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Bai M, Liu ZL, Zhou YY, Xu QX, Liu TX, Tian HG. Influence of diverse storage conditions of double-stranded RNA in vitro on the RNA interference efficiency in vivo insect Tribolium castaneum. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:45-54. [PMID: 36086883 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant variation in RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency hinders further functional gene studies and pest control application in many insects. The available double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules introduced into the target cells are regarded as the crucial factor for efficient RNAi response. However, numerous studies have only focused on dsRNA stability in vivo; it is uncertain whether different dsRNA storage conditions in vitro play a role in variable RNAi efficiency among insects. RESULTS A marker gene cardinal, which leads to white eyes when knocked-down in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, was used to evaluate the effects of RNAi efficiency under different dsRNA storage conditions. We demonstrated that the dsRNA molecule is very stable under typical cryopreservation temperatures (-80 and -20 °C) within 180 days, and RNAi efficiency shows no significant differences under either low temperature. Unexpectedly, while dsRNA molecules were treated with multiple freeze-thaw cycles up to 50 times between -80/-20 °C and room temperature, we discovered that dsRNA integrity and RNAi efficiency were comparable with fresh dsRNA. Finally, when the stability of dsRNA was further measured under refrigerated storage conditions (4 °C), we surprisingly found that dsRNA is still stable within 180 days and can induce an efficient RNAi response as that of initial dsRNA. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that dsRNA is extraordinarily stable under various temperature storage conditions that did not significantly impact RNAi efficiency in vivo insects. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Zi-Ling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yu-Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Qiu-Xuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Hong-Gang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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Finetti L, Benetti L, Leyria J, Civolani S, Bernacchia G. Topical delivery of dsRNA in two hemipteran species: Evaluation of RNAi specificity and non-target effects. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 189:105295. [PMID: 36549821 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded (ds) RNA-based technologies could provide novel and potential tool for pest management with efficiency and specificity of action. However, before applying this technique in the field, it is necessary to identify effective delivery methods and evaluate the non-target effects that may occur. In this article, we evaluated the effectiveness of dsRNA by topical delivery on a species of great agricultural interest, Halyomorpha halys. The specificity of action of the dsRNA was also investigated in Rhodnius prolixus, an insect phylogenetically close to H. halys. Of the three investigated genes (putative ATPase N2B, ATPase, serine/threonine-protein phosphatase PP1-β catalytic subunit, PP1, and IAP repeat-containing protein 7-B-like, IAP), IAP and ATPase were able to induce higher mortality in H. halys nymphs compared to the control, with specific concentrations for each gene targeted. However, when the same RNAs were topically delivered to both R. prolixus 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs, no gene silencing and mortality were observed. For this reason, to assess dsRNA application-mediated non-target effects, we injected both H. halys and R. prolixus specific dsRNA in R. prolixus 5th instar nymphs. When the dsRNA targeting H. halys IAP was microinjected into R. prolixus 5th instar nymphs, no mortality was observed, suggesting a strong RNAi specificity. Together, these data suggest that the topical delivery could be suitable for the dsRNA to control H. halys population. Furthermore, its specificity of action would allow treatments towards single harmful species with limited non-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Finetti
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
| | - Lorenzo Benetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jimena Leyria
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Stefano Civolani
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bernacchia
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Bulgarella M, Baty JW, McGruddy R, Lester PJ. Gene silencing for invasive paper wasp management: Synthesized dsRNA can modify gene expression but did not affect mortality. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279983. [PMID: 36595511 PMCID: PMC9810182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive paper wasps such as Polistes dominula are a major pest and problem for biodiversity around the globe. Safe and highly targeted methods for the control of these and other social wasp populations are needed. We attempted to identify potentially-lethal gene targets that could be used on adult paper wasps in a gene silencing or RNA interference (RNAi) approach. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) was designed to target genes for which silencing has proven lethal in other insects. dsRNA was provided either orally to foragers or directly injected into the wasps. We also provided the dsRNA unprotected or protected from degradation by gut nucleases in two different forms (lipofectamine and carbon quantum dots). The effects of oral delivery of 22 different gene targets to forager wasps was evaluated. The expression of five different genes was successfully reduced following dsRNA ingestion or injection. These gene targets included the FACT complex subunit spt16 (DRE4) and RNA-binding protein fusilli (FUSILLI), both of which have been previously shown to have potential as lethal targets for pest control in other insects. However, we found no evidence of significant increases in adult wasp mortality following ingestion or injection of dsRNA for these genes when compared with control treatments in our experiments. The methods we used to protect the dsRNA from digestive degradation altered gene expression but similarly did not influence wasp mortality. Our results indicate that while many of the same gene targets can be silenced and induce mortality in other insects, dsRNA and RNAi approaches may not be useful for paper wasp control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Bulgarella
