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Expansions of key protein families in the German cockroach highlight the molecular basis of its remarkable success as a global indoor pest
Author(s) -
Harrison Mark C.,
Arning Nicolas,
Kremer Lukas P. M.,
Ylla Guillem,
Belles Xavier,
BornbergBauer Erich,
Huylmans Ann Kathrin,
Jongepier Evelien,
Piulachs MariaDolors,
Richards Stephen,
Schal Coby
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of experimental zoology part b: molecular and developmental evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1552-5015
pISSN - 1552-5007
DOI - 10.1002/jez.b.22824
Subject(s) - key (lock) , german , pest analysis , cockroach , german cockroach , biology , zoology , geography , ecology , botany , archaeology
The German cockroach, Blattella germanica , is a worldwide pest that infests buildings, including homes, restaurants, and hospitals, often living in unsanitary conditions. As a disease vector and producer of allergens, this species has major health and economic impacts on humans. Factors contributing to the success of the German cockroach include its resistance to a broad range of insecticides, immunity to many pathogens, and its ability, as an extreme generalist omnivore, to survive on most food sources. The recently published genome shows that B. germanica has an exceptionally high number of protein coding genes. In this study, we investigate the functions of the 93 significantly expanded gene families with the aim to better understand the success of B. germanica as a major pest despite such inhospitable conditions. We find major expansions in gene families with functions related to the detoxification of insecticides and allelochemicals, defense against pathogens, digestion, sensory perception, and gene regulation. These expansions might have allowed B. germanica to develop multiple resistance mechanisms to insecticides and pathogens, and enabled a broad, flexible diet, thus explaining its success in unsanitary conditions and under recurrent chemical control. The findings and resources presented here provide insights for better understanding molecular mechanisms that will facilitate more effective cockroach control.