ARS | Publication request: Permethrin Induces Overexpression of Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit 3 in Aedes aegypti

Submitted to: Journal of Medical Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: March 30, 2009
Publication Date: July 1, 2009
Citation: Pridgeon, Y.W., Becnel, J.J., Clark, G.G., Linthicum, K. 2009. Permethrin Induces Overexpression of Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit 3 in Aedes aegypti. Journal of Medical Entomology. 46(4):810-819.

Interpretive Summary: Using quantitative PCR (QPCR), the relative transcriptional levels of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 3 (CO3) were studied in the yellow fever mosquito in response to treatments with acetone and pesticides (permethrin or fipronil). The transcriptional levels of CO3 were significantly higher in acetone-treated mosquitoes compared to those in untreated samples. Using ribosomal L24, HSP, or actin as reference gene, relative transcription levels of CO3 in acetone-treated mosquitoes at least two fold higher, compared to that in untreated mosquitoes. Transcriptional levels of CO3 were induced at least 4 fold by permethrin at LD10 dose compared to acetone (p <0.05) treatment. The results of ARS scientists at the Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology in Gainesville, FL, suggest that overexpression of CO3 might play an important role in mosquitoes in response to chemical treatment.

Technical Abstract: Using quantitative PCR (QPCR), the relative transcriptional levels of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 3 (CO3) were studied in Aedes aegypti (L.) in response to treatments with acetone, permethrin, or fipronil. The transcriptional levels of CO3 were significantly (p <0.05) higher in acetone-treated Ae. aegypti compared to those in untreated samples. Using ribosomal L24, HSP, or actin as reference gene, relative transcription levels of CO3 in acetone-treated Ae. aegypti were 2.88 ' 0.38, 2.60 ' 0.60, and 3.24 ' 0.70-fold higher, respectively, compared to that in untreated mosquitoes. Using ribosomal L24, HSP, or actin as reference genes, the transcriptional levels of CO3 were induced significantly higher (6.54 ' 1.22, 4.62 ' 0.74, and 9.47 ' 3.71-fold, respectively) by permethrin at LD10 compared to acetone (p <0.05). Taken together, our results suggest that overexpression of CO3 is tightly regulated in Ae. aegypti in response to xenobiotic treatment.