February 9, 2016
Bed Bug Genome Fully Assembled
For the first time, the complete genome of common Bed Bug has been described and assembled with annotation. This work, led by researchers at the American Museum of Natural History and Weill Cornell Medicine, was published in Nature Communications. The data, will provide a rich genetic resource for mapping bedbug activity in human hosts and in cities, including subways. It will also provide insights into the nature of this “almost perfect” pest.
The researchers found that the number of genes was fairly consistent throughout the Bed Bug life cycle, but they observed notable changes in gene expression, especially after the first blood meal. Some genes, expressed only after the Bed Bug first drinks blood, are linked to insecticide resistance, including mechanisms that result in better detoxification and thicker chitin, or skin. This suggests that Bed Bugs are likely most vulnerable during the first nymph stage, potentially making it a good target for future insecticides.
With the knowledge of Bed Bug at the genetic level revealed, pesticide manufacturers can screen new compounds more efficiently and precisely, which will lead to shorter development period and potentially bring us new products sooner to combat Bed Bugs.
