Multidrug transporters and organic anion transporting polypeptides protect insects against the toxic effects of cardenolides.

ABSTRACT: In the struggle against dietary toxins, insects are known to employ target site insensitivity, metabolic detoxification, and transporters that shunt away toxins. Specialized insects across six taxonomic orders feeding on cardenolide-containing plants have convergently evolved target site insensitivity via specific amino acid substitutions in the Na/K-ATPase. Nonetheless, in vitro pharmacological experiments have suggested a role for multidrug transporters (Mdrs) and organic anion transporting polypeptides (Oatps), which may provide a basal level of protection in both specialized and non-adapted insects. Because the genes coding for these proteins are evolutionarily conserved and in vivo genetic evidence in support of this hypothesis is lacking, here we used wildtype and mutant Drosophila m

SUBMITTER: Groen SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5428987 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature