Cloning of Two Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Genes from Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)

Abstract

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate fast cholinergic synaptic transmission in the insect nervous system. Neonicotinoid insecticides exhibit insecticidal activities by targeting these receptors. The aim of this study was to isolate cDNA clones of nAChR subunit genes of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). RACEs (Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends) were applied to obtain partial-length cDNA sequences. We identified two partial cDNA clones encoding β1 and α8 subunit genes (Btβ1-1168 bp and Btα8-755 bp), respectively, from Bemisia tabaci (Bt). This is the first report of isolation of α8 from B. tabaci by cloning. Btβ1 and Btα8 possess characteristics that are typical of nAChR subunits. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Btβ1 and Btα8 clustered with the orthologous genes of other insect species.