Harnessing model organisms to study insecticide resistance

Curr Opin Insect Sci. 2018 Jun:27:61-67. doi: 10.1016/j.cois.2018.03.005. Epub 2018 Mar 10.

Abstract

The vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has made an enormous contribution to our understanding of insecticide targets, metabolism and transport. This contribution has been enabled by the unmatched capacity to manipulate genes in D. melanogaster and the fact that lessons learn in this system have been applicable to pests, because of the evolutionary conservation of key genes, particularly those encoding targets. With the advent of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology, genes can now be manipulated in pest species, but this review points to advantages that are likely to keep D. melanogaster at the forefront of insecticide research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems*
  • Drosophila melanogaster
  • Insecta / drug effects*
  • Insecticide Resistance*
  • Insecticides / adverse effects*
  • Models, Animal

Substances

  • Insecticides