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
| | - James W. Baty
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Rose McGruddy
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Philip J. Lester
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Chen J, Guo P, Li Y, He W, Chen W, Shen Z, Zhang M, Mao J, Zhang L. Cathepsin L Contributes to Reproductive Diapause by Regulating Lipid Storage and Survival of Coccinella septempunctata (Linnaeus). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010611. [PMID: 36614060 PMCID: PMC9820742 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathepsin L protease, which belongs to the papain-like cysteine proteases family, is an important player in many physiological and pathological processes. However, little was known about the role of cathepsin L in ladybird beetles (Coccinella septempuctata Linnaeus) during diapause. Here, we analyzed the characteristics of cathepsin L (CsCatL) in the females of C. septempunctata and its role during the diapause of the ladybeetle. CsCatL was cloned and identified from beetle specimens by rapid amplification of cDNA-ends (RACE). The cDNA sequence of CsCatL was 971 bp in length, including an 843 bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 280 amino acids. It was identified as the cathepsin L group by phylogenetic analysis. Knockdown of CsCatL by RNA interference led to decreased expression levels of fatty acid synthase 2 (fas 2) genes and suppressed lipid accumulation. Furthermore, silencing the CsCatL gene distinctly reduced diapause-related features and the survival of female C. spetempunctata under diapause-inducing conditions. The results suggested that the CsCatL gene was involved in fatty acid biosynthesis and played a crucial role in the survival of adult C. septempunctata during the diapause preparation stage.
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Lucena-Leandro VS, Abreu EFA, Vidal LA, Torres CR, Junqueira CICVF, Dantas J, Albuquerque ÉVS. Current Scenario of Exogenously Induced RNAi for Lepidopteran Agricultural Pest Control: From dsRNA Design to Topical Application. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415836. [PMID: 36555476 PMCID: PMC9785151 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive insects cost the global economy around USD 70 billion per year. Moreover, increasing agricultural insect pests raise concerns about global food security constraining and infestation rising after climate changes. Current agricultural pest management largely relies on plant breeding-with or without transgenes-and chemical pesticides. Both approaches face serious technological obsolescence in the field due to plant resistance breakdown or development of insecticide resistance. The need for new modes of action (MoA) for managing crop health is growing each year, driven by market demands to reduce economic losses and by consumer demand for phytosanitary measures. The disabling of pest genes through sequence-specific expression silencing is a promising tool in the development of environmentally-friendly and safe biopesticides. The specificity conferred by long dsRNA-base solutions helps minimize effects on off-target genes in the insect pest genome and the target gene in non-target organisms (NTOs). In this review, we summarize the status of gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) for agricultural control. More specifically, we focus on the engineering, development and application of gene silencing to control Lepidoptera through non-transforming dsRNA technologies. Despite some delivery and stability drawbacks of topical applications, we reviewed works showing convincing proof-of-concept results that point to innovative solutions. Considerations about the regulation of the ongoing research on dsRNA-based pesticides to produce commercialized products for exogenous application are discussed. Academic and industry initiatives have revealed a worthy effort to control Lepidoptera pests with this new mode of action, which provides more sustainable and reliable technologies for field management. New data on the genomics of this taxon may contribute to a future customized target gene portfolio. As a case study, we illustrate how dsRNA and associated methodologies could be applied to control an important lepidopteran coffee pest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leonardo A. Vidal
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília—UnB, Brasília 70910-9002, DF, Brazil
| | - Caroline R. Torres
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- Department of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília—UnB, Brasília 70910-9002, DF, Brazil
| | - Camila I. C. V. F. Junqueira
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- Department of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília—UnB, Brasília 70910-9002, DF, Brazil
| | - Juliana Dantas
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
