Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Functional Characterization of Carboxylesterases in Insecticide Resistant House Flies, Musca Domestica
Published on: August 23, 2018
The Effect of Permethrin Resistance on
Liming Zhao1, Barry W Alto2, Dongyoung Shin3
1Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, 200 9th Street South East, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA. lmzhao@ufl.edu.
Abstract:
Aedes aegypti (L.) is the primary vector of many emerging arboviruses. Insecticide resistance among mosquito populations is a consequence of the application of insecticides for mosquito control. We used RNA-sequencing to compare transcriptomes between permethrin resistant and susceptible strains of Florida Ae. aegypti in response to Zika virus infection. A total of 2459 transcripts were expressed at significantly different levels between resistant and susceptible Ae. aegypti. Gene ontology analysis placed these genes into seven categories of biological processes. The 863 transcripts were expressed at significantly different levels between the two mosquito strains (up/down regulated) more than 2-fold. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was used to validate the Zika-infection response. Our results suggested a highly overexpressed P450, with AAEL014617 and AAEL006798 as potential candidates for the molecular mechanism of permethrin resistance in Ae. aegypti. Our findings indicated that most detoxification enzymes and immune system enzymes altered their gene expression between the two strains of Ae. aegypti in response to Zika virus infection. Understanding the interactions of arboviruses with resistant mosquito vectors at the molecular level allows for the possible development of new approaches in mitigating arbovirus transmission. This information sheds light on Zika-induced changes in insecticide resistant Ae. aegypti with implications for mosquito control strategies.
Insights
Insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary arbovirus vector, was studied using RNA-sequencing. Zika virus infection altered gene expression in resistant mosquitoes, highlighting potential P450 targets for control.
Area of Science:
- * Molecular biology and entomology, focusing on vector-borne diseases and insecticide resistance.
Background:
- * Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are significant vectors for emerging arboviruses like Zika.
- * Insecticide resistance in mosquito populations complicates disease control efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To compare transcriptomes of permethrin-resistant and susceptible Aedes aegypti strains after Zika virus infection.
- * To identify molecular mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance and Zika virus interactions.
Main Methods:
- * RNA-sequencing to analyze gene expression differences between resistant and susceptible mosquito strains.
- * Quantitative real-time PCR to validate gene expression changes in response to Zika virus.
Main Results:
- * 2459 transcripts showed significant expression differences between resistant and susceptible Aedes aegypti.
- * Highly overexpressed P450 enzymes (AAEL014617, AAEL006798) were identified as potential contributors to permethrin resistance.
- * Zika virus infection altered gene expression of detoxification and immune enzymes in resistant mosquitoes.
Conclusions:
- * Zika virus infection impacts gene expression in insecticide-resistant Aedes aegypti.
- * Understanding these molecular interactions can inform novel mosquito and arbovirus control strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Resistivity
Resistance
Equivalent Resistance
Resistance and Conductance
Various factors impact the resistance of a conductor. Spiraling in stranded conductors increases their...
Rolling Resistance
For instance, imagine a hard cylinder rolling on a comparatively soft surface. The cylinder's weight compresses the surface beneath it. As the cylinder moves, the material in front of it slows down due to...
Vascular Resistance
The primary determinants of vascular resistance are vessel diameter, blood viscosity, and vessel length. Among these, vessel diameter plays the most significant role due to the fourth power relationship described by...

