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Acetylcholinesterase target sites for developing environmentally friendly insecticides against Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)

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Abstract

The non-target toxicity and resistance problems of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) insecticides, such as organophosphates and carbamates, are of growing concern. To explore the potential targets for achieving inhibitor selectivity, the AChE structures at or near the catalytic pocket of Tetranychus urticae (TuAChE), honey bees, and humans were compared. The entrances to the AChE catalytic pocket differ significantly because of their different peripheral sites. The role of these potential mite-specific sites in AChE function was further elucidated by site-directed mutagenesis of these sites and then examining the catalytic activities of TuAChE mutants. The spider mite E316, H369, and V105 active sites are important for AChE function. By further analyzing their physostigmine inhibitory properties and the detailed interaction between physostigmine and TuAChE, the peripheral site H369 locating near the gorge entrance, and S154 at the oxyanion hole, affects substrate and inhibitor trafficking. The discovery of conserved mite-specific residues in Tetranychus will enable the development of safer, effective pesticides that target residues present only in mite AChEs, potentially offering effective control against this important agricultural pest.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported financially by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31670648 and 81973243) and Beijing Natural Science Foundation (No. 6212004 and 6162004).

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  1. Chao Li and Yang Cao are co-first author.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Northern Urban Agriculture of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Bioscience and Resource Environment, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China

    Chao Li, Jin Yang, Mengyi Li, Bo Li & Chunya Bu

  2. Center for Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China

    Yang Cao

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  1. Chao Li
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Li, C., Cao, Y., Yang, J. et al. Acetylcholinesterase target sites for developing environmentally friendly insecticides against Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). Exp Appl Acarol 84, 419–431 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-021-00624-4

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