Transcriptome Analysis of Detoxification-Related Genes in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest on maize, and it can cause large yield losses. As S. frugiperda has invaded many developing countries in Africa and Asia in recent years, it could impact food security. Pesticides remain the main method to control S. frugiperda in the field, and this pest has developed resistance to some pesticides. In this study, we used second-generation sequencing technology to detect the gene expression change of S. frugiperda after treatment by LC20 of three pesticides, lufenuron, spinetoram, and tetrachloroamide, which have different modes of actions. The sequence data were first assembled into a 60,236 unigenes database, and then the differential expression unigenes (DEUs) after pesticide treatment were identified. The DEU numbers, Gene Ontology catalog, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway catalog were analyzed. Finally, 11 types of unigenes related to detoxification and DEUs after pesticide treatment were listed, and Cytochrome P450, Glutathione S-transferase, and ATP-binding cassette transporter were analyzed. This study provides a foundation for molecular research on S. frugiperda pesticide detoxification.

Enzymatic detoxification of organophosphorus pesticides and related toxicants

Millions of cases of pesticide intoxication occur yearly and represent a public health problem. In addition, pesticide poisoning is the preferred suicidal method in rural areas. The use of enzymes for the treatment of intoxication due to organophosphorus pesticides was proposed decades ago. Several enzymes are able to transform organophosphorus compounds such as pesticides and nerve agents. Some specific enzymatic treatments have been proposed, including direct enzyme injection, liposome and erythrocytes carriers, PEGylated preparations and extracorporeal enzymatic treatments. Nevertheless, no enzymatic treatments are currently available. In this work, the use of enzymes for treating of organophosphorus pesticide intoxication is critically reviewed and the remaining challenges are discussed.