A series of conserved point mutations in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) confer resistance to organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides in most arthropod pests. However, the mutations associated with reduced sensitivity to insecticides usually results in the reduction of catalytic efficiency and leads to a fitness disadvantage. To compensate for the reduced catalytic activity, overexpression of neuronal AChE appears to be necessary, which is achieved by a relatively recent duplication of the AChE gene (ace) as observed in the two-spotted spider mite and other insects. Unlike the cases with overexpression of neuronal AChE, the extensive generation of soluble AChE is observed in some insects either from a distinct non-neuronal ace locus or from a single ace locus via alternative splicing. The production of soluble AChE in the fruit fly is induced by chemical stress. Soluble AChE acts as a potential bioscavenger and provides tolerance to xenobiotics, suggesting its role in chemical adaptation during evolution.

• Si Hyeock Lee(Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University)
• Young Ho Kim(Department of Applied Biology, College of Ecology & Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University)
• Deok Ho Kwon(Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University)