Gene amplification and microsatellite polymorphism underlie a recent insect host shift
Abstract
Insect host shifts may lead to sympatric speciation and can create new crop pests, however identifying the genetic changes involved has proved elusive. We studied a subspecies of the aphid Myzus persicae that has recently host shifted to tobacco and are resistant to the plant alkaloid nicotine. We found these races overexpress a cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP6CY3) that allows them to detoxify nicotine and also certain synthetic insecticides. Overexpression of CYP6CY3 is caused by gene amplification (up to 100 copies) and expansion of a dinucleotide microsatellite in the promoter. Our findings provide insights into the molecular drivers of insect host shifts.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- November 2013
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1314122110
- Bibcode:
- 2013PNAS..11019460B