Transcription factor CncC potentially regulates the expression of multiple detoxification genes that mediate indoxacarb resistance inSpodoptera litura

The xenobiotic transcription factor cap 'n' collar isoform C (CncC) is considered the central regulator of antioxidant and detoxification genes. Previous research indicated that CncC regulates three-phase enzymes responsible for insecticide resistance. In this study, theSlituCncCgene fromSpodoptera liturawas obtained and characterized. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis showed thatSlituCncCwas expressed in all developmental stages and tissues, but was highly expressed in 3rd- and 4th-instar larvae, and in the Malpighian tubule, fat body, and midgut. In addition,SlituCncCwas up-regulated and more highly induced with indoxacarb treatment in the indoxacarb-resistant strains compared with the susceptible strain. RNA interference-mediated gene silencing ofSlituCncCsignificantly increased mortality ofS. liturawhen exposed to indoxacarb. Furthermore, comparative transcriptome analysis showed that 842 genes were down-regulated and 127 genes were up-regulated inSlituCncCknockdownS. litura. Further analysis indicated that 18 three-phase enzymes were identified in the down-regulated genes, of which seven were associated with indoxacarb resistance inS. litura. qPCR analysis confirmed that expression of six of these seven genes was consistent with RNA sequencing data. All six detoxification genes were induced by indoxacarb, and the expression patterns were similar to that ofSlituCncC. Finally, the CncC-Maf binding site was predicted in all six gene promoters. This study indicates that the transcription factorSlituCncCmay regulate multiple detoxification genes that mediate indoxacarb resistance inS. litura.

Automated summary

The transcription factor SlituCncC may regulate multiple detoxification genes that mediate indoxacarb resistance in Spodoptera litura.