Abstract
Recent advances in genomic and post-genomic technologies have facilitated a genome-wide analysis of the insecticide resistance-associated genes in insects. Through bed bug, Cimex lectularius transcriptome analysis, we identified 14 molecular markers associated with pyrethroid resistance. Our studies revealed that most of the resistance-associated genes functioning in diverse mechanisms are expressed in the epidermal layer of the integument, which could prevent or slow down the toxin from reaching the target sites on nerve cells, where an additional layer of resistance (kdr) is possible. This strategy evolved in bed bugs is based on their unique morphological, physiological and behavioral characteristics and has not been reported in any other insect species. RNA interference-aided knockdown of resistance associated genes showed the relative contribution of each mechanism towards overall resistance development. Understanding the complexity of adaptive strategies employed by bed bugs will help in designing the most effective and sustainable bed bug control methods.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-14-2013
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep01456
Repository Citation
Zhu, Fang; Gujar, Hemant; Gordon, Jennifer R.; Haynes, Kenneth F.; Potter, Michael F.; and Palli, Subba R., "Bed Bugs Evolved Unique Adaptive Strategy to Resist Pyrethroid Insecticides" (2013). Entomology Faculty Publications. 4.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/entomology_facpub/4
Supplementary information
Notes/Citation Information
Published in Scientific Reports, v. 3, article no. 1456, p. 1-8.
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