Adaptative evolution of the Vkorc1 gene in Mus musculus domesticus is influenced by the selective pressure of anticoagulant rodenticides. Issue 8 (21st March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goulois, Joffrey; Lambert, Véronique; Legros, Lionel; Benoit, Etienne; Lattard, Virginie
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 7:Issue 8(2017:May)
• Page Start: 2767
• Page End: 2776
• Publication Date: 2017-03-21
• Subjects: anticoagulant rodenticides -- Mus musculus domesticus -- mutations -- selection pressure -- vitamin K epoxide reductase 1; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2829
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Anticoagulant rodenticides are commonly used to control rodent pests worldwide. They specifically inhibit the vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKORC1), which is an enzyme encoded by the Vkorc1 gene, involved in the recycling of vitamin K. Therefore, they prevent blood clotting. Numerous mutations of Vkorc1 gene were reported in rodents, and some are involved in the resistant to rodenticides phenotype. Two hundred and sixty‐six mice tails were received from 65 different locations in France. Coding sequences of Vkorc1 gene were sequenced in order to detect mutations. Consequences of the observed mutations were evaluated by the use of recombinant VKORC1. More than 70% of mice presented Vkorc1 mutations. Among these mice, 80% were homozygous. Contrary to brown rats for which only one predominant Vkorc1 genotype was found in France, nine missense single mutations and four double mutations were observed in house mice. The single mutations lead to resistance to first‐generation antivitamin K (AVKs) only and are certainly associated with the use of these first‐generation molecules by nonprofessionals for the control of mice populations. The double mutations, probably obtained by genetic recombination, lead to in vitro resistance to all AVKs. They must be regarded as an adaptive evolution to the current use of second‐generation AVKs. The intensive use of first‐generation anticoagulants probably allowed the selection of a high diversity of mutations, which makes possible the genetic recombination and consequently provokes the emergence of the more resistant mutated Vkorc1 described to date. Abstract : More than 70% of mice presented Vkorc1 mutations. Contrary to brown rats for which only one predominant Vkorc1 genotype was found in France, nine missense single mutations and four double mutations were observed in house mice. The double mutations leading to resistance to all antivitamin K (AVKs) must be regarded as an adaptive response to the current use of second‐generation AVKs.