Genomic and phylogenetic analysis of insect carboxyl/cholinesterase genes

The complete genome sequence data of insects in five orders are now available. In this commentary we provide recent genomic and phylogenetic analyses of insect carboxyl/cholinesterases (CCEs). Multiple CCEs are found in each insect species, and at present the silkworm Bombyx mori has the largest number and diversity of CCEs. Phylogenetic analyses of the 425 CCE sequences identified species or order specific clustering, but for some CCEs 1:1 orthologous relationships were apparent. Phylogenetic analyses will be useful for further functional analysis of CCEs and the development of species-specific insecticides and/or synergists. (C) Pesticide Science Society of Japan