Expression of metallothionein and alpha-tubulin in heavy metal-tolerant Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (Diptera: Culicidae).

ABSTRACT: Anopheles mosquitoes have been shown to adapt to heavy metals in their natural habitats. In this study we explored the possibility of using Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto as bio-reporters for environmental heavy metal pollution through expressions of their metal-responsive metallothionein and alpha-tubulin genes. The study was undertaken with third instar larvae after selection by cadmium, copper, or lead at LC(30) through five successive generations. Expression levels were determined in the 5th generation by semi-quantitative RT-PCR on the experimental and control populations. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The highest metallothionein (F(3,11)=4.574, P=0.038) and alpha-tubulin (F(3,11)=12.961, P=0.002) responses were observed in cadmium-tolerant treatments. There was signifi

SUBMITTER: Mireji PO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2783303 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature