Unique post-translational modifications diversify the sodium channels in peach aphid (Myzus persicae [Sulzer]).

Background: Myzus persicae (Sulzer), a worldwide pest, has caused remarkable damage to agriculture. Among the various control methods, chemical control (especially pyrethroids) is most commonly used. The targets of pyrethroids are voltage-gated sodium channels (Na s). Unlike those of other insects, all Na s of aphids (including two genes), such as Myzus persicae, are unique.

Results: In this study, three interlock patterns, I(918)-F(1014), L(918)-L(1014), and T(918)-F(1014), were found at sites 918 and 1014 in the sensitive Myzus persicae strain. Similar to that of other aphids, the Na of Myzus persicae (MpNa ) consisted of two parts, that is MpNa -I and MpNa -II, which were embedded with an atypical 'DENS' ion selectivity filter and a conventional 'MFM' inactivation gate, respectively. MpNa had 11 alternative exons, including two mutually exclusive exons (k and l) and three exons (w, x, and t), which were located in domains I and III, respectively. In addition, various RNA editing events, A503T and V588A, appearing between the connection of domains I and II and the S3 of domain IV, respectively, had been described.

Conclusion: Overall, MpNa was characterized by unique post-translational regulation mode, 918 and 1014 interlocks, and unusually alternative exons. Our research provides a new perspective on the evolution and variation of insect Na s. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.