Transcription Factor AhR Regulates Glutathione S-Transferases Conferring Resistance to lambda-Cyhalothrin in Cydia pomonella

Abstract

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) enhances insect resistance to insecticides by regulating the detoxification network. Our previous studies have confirmed that overexpressions of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are involved in lambda-cyhalothrin resistance in Cydia pomonella. Here, we report that CpAhR regulates the expression of GST and P450 genes, thus conferring resistance. Expression patterns indicated that the expression of CpAhR was highly induced by lambda-cyhalothrin exposure and upregulated in a lambda-cyhalothrin-resistant population. RNA interference (RNAi) of CpAhR decreases the expression of key resistance-related genes (CpGSTe3, CpCYP9A121, and CpCYP9A122) and the activity of the GST enzyme, reducing the tolerance to lambda-cyhalothrin. Furthermore, β-naphthoflavone, a novel agonist of AhR, was first proven to be effective in increasing CpAhR expression and larval tolerance to lambda-cyhalothrin. These results demonstrate that CpAhR regulates the expression of key detoxifying genes and GST activity, resulting in the development of resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin in C. pomonella.

Identification of G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) Associated with Lambda-Cyhalothrin Detoxification in Cydia pomonella

“…Following the injection of dsCpGPCR70, an assessment was conducted on the expression levels of detoxification genes, specifically selected as potential candidate genes known to play a role in the metabolic of lambda -cyhalothrin in C. pomonella . The result showed a notable decrease in mRNA levels of CpGSTs2 (Figure A) and CpCYP9A121 (Figure B) subsequent to the interference caused by CpGPCR70 , in comparison with the control group.…”

“…As a control, an equal amount of dsGFP was also injected. The method of RNA interference (RNAi) has been established and applied in our laboratory . Immediately after injection, the samples were collected and promptly treated with liquid nitrogen and subsequently stored at −80 °C.…”

“…However, the transcriptional regulation of these detoxification genes has not been explored in C. pomonella . Limited research has demonstrated that the transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) regulates several key resistance-related genes ( CpGSTe3 , CpCYP9A121 , and CpCYP9A122 ) in C. pomonella …”

Two Point Mutations in CYP4CE1 Promoter Contributed to the Differential Regulation of CYP4CE1 Expression by FoxO between Susceptible and Nitenpyram-Resistant Nilaparvata lugens

“…Numerous evidence confirmed that transcription-factor-medicated upregulation of P450 genes resulted in resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides. For instance, transcription factors CncC/Maf, CREB, HNF4, and AhR/ARNT have been proven to participate in the regulation of P450 genes mediating imidacloprid susceptibility in insects. ,,, AP-1 protein was shown to mediate clothianidin resistance by regulating CYP6ER1 in N. lugens .…”

“…In terms of the bHLH-PAS superfamily, it has been reported that AhR/ARNT regulated the cooperative expression between CYP6CY3 and CYP6CY4 genes, conferring the nicotine adaption of Myzus persicae nicotianae to tobacco . AhR regulated the expression of GSTe3 , CYP9A121 , and CYP9A122 , thus conferring lambda-cyhalothrin resistance in Cydia pomonella . AhR and ARNT in N.…”