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Gao L, Wang Y, Abbas M, Zhang T, Ma E, Merzendorfer H, Zhu KY, Zhang J. Both LmDicer-1 and two LmDicer-2s participate in siRNA-mediated RNAi pathway and contribute to high gene silencing efficiency in Locusta migratoria. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 151:103865. [PMID: 36336194 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Dicers belong to a class of large RNase III multidomain ribonucleases and are central components of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathways. In insects, Dicer-2 has been known to cleave long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated-RNAi pathway. However, Dicer-1 is responsible for cleaving precursor microRNAs (pre28 miRNAs) in miRNA-mediated RNAi pathway. In this study, we identified one LmDicer-1 and two LmDicer-2 (LmDicer-2a and LmDicer-2b) genes in Locusta migratoria. The RNAi of RNAi assay showed that knockdown of each of the Dicer genes reduced RNAi efficiency against a target gene (Lmβ-Tubulin), suggesting that all these genes participated in the siRNA-mediated RNAi pathway. Sequence analyses of the siRNAs generated from dsLmβ-Tubulin after silencing each LmDicer gene showed no significant difference in the pattern of siRNAs mapped to dsLmβ-Tubulin. This result indicated that all the three LmDicers are capable of generating siRNAs from the dsRNA. We then generated recombinant proteins consisting of different domains using Escherichia coli expression system and incubated each recombinant protein with dsLmβ-Tubulin. We found that the recombinant Dicer proteins successfully cleaved dsLmβ-Tubulin. However, LmDicer-2a-R lacking dsRBD domain lost activity, suggesting that dsRBD domain is critical for Dicer function. Furthermore, overexpression of these proteins in Drosophila S2 cells improved RNAi efficiency. Our siRNA affinity chromatography and LC-MS/MS analysis identified LmDicer-2a, LmDicer-2b, LmR2D2, LmAgo2a, LmAgo1, LmStaufen and LmTARBP2 as constituents of RNA-induced silencing complex. Taken together, these data show that both LmDicer-1 and two LmDicer-2s all participate in siRNA-mediated RNAi pathway and likely contribute to high RNAi efficiency in L. migratoria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gao
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China; College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yanli Wang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Mureed Abbas
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Enbo Ma
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | | | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China.
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Jia Q, Fu Y. microRNA-34-5p encoded by Spodoptera frugiperda regulates the replication and infection of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus by targeting odv-e66, ac78 and ie2. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:5379-5389. [PMID: 36057111 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the significant migratory pests in the Global Alert issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. As an insect-specific microbial insecticide, baculovirus has been used to control various pests. MicroRNA-34-5p (miR-34-5p) is involved in regulating growth, reproduction and innate immunity to pathogens in insects, playing an essential role in host-virus interactions. In this study, we explored the critical function of miR-34-5p encoded by S. frugiperda in the anti-Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), providing a reference for the design of a miR-34-5p target biopesticide against S. frugiperda and a theoretical basis for the wide application of microRNAs (miRNAs) in green pest control technology. RESULTS We focused on miR-34-5p identified as downregulated in Sf9 cells and S. frugiperda larvae infected by AcMNPV. The regulatory function of miR-34-5p in AcMNPV-S. frugiperda interactions was studied by transfecting synthetic mimics and inhibitors, and constructing recombinant bacmids with miR-34-5p overexpression. miR-34-5p inhibited the production of infectious budded virions at the cellular and insect levels, inhibited the replication of the viral DNA and glucose metabolism, and increased the transcription of the antimicrobial peptide gloverin. Furthermore, the virus genes odv-e66, ac78 and ie2 were shown to be direct targets. CONCLUSION We systematically revealed the mechanism by which miR-34-5p is involved in the insect antiviral process. miR-34-5p inhibited the replication and infection of AcMNPV by directly targeting AcMNPV genes, especially ac78 and ie2. Our study provides a new direction and thinking for the prevention and green control of lepidopteran pests. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaojin Jia
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Fenyang College, Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuejun Fu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
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He L, Huang Y, Tang X. RNAi-based pest control: Production, application and the fate of dsRNA. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1080576. [PMID: 36524052 PMCID: PMC9744970 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1080576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The limitations of conventional pesticides have raised the demand for innovative and sustainable solutions for plant protection. RNA Interference (RNAi) triggered by dsRNA has evolved as a promising strategy to control insects in a species-specific manner. In this context, we review the methods for mass production of dsRNA, the approaches of exogenous application of dsRNA in the field, and the fate of dsRNA after application. Additionally, we describe the opportunities and challenges of using nanoparticles as dsRNA carriers to control insects. Furthermore, we provide future directions to improve pest management efficiency by utilizing the synergistic effects of multiple target genes. Meanwhile, the establishment of a standardized framework for assessment and regulatory consensus is critical to the commercialization of RNA pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li He
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanna Huang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueming Tang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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Bhoi TK, Samal I, Majhi PK, Komal J, Mahanta DK, Pradhan AK, Saini V, Nikhil Raj M, Ahmad MA, Behera PP, Ashwini M. Insight into aphid mediated Potato Virus Y transmission: A molecular to bioinformatics prospective. