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Cytochrome P450 Genes Mediate High-Temperature Adaptation Under Diverging Humidity Conditions in Tuta absoluta
Hina Gul1, Guru-Pirasanna-Pandi Govindharaj2, Ghulam Murtaza3
1State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MOA of China and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 14, 2026
Summary
High temperatures and humidity impact insect survival. This study reveals cytochrome P450 genes are crucial for tomato pinworm adaptation to heat and humidity, suggesting RNAi pest control.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Molecular Biology
- Climate Change Adaptation
Background:
- Temperature and humidity are key abiotic factors influencing insect pest survival and adaptation.
- The molecular basis of high-temperature tolerance in invasive species like the tomato pinworm (Tuta absoluta) under varying humidity is not well understood.
- Previous research has focused on individual stressors, leaving interactive effects on gene expression and survival unresolved.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cytochrome P450 genes in the thermal adaptation of Tuta absoluta under contrasting humidity conditions.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying high-temperature tolerance in this invasive pest.
- To assess the potential of RNA interference (RNAi) targeting P450 genes for pest management.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome profiling of Tuta absoluta larvae exposed to high temperature (40 °C) under low (50% RH) and high (75% RH) humidity.
- Nanocarrier-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) to silence specific cytochrome P450 genes.
- Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) to validate gene expression changes.
Main Results:
- High temperature significantly reduced larval survival, with greater impact under high humidity.
- Transcriptome analysis revealed extensive differential gene expression, particularly in metabolic regulation, proteostasis, and detoxification pathways.
- Four specific cytochrome P450 genes (CYP6AB327, CYP6ABF1b, CYP6AE214, CYP9A306c) were upregulated under high temperature, and their silencing via RNAi reduced larval survival.
Conclusions:
- Cytochrome P450 genes play a critical role in the adaptive capacity of Tuta absoluta to combined high-temperature and humidity stress.
- RNAi-mediated disruption of P450 gene function offers a promising strategy for sustainable management of this invasive pest.
- Findings provide insights into insect pest responses to climate change scenarios.
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