Acetylcholinesterases of blood-feeding flies and ticks.

摘要: Abstract Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the biochemical target of organophosphate (OP) and carbamate pesticides for invertebrates, vertebrate nerve agents, AChE inhibitors used to reduce effects Alzheimer’s disease. Organophosphate (OPs) are widely control blood-feeding arthropods, including biting flies ticks. However, resistance OPs in pests affecting animal human health has compromised efficacy. OP often results from mutations producing an OP-insensitive AChE. Our studies have demonstrated production AChEs Complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences encoding were obtained horn fly, stable sand southern cattle tick. The availability cDNA enables identification mutations, expression characterization recombinant proteins, gene silencing functional studies, as well vitro screening novel inhibitors. tick expresses at least three different genes their synganglion, i.e. brain. Gene amplification each known multiple alleles may fitness cost associated with OP-resistance. hydrolyzes neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, but additional roles physiology development. possess significantly properties, expressed neural non-neural tissues, which suggest separation structure function. remarkable complexity ticks suggested by combining genomic data Ixodes scapularis our genetic Rhipicephalus microplus suggestive previously unknown duplication diversification. Comparative between invertebrate could enhance understanding structure–activity relationships. Research a model system offers opportunity elucidate relationships that important advances targeted pest control, potential applications medicine biosecurity.