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1001454. [PMID: 36504828 PMCID: PMC9729956 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1001454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Potato, the world's most popular crop is reported to provide a food source for nearly a billion people. It is prone to a number of biotic stressors that affect yield and quality, out of which Potato Virus Y (PVY) occupies the top position. PVY can be transmitted mechanically and by sap-feeding aphid vectors. The application of insecticide causes an increase in the resistant vector population along with detrimental effects on the environment; genetic resistance and vector-virus control are the two core components for controlling the deadly PVY. Using transcriptomic tools together with differential gene expression and gene discovery, several loci and genes associated with PVY resistance have been widely identified. To combat this virus we must increase our understanding on the molecular response of the PVY-potato plant-aphid interaction and knowledge of genome organization, as well as the function of PVY encoded proteins, genetic diversity, the molecular aspects of PVY transmission by aphids, and transcriptome profiling of PVY infected potato cultivars. Techniques such as molecular and bioinformatics tools can identify and monitor virus transmission. Several studies have been conducted to understand the molecular basis of PVY resistance/susceptibility interactions and their impact on PVY epidemiology by studying the interrelationship between the virus, its vector, and the host plant. This review presents current knowledge of PVY transmission, epidemiology, genome organization, molecular to bioinformatics responses, and its effective management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmaya Kumar Bhoi
- Forest Protection Division, ICFRE-Arid Forest Research Institute (AFRI), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ipsita Samal
- Department of Entomology, Sri Sri University, Cuttack, Odisha, India
| | - Prasanta Kumar Majhi
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - J. Komal
- Department of Entomology, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India,J. Komal
| | - Deepak Kumar Mahanta
- Department of Entomology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, India,*Correspondence: Deepak Kumar Mahanta
| | - Asit Kumar Pradhan
- Social Science Division, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Cuttack, Odisha, India
| | - Varun Saini
- Division of Entomology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India
| | - M. Nikhil Raj
- Division of Entomology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammad Abbas Ahmad
- Department of Entomology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, India
| | | | - Mangali Ashwini
- Department of Entomology, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India
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Chen D, Yan R, Xu Z, Qian J, Yu Y, Zhu S, Wu H, Zhu G, Chen M. Silencing of dre4 Contributes to Mortality of Phyllotreta striolata. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13111072. [PMID: 36421975 PMCID: PMC9696999 DOI: 10.3390/insects13111072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The striped flea beetle, Phyllotreta striolata, is one of the most destructive pests of Cruciferae crops worldwide. RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising alternative strategy for pest biological control, which overcomes the weakness of synthetic insecticides, such as pest resistance, food safety problems and toxicity to non-target insects. The homolog of Spt16/FACT, dre4 plays a critical role in the process of gene transcription, DNA repair, and DNA replication; however, the effects of dre4 silencing in P. striolata remain elusive. In this study, we cloned and characterized the full-length dre4 from P. striolata and silenced Psdre4 through microinjection and oral delivery; it was found that the silencing of dre4 contributed to the high mortality of P. striolata in both bioassays. Moreover, 1166 differentially regulated genes were identified after Psdre4 interference by RNA-seq analysis, which might have been responsible for the lethality. The GO analysis indicated that the differentially regulated genes were classified into three GO functional categories, including biological process, cellular component, and molecular function. The KEGG analysis revealed that these differentially regulated genes are related to apoptosis, autophagy, steroid hormone biosynthesis, cytochrome P450 and other signaling pathways. Our results suggest that Psdre4 is a fatal RNAi target and has significant potential for the development of RNA pesticides for P. striolata management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongping Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Ru Yan
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Zhanyi Xu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Jiali Qian
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Yinfang Yu
- Research and Development Center, NeoAgro Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Shunshun Zhu
- Research and Development Center, NeoAgro Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Huiming Wu
- The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Guonian Zhu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Mengli Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
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Karpouzas DG, Vryzas Z, Martin-Laurent F. Pesticide soil microbial toxicity: setting the scene for a new pesticide risk assessment for soil microorganisms (IUPAC Technical Report). PURE APPL CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/pac-2022-0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Pesticides constitute an integral part of modern agriculture. However, there are still concerns about their effects on non-target organisms. To address this the European Commission has imposed a stringent regulatory scheme for new pesticide compounds. Assessment of the aquatic toxicity of pesticides is based on a range of advanced tests. This does not apply to terrestrial ecosystems, where the toxicity of pesticides on soil microorganisms, is based on an outdated and crude test (N mineralization). This regulatory gap is reinforced by the recent methodological and standardization advances in soil microbial ecology. The inclusion of such standardized tools in a revised risk assessment scheme will enable the accurate estimation of the toxicity of pesticides on soil microorganisms and on associated ecosystem services. In this review we (i) summarize recent work in the assessment of the soil microbial toxicity of pesticides and point to ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms (AOM) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as most relevant bioindicator groups (ii) identify limitations in the experimental approaches used and propose mitigation solutions, (iii) identify scientific gaps and (iv) propose a new risk assessment procedure to assess the effects of pesticides on soil microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios G. Karpouzas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology , Laboratory of Plant and Environmental Biotechnology, University of Thessaly , Viopolis 41500 , Larissa , Greece
