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Vkorc1 gene polymorphisms confer resistance to anticoagulant rodenticide in Turkish rats
Nuri Yiğit1, Mustafa T Duman1, Derya Çetintürk1
1Biology Department/Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
Mutations in Exon 1, 2 and 3 of the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (Vkorc1) gene are known to lead to anticoagulant rodenticide resistance. In order to investigate their putative resistance in rodenticides, we studied the genetic profile of the Vkorc1 gene in Turkish black rats (Rattus rattus) and brown rats (Rattus norvegicus). In this context, previously recorded Ala21Thr mutation (R. rattus) in Exon 1 region, Ile90Leu mutation (R. rattus, R. norvegicus) in Exon 2 region and Leu120Gln mutation (R. norvegicus) in Exon 3 region were identified as "missense mutations" causing amino acid changes. Ala21Thr mutation was first detected in one specimen of Turkish black rat despite the uncertainty of its relevance to resistance. Ile90Leu mutation accepted as neutral variant was detected in most of black rat specimens. Leu120Gln mutation related to anticoagulant rodenticide resistance was found in only one brown rat specimen. Furthermore, Ser74Asn, Gln77Pro (black rat) and Ser79Pro (brown rat) mutations that cause amino acid changes in the Exon 2 region but unclear whether they cause resistance were identified. In addition, "silent mutations" which do not cause amino acid changes were also defined; these mutations were Arg12Arg mutation in Exon 1 region, His68His, Ser81Ser, Ile82Ile and Leu94Leu mutations in Exon 2 region and Ile107Ile, Thr137Thr, Ala143Ala and Gln152Gln mutations in Exon 3 region. These silent mutations were found in both species except for Ser81Ser which was determined in only brown rats.
Insights
Genetic analysis of the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) gene in Turkish rats revealed mutations. Some VKORC1 mutations are linked to anticoagulant rodenticide resistance, impacting pest control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Pest Management
Background:
- Mutations in the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) gene are associated with resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides.
- Understanding the genetic basis of resistance in rat populations is crucial for effective pest control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic profile of the VKORC1 gene in Turkish black rats (Rattus rattus) and brown rats (Rattus norvegicus).
- To identify known and novel mutations within the VKORC1 gene in these rodent populations.
- To assess the potential link between identified VKORC1 mutations and anticoagulant rodenticide resistance.
Main Methods:
- DNA sequencing of Exons 1, 2, and 3 of the VKORC1 gene in Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus specimens.
- Identification and characterization of missense and silent mutations.
- Comparison of identified mutations with previously recorded resistance-associated mutations.
Main Results:
- Several missense mutations were identified, including Ala21Thr (R. rattus), Ile90Leu (R. rattus, R. norvegicus), and Leu120Gln (R. norvegicus).
- The Leu120Gln mutation, known to be related to resistance, was found in a single brown rat specimen.
- Various silent mutations were identified across all studied exons in both species, with Ser81Ser being exclusive to brown rats.
- Other potentially resistance-conferring mutations (Ser74Asn, Gln77Pro, Ser79Pro) were also detected but their resistance relevance remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- The study identified various VKORC1 gene mutations in Turkish rat populations, including those previously linked to rodenticide resistance.
- The presence of resistance-associated mutations, though infrequent in this study, highlights the ongoing need for monitoring.
- Further research is required to elucidate the resistance implications of newly identified mutations and to inform pest management strategies.
