Tuta absoluta sensory protein binds pheromones and chlorpyrifos

Researchers have identified 23 genes for chemosensory proteins in tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) and associated two of them, TabsCSP8 and TabsCSP19, with distinct responses to insecticides and bioinsecticides. The work also showed an affinity of TabsCSP8 with chlorpyrifos and with the main component of the pest's sex pheromone. The scientists point to a dual role for these proteins: perception of chemical signals and response to toxic compounds. Researchers report the identification of 23 genes from TabsCSP1 to TabsCSP23 through genomic analysis. Phylogeny has grouped most of these genes with orthologs from other Lepidoptera, a fact that reinforces the evolutionary conservation of the family. Some of the genes have formed their own branches of Tuta absoluta , an indication of functional diversification within the species. Gene expression In the gene expression phase, the team evaluated four candidates after exposing second-instar larvae to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) , ...