DDT resistance protein found in mosquitoes

CHAMPAIGN, Ill., June 17 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists said they have identified a key detoxifying protein in Anopheles mosquitoes that metabolizes DDT.

The University of Illinois study shows protein produced in elevated levels in the mosquitoes actually metabolizes the insecticide, used since World War II to control the mosquitoes that spread malaria.

Anopheles gambiae as a species includes many closely related mosquito strains that transmit the malarial parasite to humans and other animals, the researchers said. The protein that metabolized DDT, CYP6Z1, belongs to a class of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, or P450s, that are known to be important detoxifying agents in many species.

The study was led by Professor Mary Schuler and included postdoctoral researchers Ting-Lan Chiu, Sanjeewa Rupasinghe and Zhimou Wen.

"In the mosquito genome you've got somewhat over a hundred P450 genes, and if you can identify which ones are responsible for DDT resistance, there are many things you can do to control this pest species," Schuler said. "And if you can effectively block the actions of proteins that metabolize DDT then you can prevent the resistance levels from becoming elevated in natural populations."

The study appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.