| | - Zisis Vryzas
- Department of Agricultural Development , Democritus University of Thrace , Orestiada , Greece
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Mondal M, Carver M, Brown JK. Characteristics of environmental RNAi in potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Triozidae). Front Physiol 2022; 13:931951. [PMID: 36330211 PMCID: PMC9623324 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.931951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has potential to become a major tool for integrated management of insect pests of agricultural crops based on sequence-specificity and low doses of rapidly biodegradable dsRNA. Deploying ‘environmental RNAi’ for control of insect vectors of plant pathogens is of increasing interest for combatting emerging plant diseases. Hemipteran insect vectors, including psyllids, are vascular feeders, making their development difficult to control specifically by targeting with pesticidal chemistries. Psyllids transmit “Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum” the causal organism of potato zebra chip and tomato vein greening diseases, transmitted, respectively, by the potato or tomato psyllid (PoP). Until now, the optimal effective concentration(s) of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) required for significant gene knockdown and RNAi persistence in PoP have not been determined. The objective of this study was to optimize RNAi in young PoP adults and 3rd instars for screening by oral delivery of dsRNAs. The minimal effective dsRNA concentrations required for robust knockdown and persistence were evaluated by delivering seven concentrations spanning 0.1 ng/μL to 500 ng/μL over post ingestion-access periods (IAP) ranging from 48 h to 12 days. The PoP gene candidates evaluated as targets were vacuolar ATPase subunit A, clathrin heavy chain, and non-fermenting protein 7, which were evaluated for knockdown by qPCR amplification. The minimum and/or the second most effective dsRNA concentration resulting in effective levels of gene knockdown was 100 ng/μL for all three targets. Higher concentrations did not yield further knockdown, indicating potential RISC saturation at the higher doses. Gene silencing post-IAP of 100 ng/μL dsRNA persisted for 3–5 days in adults and nymphs, with the PoP 3rd instar, followed by teneral and mature adults, respectively, exhibiting the most robust RNAi-response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mosharrof Mondal
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- RNAissance Ag LLC, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Megan Carver
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Judith K. Brown
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: Judith K. Brown,
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Wang R, Li Y, Li D, Zhang W, Wang X, Wen X, Liu Z, Feng Y, Zhang X. Identification of the Extracellular Nuclease Influencing Soaking RNA Interference Efficiency in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012278. [PMID: 36293134 PMCID: PMC9603779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency dramatically varies among different nematodes, which impacts research on their gene function and pest control. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is a pine wood nematode in which RNAi-mediated gene silencing has unstable interference efficiency through soaking in dsRNA solutions, the factors of which remain unknown. Using agarose gel electrophoresis, we found that dsRNA can be degraded by nematode secretions in the soaking system which is responsible for the low RNAi efficiency. Based on the previously published genome and secretome data of B. xylophilus, 154 nucleases were screened including 11 extracellular nucleases which are potential factors reducing RNAi efficacy. To confirm the function of nucleases in RNAi efficiency, eight extracellular nuclease genes (BxyNuc1-8) were cloned in the genome. BxyNuc4, BxyNuc6 and BxyNuc7 can be upregulated in response to dsGFP, considered as the major nuclease performing dsRNA degradation. After soaking with the dsRNA of nucleases BxyNuc4/BxyNuc6/BxyNuc7 and Pat10 gene (ineffective in RNAi) simultaneously for 24 h, the expression of Pat10 gene decreased by 23.25%, 26.05% and 11.29%, respectively. With soaking for 36 h, the expression of Pat10 gene decreased by 43.25% and 33.25% in dsBxyNuc6+dsPat10 and dsBxyNuc7+dsPat10 groups, respectively. However, without dsPat10, dsBxyNuc7 alone could cause downregulation of Pat10 gene expression, while dsBxyNuc6 could not disturb this gene. In conclusion, the nuclease BxyNuc6 might be a major barrier to the RNAi efficiency in B. xylophilus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijiong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing l00091, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yongxia Li
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing l00091, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-010-62888578
| | - Dongzhen Li
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing l00091, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing l00091, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing l00091, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xiaojian Wen
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing l00091, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Zhenkai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing l00091, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yuqian Feng
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing l00091, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xingyao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing l00091, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
