The interaction between GCN2 and eIF2 mediates the resistance of cotton bollworm to the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac toxin.

ABSTRACT: Deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying insect resistance to Cry toxins produced by the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is crucial for the sustainable utilization of Bt-based products. Previously, we identified that the reduced expression of the CAD, ABCC2 and ABCC3 genes through a eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) is associated with Bt Cry1Ac resistance in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera. Here, we found that an eIF2 alpha kinase, GCN2, is highly conserved in Lepidoptera insects. Its inhibitor GCN2iB (ATP-competitive inhibitor of serine/threonine protein kinase, stress-responsive kinase) could decrease the toxicity of Cry1Ac, and the GCN2 enzyme activities decreased after larvae fed Cry1Ac. The expression level of the HaGCN2 gene and the enzymat

SUBMITTER: Zhang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12448995 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature