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Distribution and frequency of Vkorc1 polymorphisms in house mice and Norway rats in the northeastern United States

Jin-Jia Yu1, Alvaro Toledo1, Adrienne E Kasprowicz2

  • 1Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.

Pest Management Science
|April 22, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

High frequencies of Vkorc1 gene mutations conferring anticoagulant rodenticide resistance were found in house mice and Norway rats. This highlights the urgent need for integrated pest management strategies and alternating rodenticides to combat resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Pest Management Science
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are crucial for managing commensal rodent populations.
  • Resistance to ARs, driven by Vkorc1 gene mutations, poses a significant challenge to effective rodent control.
  • Understanding the genetic basis of rodenticide resistance is vital for environmental and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distribution and frequency of Vkorc1 gene polymorphisms in house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) and Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) in key urban areas.
  • To identify novel and previously reported mutations associated with anticoagulant rodenticide resistance.
  • To assess the prevalence of resistance-conferring mutations in these rodent populations.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic DNA was extracted from 147 house mice and 143 Norway rats sampled from urban environments.
  • The Vkorc1 gene was analyzed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), distinguishing between synonymous and nonsynonymous mutations (nsSNPs).
  • Frequencies of identified mutations were calculated, and their association with known resistance mechanisms was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Five nsSNPs (A32V, W59L, L128S, Y139C, Y139F) were identified in house mice, with A32V and Y139F being novel findings.
  • A high prevalence of resistance-associated mutations was observed in house mice, with 84% carrying at least one mutation and 69% carrying known resistance-conferring mutations.
  • In Norway rats, 35% carried mutations, including a newly identified nsSNP (L128V) and previously reported synonymous mutations (H68H, I82I).

Conclusions:

  • The widespread occurrence of resistance-associated Vkorc1 mutations in house mice necessitates the implementation of integrated pest management and rotation of rodenticide types.
  • Further research is required to determine the resistance implications of newly identified mutations in Norway rats.
  • Effective rodent control strategies must adapt to the evolving genetic landscape of rodent populations.
Keywords:
anticoagulant rodenticidescommensal rodentsresistancesingle nucleotide polymorphisms

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