Chitin biosynthesis represents an attractive target site for combating insect pests as this process is absent in humans and other vertebrates. However, current understanding of this process is rather limited in insects. The exact mechanisms of the chitin synthesis inhibitor insecticide benzylphenolureas, such as diflubenzuron, are still elusive. To explore the mechanisms of diflubenzuron, a high-throughput method was adapted and optimized to examine the chitin synthase activity and its inhibition by diflubenzuron, polyoxin D, and nikkomycin Z in mosquitoes. A chitosan/dsRNA nanoparticle-based RNA interference through larval feeding was developed to analyze the functions of chitin synthase genes. Mosquito larvae fed on the nanoparticles assembled AgCHS1 and AgCHS2 dsRNA increased larval susceptibilities to diflubenzuron, and calcofluor white or dithiothreitol, respectively. These results suggest a great potential for using such a nanoparticle-based RNAi technology for high-throughput screening of gene functions and for developing novel strategies for pest management.

Explore new insecticidal site targeting on chitin synthesis enzymes in <i>Anopheles gambiae</i>

244th National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.

Explore new insecticidal site targeting on chitin synthesis enzymes in Anopheles gambiae