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Nwokeoji AO, Nwokeoji EA, Chou T, Togola A. A novel sustainable platform for scaled manufacturing of double-stranded RNA biopesticides. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2022; 9:107. [PMID: 38647833 PMCID: PMC10992233 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-022-00596-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) represents one of the most conserved pathways evolved by eukaryotic cells for regulating gene expression. RNAi utilises non-translatable double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules to sequester or degrade mRNA molecules gene. In RNAi, specifically designed exogenous dsRNA delivered to the cell can silence a target gene, a phenomenon that has been exploited in many functional studies and explored in biopesticide applications. The search for safe and sustainable crop pest management options drives the need to offset the effect of inorganic pesticides on biodiversity. The prospect of replacing inorganic pesticides with dsRNA crop spray is gaining popularity, enhanced by its high-target specificity and low environmental impact. However, for dsRNA to reach the pesticide market, it must be produced cost-effectively and sustainably. In this paper, we develop a high-yield expression media that generates up to 15-fold dsRNA yield compared to existing expression media utilising 1 mM IPTG. We also optimise a low-cost purification method that generates high-quality and purified dsRNA. The developed method circumvents the need for hazardous chemical reagents often found in commercial kits or commercial nucleases to eliminate contaminating DNA or single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) species. We also demonstrate that the production platform is scalable, generating 6.29 mg dsRNA from 259 mg wet E. coli cell pellet. The results also provide structural insights into the heterogeneous dsRNA species within the microbial-derived dsRNA pool. Finally, we also show that the purified 'naked' dsRNA, without prior formulation, can induce insect toxicity under field conditions. This study provides a novel, complete, low-cost process dsRNA platform with potential for application in industrial dsRNA production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tachung Chou
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
- All First Technologies Co. Ltd, No.208, Longnan Rd, Pingzhen Dist, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Abou Togola
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Kano Station, PMB 3112, Sabo Bakin Zuwo road, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria
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Yang S, Zou Z, Xin T, Cai S, Wang X, Zhang H, Zhong L, Xia B. Knockdown of hexokinase in Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) by RNAi inhibits chitin synthesis and leads to abnormal phenotypes. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:4303-4313. [PMID: 35731692 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silencing specific genes in pests using RNA interference (RNAi) technology is a promising new pest-control strategy. The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is the most important citrus pest because it transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which causes huanglongbing. Chitin is essential for insect development, and enzymes in this pathway are attractive targets for pest control. RESULTS The hexokinase gene DcHK was characterized from D. citri to impair proper growth and chitin synthesis through RNAi. The transcription of DcHK was more highly developed in third-instar nymphs, adults and the Malpighian tube. The RNAi needed for D. citri is dose-dependent, with 600 ng μl-1 dsDcHK sufficient to knockdown endogenous DcHK expression. The messenger RNA (mRNA) level was lowest at 36 h after dosing, and there were significant effects on the relative levels of mRNA in the chitin synthesis pathway (DcTre, DcG6PI, DcGNAT, DcGFAT, DcPGM, DcUAP and DcCHS), leading to mortality, reduced body weight and abnormal or lethal phenotypes. CONCLUSION RNAi can be triggered by orally delivered double-stranded RNA in D. citri. These results can provide support for HK genes as a new potential target for citrus psyllid control. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Yang
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhiwen Zou
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tianrong Xin
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shiyu Cai
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xi Wang
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Administration of Plant Protection and Quarantine of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ling Zhong
- Administration of Plant Protection and Quarantine of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Xia
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Kaleem Ullah RM, Gökçe A, Bakhsh A, Salim M, Wu HY, Naqqash MN. Insights into the Use of Eco-Friendly Synergists in Resistance Management of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13090846. [PMID: 36135547 PMCID: PMC9500713 DOI: 10.3390/insects13090846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), is the most notorious insect pest of potato globally. Injudicious use of insecticides for management of this pest has resulted in resistance to all major groups of insecticides along with many human, animal health, and environmental concerns. Additionally, the input cost of insecticide development/discovery is markedly increasing because each year thousands of chemicals are produced and tested for their insecticidal properties, requiring billions of dollars. For the management of resistance in insect pests, synergists can play a pivotal role by reducing the application dose of most insecticides. These eco-friendly synergists can be classified into two types: plant-based synergists and RNAi-based synergists. The use of plant-based and RNAi-based synergists in resistance management of insect pests can give promising results with lesser environmental side effects. This review summarizes the resistance status of CPB and discusses the potential advantage of plant-based and RNAi-based synergists for CPB resistance management. It will motivate researchers to further investigate the techniques of using plant- and RNAi-based synergists in combination with insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Muhammad Kaleem Ullah
