Genome-wide exploration of metabolic-based pyrethroid resistance mechanism in Helicoverpa armigera

To elucidate the deltamethrin resistance mechanism in Helicoverpa armigera, we explored mutations at the deltamethrin target site, genomic level variations between insecticide-susceptible and -resistant strains, and differences in gene expression patterns between the strains. Known pyrethroid resistance-associated point mutations within the voltage-gated sodium channel were undetected in the cDNA and gDNA of resistant strains or field populations. The whole-genome de novo assembly of a Korean-resistant strain was performed (GCA_026262555.1), and 13 genomes of susceptible and resistant individuals were re-sequenced using field populations. Approximately 3,369,837 variants (SNPs and indels) were compared with our reference H. armigera genome, and 1,032,689 variants were identified from open reading frames. A resistance-specific CYP3 subfamily gene with five variants (CYP321A1v1–v5) was identified in the resistant strains, indicating the potential role of these variants in resistance. RNA-seq analysis identified 36,720 transcripts from 45 Illumina RNA-seq datasets of the fatbody, gut, and the rest of the body. Differential gene expression analysis revealed some differently overexpressed detoxification enzyme genes in the resistant strains, particularly cytochrome P450 genes. This finding was consistent with the results of bioassay tests using PBO-based synergists that inhibit enzymes belong to cytochrome P450 family, further supporting the role of detoxification enzymes in resistance. Therefore, H. armigera may acquire deltamethrin resistance through a combination of actions, including the overexpression of various detoxification enzymes, such as CYP321A5 identified in this study may serve as a basis for understanding insecticide resistance at the molecular level and can be applied as diagnostic markers for resistance.