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Epitranscriptomic regulation of insecticide resistance
Xin Yang1, Xuegao Wei1, Jing Yang1
1Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
Science Advances
|May 6, 2021
Summary
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification regulates a cytochrome P450 gene in whiteflies, conferring resistance to thiamethoxam insecticide. This epitranscriptomic mechanism is crucial for insecticide resistance development in Bemisia tabaci.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Entomology
- Genetics
Background:
- N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a prevalent mRNA modification regulating gene expression in eukaryotes.
- The function of m6A in insects, particularly in pest species, is largely unexplored.
- Understanding m6A's role is critical for developing novel pest management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of m6A in regulating insecticide resistance in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci.
- To identify specific genes and mechanisms involved in m6A-mediated insecticide resistance.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of gene expression and m6A modification in susceptible and resistant Bemisia tabaci strains.
- Mutation analysis of the CYP4C64 gene's 5' untranslated region.
- Investigating the impact of m6A modification and m6A 'writer' enzyme expression on CYP4C64 levels and thiamethoxam resistance.
Main Results:
- A mutation in the 5' UTR of the CYP4C64 gene in resistant whiteflies creates a putative m6A site.
- mRNA methylation at this site, alongside altered expression of m6A writers, enhances CYP4C64 expression.
- Increased CYP4C64 expression confers resistance to the insecticide thiamethoxam.
Conclusions:
- m6A-mediated regulation of CYP4C64 is a key mechanism driving thiamethoxam resistance in Bemisia tabaci.
- This study highlights the epitranscriptomic control of xenobiotic responses in insects.
- The m6A regulatory axis represents a potential target for managing insecticide resistance in agricultural pests.
