Abstract
BackgroundGlutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional detoxification enzymes that play important roles in insects. The completion of several insect genome projects has enabled the identification and characterization of GST genes over recent years. This study presents a genome-wide investigation of the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, a species in which the GSTs are of special importance because this pest is highly resistant to many insecticides.ResultsA total of 22 putative cytosolic GSTs were identified from a published P. xylostella genome and grouped into 6 subclasses (with two unclassified). Delta, Epsilon and Omega GSTs were numerically superior with 5 genes for each of the subclasses. The resulting phylogenetic tree showed that the P. xylostella GSTs were all clustered into Lepidoptera-specific branches. Intron sites and phases as well as GSH binding sites were strongly conserved within each of the subclasses in the GSTs of P. xylostella. Transcriptome-, RNA-seq- and qRT-PCR-based analyses showed that the GST genes were developmental stage- and strain-specifically expressed. Most of the highly expressed genes in insecticide resistant strains were also predominantly expressed in the Malpighian tubules, midgut or epidermis.ConclusionsTo date, this is the most comprehensive study on genome-wide identification, characterization and expression profiling of the GST family in P. xylostella. The diversified features and expression patterns of the GSTs are inferred to be associated with the capacity of this species to develop resistance to a wide range of pesticides and biological toxins. Our findings provide a base for functional research on specific GST genes, a better understanding of the evolution of insecticide resistance, and strategies for more sustainable management of the pest.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1343-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional detoxification enzymes that play important roles in insects
Our findings provide a base for functional research on specific GST genes, a better understanding of the evolution of insecticide resistance, and strategies for more sustainable management of the pest
Queries for P. xylostella GSTs (PxGSTs) were done against the amino acid sequences from the other insects: Drosophila melanogaster (Dm), Culex quinquefasciatus (Cq), Aedes aegypti (Aa), Anopheles gambiae (Ag) (Diptera), Tribolium castaneum (Tc) (Coleoptera), Apis mellifera (Am), Nasonia vitripennis (Nv) (Hymenoptea), Pediculus humanus (Ph), Acyrthosiphon pisum (Ap) (Exopterogota), and Bombyx mori (Bm)
Summary
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional detoxification enzymes that play important roles in insects. This study presents a genome-wide investigation of the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, a species in which the GSTs are of special importance because this pest is highly resistant to many insecticides. The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.). Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Fujian and Taiwan, China. Several studies have examined the potential mechanisms underlying the development of insecticide resistance in P. xylostella [3,4,5]. One of the proposed mechanisms is metabolic resistance through the multifunctional glutathione S-transferases (GSTs, EC2.5.1.18). These enzymes can catalyze electrophilic compounds, making them water soluble and readily excreted [6]
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