABC transporters in the western tarnished plant bug Lygus hesperus. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113046. [PMID: 25401762 PMCID: PMC4234516 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a large superfamily of proteins that mediate diverse physiological functions by coupling ATP hydrolysis with substrate transport across lipid membranes. In insects, these proteins play roles in metabolism, development, eye pigmentation, and xenobiotic clearance. While ABC transporters have been extensively studied in vertebrates, less is known concerning this superfamily in insects, particularly hemipteran pests. We used RNA-Seq transcriptome sequencing to identify 65 putative ABC transporter sequences (including 36 full-length sequences) from the eight ABC subfamilies in the western tarnished plant bug (Lygus hesperus), a polyphagous agricultural pest. Phylogenetic analyses revealed clear orthologous relationships with ABC transporters linked to insecticide/xenobiotic clearance and indicated lineage specific expansion of the L. hesperus ABCG and ABCH subfamilies. The transcriptional profile of 13 LhABCs representative of the ABCA, ABCB, ABCC, ABCG, and ABCH subfamilies was examined across L. hesperus development and within sex-specific adult tissues. All of the transcripts were amplified from both reproductively immature and mature adults and all but LhABCA8 were expressed to some degree in eggs. Expression of LhABCA8 was spatially localized to the testis and temporally timed with male reproductive development, suggesting a potential role in sexual maturation and/or spermatozoa protection. Elevated expression of LhABCC5 in Malpighian tubules suggests a possible role in xenobiotic clearance. Our results provide the first transcriptome-wide analysis of ABC transporters in an agriculturally important hemipteran pest and, because ABC transporters are known to be important mediators of insecticidal resistance, will provide the basis for future biochemical and toxicological studies on the role of this protein family in insecticide resistance in Lygus species.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Joe Hull
- USDA-ARS, Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kendrick Chaney
- USDA-ARS, Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Scott M. Geib
- USDA-ARS, Daniel K. Inouye Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Hilo, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey A. Fabrick
- USDA-ARS, Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Colin S. Brent
- USDA-ARS, Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Douglas Walsh
- Dept. of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Laura Corley Lavine
- Dept. of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
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Lima EP, Goulart MOF, Rolim Neto ML. Evaluation of the role of ATP-binding cassette transporters as a defence mechanism against temephos in populations of Aedes aegypti. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2014. [PMCID: PMC4296505 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276140164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in the efflux of the insecticide,
temephos, was assessed in the larvae of Aedes aegypti. Bioassays
were conducted using mosquito populations that were either susceptible or resistant
to temephos by exposure to insecticide alone or in combination with sublethal doses
of the ABC transporter inhibitor, verapamil (30, 35 and 40 μM). The best result in
the series was obtained with the addition of verapamil (40 μM), which led to a 2x
increase in the toxicity of temephos, suggesting that ABC transporters may be
partially involved in conferring resistance to the populations evaluated.
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60
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Epis S, Porretta D, Mastrantonio V, Comandatore F, Sassera D, Rossi P, Cafarchia C, Otranto D, Favia G, Genchi C, Bandi C, Urbanelli S. ABC transporters are involved in defense against permethrin insecticide in the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:349. [PMID: 25073980 PMCID: PMC4124152 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Proteins from the ABC family (ATP-binding cassette) represent the largest known group of efflux pumps, responsible for transporting specific molecules across lipid membranes in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. In arthropods they have been shown to play a role in insecticide defense/resistance. The presence of ABC transporters and their possible association with insecticide transport have not yet been investigated in the mosquito Anopheles stephensi, the major vector of human malaria in the Middle East and South Asian regions. Here we investigated the presence and role of ABCs in transport of permethrin insecticide in a susceptible strain of this mosquito species. Methods To identify ABC transporter genes we obtained a transcriptome from untreated larvae of An. stephensi and then compared it with the annotated transcriptome of Anopheles gambiae. To analyse the association between ABC transporters and permethrin we conducted bioassays with permethrin alone and in combination with an ABC inhibitor, and then we investigated expression profiles of the identified genes in larvae exposed to permethrin. Results Bioassays showed an increased mortality of mosquitoes when permethrin was used in combination with the ABC-transporter inhibitor. Genes for ABC transporters were detected in the transcriptome, and five were selected (AnstABCB2, AnstABCB3, AnstABCB4, AnstABCmember6 and AnstABCG4). An increased expression in one of them (AnstABCG4) was observed in larvae exposed to the LD50 dose of permethrin. Contrary to what was found in other insect species, no up-regulation was observed in the AnstABCB genes. Conclusions Our results show for the first time the involvement of ABC transporters in larval defense against permethrin in An. stephensi and, more in general, confirm the role of ABC transporters in insecticide defense. The differences observed with previous studies highlight the need of further research as, despite the growing number of studies on ABC transporters in insects, the heterogeneity of the results available at present does not allow us to infer general trends in ABC transporter-insecticide interactions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1756-3305-7-349) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Claudio Bandi
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Dermauw W, Van Leeuwen T. The ABC gene family in arthropods: comparative genomics and role in insecticide transport and resistance. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 45:89-110. [PMID: 24291285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2013.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 375] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
About a 100 years ago, the Drosophila white mutant marked the birth of Drosophila genetics. The white gene turned out to encode the first well studied ABC transporter in arthropods. The ABC gene family is now recognized as one of the largest transporter families in all kingdoms of life. The majority of ABC proteins function as primary-active transporters that bind and hydrolyze ATP while transporting a large diversity of substrates across lipid membranes. Although extremely well studied in vertebrates for their role in drug resistance, less is known about the role of this family in the transport of endogenous and exogenous substances in arthropods. The ABC families of five insect species, a crustacean and a chelicerate have been annotated in some detail. We conducted a thorough phylogenetic analysis of the seven arthropod and human ABC protein subfamilies, to infer orthologous relationships that might suggest conserved function. Most orthologous relationships were found in the ABCB half transporter, ABCD, ABCE and ABCF subfamilies, but specific expansions within species and lineages are frequently observed and discussed. We next surveyed the role of ABC transporters in the transport of xenobiotics/plant allelochemicals and their involvement in insecticide resistance. The involvement of ABC transporters in xenobiotic resistance in arthropods is historically not well documented, but an increasing number of studies using unbiased differential gene expression analysis now points to their importance. We give an overview of methods that can be used to link ABC transporters to resistance. ABC proteins have also recently been implicated in the mode of action and resistance to Bt toxins in Lepidoptera. Given the enormous interest in Bt toxicology in transgenic crops, such findings will provide an impetus to further reveal the role of ABC transporters in arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wannes Dermauw
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Thomas Van Leeuwen
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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