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Updated: Apr 20, 2026
Bioassays for Monitoring Insecticide Resistance
Published on: December 30, 2010
MiR-278-3p regulates pyrethroid resistance in Culex pipiens pallens
Zhentao Lei1, Yuan Lv, Weijie Wang
1Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and biological processes including embryonic development, innate immunity, and infection in many species. Emerging evidence indicates that miRNAs are involved in drug resistance. However, little is known about the relationship between the miRNAs and insecticide resistance in mosquitos. Here, we reported that conserved miR-278-3p and its target gene are critical for pyrethroid resistance in Culex pipiens pallens. We found that CYP6AG11 is the target of miR-278-3p, through bioinformatic analysis and experimental verification. The expression level of miR-278-3p was lower, whereas the level of CYP6AG11 was higher in deltamethrin-resistant strain, which were detected using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). We also found that CYP6AG11 was regulated by miR-278-3p via a specific target site with the 3' untranslated region (UTR) by luciferase reporter assay. In addition, overexpression of CYP6AG11 in the mosquito C6/36 cells showed better proliferation than the cells with empty vector when treated by deltamethrin at different concentrations. Moreover, the overexpression of miR-278-3p through microinjection led to a significant reduction in the survival rate, and the level of CYP6AG11 was simultaneously reduced. These results indicated that miR-278-3p could regulate the pyrethroid resistance through CYP6AG11.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression. This study reveals that miR-278-3p and its target gene, CYP6AG11, are critical for pyrethroid insecticide resistance in the mosquito Culex pipiens pallens.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Entomology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression.
- Emerging evidence links miRNAs to drug resistance.
- The role of miRNAs in mosquito insecticide resistance remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of specific miRNAs in pyrethroid resistance in Culex pipiens pallens.
- To identify the target gene of a relevant miRNA and elucidate its role in insecticide resistance.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis to predict miRNA-target interactions.
- Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) to measure gene and miRNA expression.
- Luciferase reporter assay to confirm target site interaction.
- Cell-based assays and microinjection to assess functional impact.
Main Results:
- CYP6AG11 was identified as a direct target of miR-278-3p.
- Lower miR-278-3p and higher CYP6AG11 expression were observed in deltamethrin-resistant mosquitoes.
- Overexpression of CYP6AG11 enhanced deltamethrin resistance in mosquito cells.
- Overexpression of miR-278-3p reduced deltamethrin resistance and CYP6AG11 levels.
Conclusions:
- miR-278-3p plays a crucial role in regulating pyrethroid resistance in Culex pipiens pallens.
- The miR-278-3p/CYP6AG11 pathway is a key mechanism underlying insecticide resistance.
- This finding offers potential targets for developing novel mosquito control strategies.
