Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 29, 2025
10:26
Toxicological Assays for Testing Effects of an Epigenetic Drug on Development, Fecundity and Survivorship of Malaria Mosquitoes
Published on: January 16, 2015
8.6K
Avermectin induces toxic effects in insect nontarget cells involves DNA damage and its associated programmed cell
Meng Li1, Ping Zhang1, Wenping Xu1
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
Summary
Avermectin (AVM) causes DNA damage and programmed cell death in insect cells by inducing apoptosis and autophagy. This study investigates AVM
Area of Science:
- Insect cell toxicology
- Molecular mechanisms of pesticide action
Background:
- Avermectin (AVM) is an insecticide targeting GABA-related chloride channels in insect cells.
- The cytotoxicity of AVM in non-neural insect cells remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cytotoxicity and elucidate the mode of action of Avermectin (AVM) in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells.
- To investigate AVM-induced DNA damage, programmed cell death, and autophagy pathways.
Main Methods:
- Alkaline comet assay and PARP cleavage analysis for DNA damage assessment.
- Western blotting to detect apoptosis markers (Bax/Bcl-2, caspase-9/-3) and autophagy proteins (LC3, Beclin1, p62).
- Evaluation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway in AVM-induced autophagy.
Main Results:
- AVM suppressed Sf9 cell activity and induced programmed cell death.
- AVM treatment resulted in significant DNA damage, including double-strand breaks.
- Apoptosis was confirmed by altered Bax/Bcl-2 ratios and caspase activation.
- AVM upregulated autophagy markers (LC3, Beclin1) and downregulated p62, suggesting autophagy induction via the AMPK/mTOR pathway.
Conclusions:
- Avermectin (AVM) induces cytotoxicity in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells.
- AVM triggers DNA damage and programmed cell death, involving apoptosis and AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy.
- These findings provide insights into the non-target effects of AVM in insect cells.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Overview of Cell Death
8.2K
Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the...
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the...
8.2K
01:26Toxic Reactions: Overview
1.3K
When toxic substances penetrate the human body, they disseminate to various tissues, undergoing metabolic changes. This process yields reactive metabolites that may covalently bind with specific target molecules, resulting in toxicity.
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
1.3K
02:37DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
9.6K
In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
9.6K