What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to analyze the association of voltage-gated sodium channel mutations with pyrethroid resistance in Aedes albopictus from Northern Peninsular Malaysia.

June 23, 2026Open Access

Emerging and regionally novel voltage-gated sodium channel mutations associated with pyrethroid resistance and altered binding affinity in Aedes albopictus (Skuse) from Northern Peninsular Malaysia

NANurul Adilah-AmrannudinUniversiti Sains Malaysia KJKenneth Tan JunKaiHospital Universiti Sains Malaysia AMAhmad Faisal MohamadUniversiti Sains Malaysia

Key Points

The study aims to analyze the association of voltage-gated sodium channel mutations with pyrethroid resistance in Aedes albopictus from Northern Peninsular Malaysia.
Conducted WHO bioassays on Aedes albopictus larvae and adults from four localities in Malaysia.
Genotyped voltage-gated sodium channel gene through direct sequencing to identify mutations.
Evaluated protein structures and binding affinities using in silico docking techniques.
Resistance was detected in all strains from Penang and Perlis, affecting all tested insecticides.
Identified the F1534L mutation and new mutations A1022S/P, E1041K, P1585R, and F1695L suggestive of evolving resistance.
Mutations impact binding affinity of voltage-gated sodium channel proteins to pyrethroids.

Abstract

Abstract Background The application of synthetic insecticides is the primary means of controlling Aedes mosquitoes in Malaysia, but the efficacy of this method is undermined by the evolution of resistance. Aedes albopictus as one of the dominant and competent arboviral vectors has an elusive insecticide resistance status in different geographical regions of Northern Peninsular Malaysia. This underscores the importance of assessing the diverse types of insecticides used and their association with target-site resistance mechanism in this species, which forms the basis of the present study. Methods WHO bioassays were performed on Ae. albopictus larvae and adults from four localities (Penang and Perlis), towards 0.034 ppm temephos, 0.25% permethrin, 0.03% deltamethrin, 0.25% pirimiphos-methyl, and 0.1% propoxur. The partial voltage-gated sodium channel ( vgsc ) gene domain (DIIS6, DIIIS6, and DIVS6) of pyrethroid-exposed samples were subsequently genotyped through direct sequencing for single-nucleotide mutations, together with genetic variations and haplotype networks analysis. The predicted protein structures for the mutated regions and their binding affinities to pyrethroids were also evaluated using in silico docking. Results and discussions Varying degrees of resistance were observed in all Penang and Perlis strains to all tested insecticides. Moreover, the detection of the F1534L mutation and newly discovered non-synonymous mutations (A1022S/P, E1041K, P1585R, and F1695L) suggest the progression of resistance alleles dissemination in these strains. The analysis of genetic variations, resistance allele distribution patterns, and haplotype networks showed evidence for multiple origins of these mutations. Data also revealed the discovered mutations affect the affinity of vgsc -binding proteins to pyrethroids. Conclusions This study highlights the genotype–phenotype associations in Ae. albopictus and their genetic links to pyrethroid resistance, offering insights to strengthen vector control strategies in Malaysia.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper