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MiR-285 targets P450 (CYP6N23) to regulate pyrethroid resistance in Culex pipiens pallens
Mengmeng Tian1, Bingqian Liu1, Hongxia Hu1
1Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs play critical roles in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, which participate in the modulation of almost all of the cellular processes. Although emerging evidence indicates that microRNAs are related with antineoplastic drugs resistance, whether microRNAs are responsible for insecticide resistance in mosquitos is poorly understood. In this paper, we found that miR-285 was significantly upregulated in the deltamethrin-resistant strain of Culex pipiens pallens, and overexpression miR-285 through microinjection increased mosquito survival rate against deltamethrin treatement. Using bioinformatic software, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, luciferase reporter assay and microinjection approaches, we conformed that CYP6N23 was the target of miR-285. Lower expression of CYP6N23 was observed in the deltamethrin-resistant strain. While, mosquito mortality rate was decreased after downregulating expression of CYP6N23 by dsRNA against CYP6N23 or miR-285 mimic microinjection. These findings revealed that miR-285 could target CYP6N23 to regulate pyrethroid resistance, providing new insights into mosquito insecticide resistance surveillance and control.
Insights
MicroRNAs regulate gene expression and can influence insecticide resistance. This study shows microRNA-285 targets CYP6N23, impacting deltamethrin resistance in mosquitoes.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Entomology
Background:
- MicroRNAs are key regulators of gene expression.
- MicroRNAs are linked to drug resistance, but their role in insecticide resistance is unclear.
- Mosquitoes pose significant public health threats, and insecticide resistance complicates control efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microRNAs in deltamethrin resistance in the mosquito Culex pipiens pallens.
- To identify specific microRNAs and their target genes involved in insecticide resistance.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis to predict microRNA targets.
- Quantitative reverse transcription PCR to measure gene expression.
- Luciferase reporter assays to confirm gene-target interactions.
- Microinjection to manipulate microRNA and gene expression in mosquitoes.
Main Results:
- MicroRNA-285 (miR-285) was significantly upregulated in deltamethrin-resistant mosquitoes.
- Overexpression of miR-285 increased mosquito survival against deltamethrin.
- CYP6N23 was identified as a direct target of miR-285.
- CYP6N23 expression was lower in resistant mosquitoes.
- Downregulating CYP6N23 or miR-285 increased mosquito susceptibility to deltamethrin.
Conclusions:
- MiR-285 targets CYP6N23 to modulate pyrethroid insecticide resistance in Culex pipiens pallens.
- This finding provides novel insights for mosquito insecticide resistance surveillance and control strategies.