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, Agricultural College of Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Ayhan Gökçe
- Department of Plant Production & Technologies, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğ de Omer Halisdemir University, Niğde 51200, Turkey
| | - Allah Bakhsh
- Department of Plant Production & Technologies, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğ de Omer Halisdemir University, Niğde 51200, Turkey
| | - Muhammad Salim
- Department of Plant Production & Technologies, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğ de Omer Halisdemir University, Niğde 51200, Turkey
| | - Hai Yan Wu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, Agricultural College of Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Muhammad Nadir Naqqash
- Department of Plant Production & Technologies, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğ de Omer Halisdemir University, Niğde 51200, Turkey
- Institute of Plant Protection, MNS—University of Agriculture Multan Pakistan, Multan 60000, Pakistan
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Lu Q, Cui H, Li W, Liu T, Chen Q, Yang Q. Synthetic Nanoscale RNAi Constructs as Pesticides for the Control of Locust Migratoria. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:10762-10770. [PMID: 36000580 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c04195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The low efficiency of RNA interference (RNAi) in insects via the oral administration of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a considerable obstacle preventing its application in insect pest control. The instability of dsRNA and insufficient dsRNA uptake are known to limit the RNAi efficiency. To overcome these limitations, the block copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-polylysine(thiol) [PEG-PLys(SH)] was designed in this study to form well-defined, core-shell nanoparticles to protect dsRNA from premature degradation and to facilitate its movement through various physiological barriers. The developed material had excellent structural stability and dsRNA-protecting capacity, thereby enabling the prolonged survival of dsRNA in the digestive tract for endocytosis into the midgut cells of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria. After encapsulation of a dsLmCHS2 payload (a midgut gene), a 60% down-regulation of LmCHS2, accompanied with observations of amorphous and discontinuous linings of the peritrophic matrix and abnormal phenotypes, was observed. In addition, the elaborated nanoscale dsRNA condensates appeared to readily extravasate through the narrow fenestrations in the linings of midgut epithelial cells into the hemolymph and be distributed throughout the body. After encapsulation of a dsLmCHS1 payload (a cuticle gene), a distinctive lethal phenotype with molting failure was observed as a result of a 50% down-regulation in LmCHS1. The persistent leaf adherence of these dsRNA constructs was also capable of resisting continuous rinsing. Therefore, these dsRNA constructs represent a robust type of RNAi pesticide, which has potential as a versatile pesticide against a variety of molecular targets for the control of destructive insects and insects resistant to conventional pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Lu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Hongyan Cui
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Wenda Li
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Tian Liu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Qixian Chen
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen Branch, Shenzhen 518120, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Kebede M, Fite T. RNA interference (RNAi) applications to the management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Its current trends and future prospects. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:944774. [PMID: 36158573 PMCID: PMC9490220 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.944774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is among the invasive insect pests that damages maize and sorghum, the high-priority crops in newly colonized agro-ecologies, including African contexts. Owing to the increasing infestation of the pest and the limitations of current conventional methods for its management, there is a call for discovering advanced pest management approaches. RNA interference (RNAi) is an emerging molecular tool showing flexible potential for the management of S. frugiperda. We conducted a search of the recent application of RNAi literature using Google Scholar and Mendeley to find advanced papers on S. frugiperda management using RNAi molecular tools that led to growth inhibition, developmental aberrations, reduced fecundity, and mortality, mainly by disruption of normal biological processes of the pest. Although efforts have been made to accelerate the utility of RNAi, many factors limit the efficiency of RNAi to achieve successful control over S. frugiperda. Owing to RNAi’s potential bioactivity and economic and ecological acceptability, continued research efforts should focus on improving its broad applicability, including field conditions. Screening and identification of key target genes should be a priority task to achieve effective and sustainable management of this insect via RNAi. In addition, a clear understanding of the present status of RNAi utilization in S. frugiperda management is of paramount importance to improve its efficiency. Therefore, in this review, we highlight the biology of S. frugiperda and the RNAi mechanism as a foundation for the molecular management of the pest. Then, we discuss the current knowledge of the RNAi approach in S. frugiperda management and the factors affecting the efficiency of RNAi application. Finally, the prospects for RNAi-based insect pest management are highlighted for future research to achieve effective management of S. frugiperda.
