VKORC1 single nucleotide polymorphisms in rodents in Spain.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Entomology
• Molecular Biology
• Pest Management

Background:

• Rodents pose significant threats to agriculture and public health globally.
• Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are widely used for rodent control by inhibiting the vitamin K 2,3-epoxide reductase (VKORC1) enzyme.
• Genetic resistance, often linked to vkorc1 gene mutations, reduces AR effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate genetic variations in Spanish rodent populations potentially conferring resistance to ARs.
• To identify specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the vkorc1 gene associated with reduced AR efficacy in Spain.

Main Methods:

• Collected over 200 samples (stools, tails) from brown rats, black rats, and mice across 12 Spanish regions.
• Sequenced the vkorc1 exon 3 genomic DNA from collected samples.
• Utilized computational analysis to predict the impact of identified mutations on AR binding affinity.

Main Results:

• Identified specific vkorc1 gene variations in Spanish rodents, including S149I, S149T, E155K, and E155Q mutations.
• The brown rat S149I mutation significantly reduced binding affinity for chlorophacinone and brodifacoum.
• Black rat mutations (S149T, E155K, E155Q) slightly decreased bromadiolone binding affinity.

Conclusions:

• Identified vkorc1 gene mutations in Spanish rodent populations are likely causes of increased resistance to specific anticoagulant rodenticides.
• These findings provide crucial insights into the mechanisms of AR resistance in Spain.
• Understanding these genetic factors is essential for developing effective rodent pest management strategies.