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Updated: Jun 9, 2025

IR-TEx: An Open Source Data Integration Tool for Big Data Transcriptomics Designed for the Malaria Vector Anopheles gambiae
Published on: January 15, 2020
Transcriptome reanalysis and gene expression of 13 detoxification genes for avermectin and pyridaben resistance in
Xiaoqing Han1, Mengyuan Peng1, Yunlong Zhang1
1Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital, WeiFang People's Hospital, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261000, China.
Abstract:
Citrus red mites (P. citri) are key pests affecting citrus production worldwide due to pesticide resistance. The resistance mechanisms of ten pesticides are known, but a comprehensive study using transcriptome data is missing. This study employed deeptools, cuffdiff, rmats, bcftools and other software to examine gene expression variation, alternative splicing (AS), and mutations in mite resistance. The research highlighted that pesticides can regulate gene transcription, and red mites with resistance increase cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferases, carboxylesterase, and acetylcholinesterase expression. Pyridaben also induces new AS events. Fluazinam-induced mites show mRNA splicing peaking earlier than transcription, both peaking at one day and returning to baseline after two days. AS profiles are similar in different mite populations with overlapping pesticide resistances. Lastly, specific mitochondrial SNPs in mites might mediate resistance against select pesticides.
Insights
Citrus red mites develop pesticide resistance by altering gene expression and alternative splicing. Specific genetic mutations in mites may also contribute to resistance against certain pesticides.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Molecular Entomology
- Pest Management
Background:
- Citrus red mites (Panonychus citri) are significant global pests in citrus production.
- Pesticide resistance in mites poses a major challenge to effective pest control.
- Comprehensive studies on resistance mechanisms using transcriptome data are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gene expression variation, alternative splicing (AS), and mutations in pesticide-resistant citrus red mites.
- To understand the molecular basis of resistance to ten different pesticides.
- To identify potential genetic markers for pesticide resistance.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome data analysis using deeptools, cuffdiff, and rmats.
- Mutation analysis with bcftools.
- Comparative analysis of gene expression and AS profiles in resistant mite populations.
Main Results:
- Pesticide exposure significantly regulates gene transcription in mites.
- Resistant mites exhibit increased expression of detoxification genes (cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferases, carboxylesterase, acetylcholinesterase).
- Pyridaben induces novel alternative splicing events, while Fluazinam affects the timing of mRNA splicing relative to transcription.
Conclusions:
- Alternative splicing profiles are conserved across different mite populations with overlapping resistance.
- Specific mitochondrial single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are potential mediators of resistance to certain pesticides.
- This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying pesticide resistance in citrus red mites.