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Pallis S, Alyokhin A, Manley B, Rodrigues TB, Buzza A, Barnes E, Narva K. Toxicity of a novel dsRNA-based insecticide to the Colorado potato beetle in laboratory and field trials. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3836-3848. [PMID: 35166021 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is one of the most notorious pests of the potato, Solanum tuberosum. Potato beetles are capable of developing resistance to various insecticides in relatively few generations. Novel and effective means of controlling Colorado potato beetle populations are constantly required to protect potato crops and prevent loss of yield. The knockdown of gene function through ribonucleic acid interference has been demonstrated in Colorado potato beetles, suggesting the use of this technology as a means of beetle management. A novel double-stranded RNA-based insecticide with the active ingredient, ledprona, has been tested in variable dose laboratory bioassays, followed by field studies. RESULTS Exposure to ledprona resulted in both increased beetle mortality and decreased foliage consumption in all four instars and adult beetles. Effects decreased from earlier to later life stages. No ovicidal activity was detected. Onset of mortality was slower compared with existing chemical insecticides. Nevertheless, field applications of formulated ledprona to potato plots resulted in their protection comparable with that provided by spinosad and chlorantraniliprole. CONCLUSION Based on the results of this study, formulated ledprona has attributes to become a useful tool in controlling Colorado potato beetle populations that is likely to be a good fit in integrated pest management protocols. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Pallis
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Andrei Alyokhin
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Brian Manley
- GreenLight Biosciences, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle, NC, USA
| | - Thais B Rodrigues
- GreenLight Biosciences, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle, NC, USA
| | - Aaron Buzza
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Ethann Barnes
- GreenLight Biosciences, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle, NC, USA
| | - Kenneth Narva
- GreenLight Biosciences, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle, NC, USA
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Zhang JB, Lu ZJ, Yu HZ. Silencing of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Significantly Inhibits Chitin and Fatty Acid Metabolism in Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179654. [PMID: 36077052 PMCID: PMC9455978 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen is a predominant carbohydrate reserve in various organisms, which provides energy for different life activities. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is a central player that catalyzes glucose and converts it into glycogen. In this study, a GSK3 gene was identified from the D. citri genome database and named DcGSK3. A reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis showed that DcGSK3 was expressed at a high level in the head and egg. The silencing of DcGSK3 by RNA interference (RNAi) led to a loss-of-function phenotype. In addition, DcGSK3 knockdown decreased trehalase activity, glycogen, trehalose, glucose and free fatty acid content. Moreover, the expression levels of the genes associated with chitin and fatty acid synthesis were significantly downregulated after the silencing of DcGSK3. According to a comparative transcriptomics analysis, 991 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in dsDcGSK3 groups compared with dsGFP groups. A KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that these DEGs were primarily involved in carbon and fatty acid metabolism. The clustering analysis of DEGs further confirmed that chitin and fatty acid metabolism-related DEGs were upregulated at 24 h and were downregulated at 48 h. Our results suggest that DcGSK3 plays an important role in regulating the chitin and fatty acid metabolism of D. citri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Bo Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Zhan-Jun Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Nanling Insect Biology, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Hai-Zhong Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Nanling Insect Biology, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Correspondence:
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Yang W, Wang B, Lei G, Chen G, Liu D. Advances in nanocarriers to improve the stability of dsRNA in the environment. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:974646. [PMID: 36051593 PMCID: PMC9424858 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.974646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAi technology, known as a revolutionary technology in the history of pesticides, has been identified as a very promising novel approach for crop protection, which is of great significance for achieving the sustainable agricultural development of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Although many studies have shown that RNA biopesticides have strong application prospects, its stability seriously restricts the commercial use. As the core component of RNAi, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is unstable in its natural form. Therefore, how to ensure the stability of dsRNA is one of the most significant challenges in realizing the commercial use of RNA biopesticides. Nanomaterials such as cationic polymers and lipofectamine can improve the stability of dsRNA in the environment, which has been proved. This paper reviews the recent research progress of nanomaterials that can be used to improve the environmental stability of dsRNA, and discusses the advantages and limitations of different nanomaterials combined with dsRNA, which provides reference for the selection of dsRNA nanoformulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Dehai Liu
- *Correspondence: Dehai Liu, ; Guocan Chen,
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Yang J, Chen S, Xu X, Lin G, Lin S, Bai J, Song Q, You M, Xie M. Novel-miR-310 mediated response mechanism to Cry1Ac protoxin in Plutella xylostella (L.). Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 219:587-596. [PMID: 35952810 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.), has evolved resistance to multiple insecticides including Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a class of transmembrane protein families, involved in multiple physiological processes and pesticide resistances in insects. However, the role and regulatory mechanism of ABC transporter in mediating the response to Bt Cry1Ac toxin remain unclear. Here, we characterized a MAPK signaling pathway-enriched ABCG subfamily gene PxABCG20 from DBM, and found it was differentially expressed in the Cry1Ac-resistant and Cry1Ac-susceptible strains. RNAi knockdown of PxABCG20 increased the tolerance of DBM to Cry1Ac protoxin. To explore the regulatory mechanism of PxABCG20 expression, we predicted the potential miRNAs targeting PxABCG20 using two target prediction algorithms. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that novel-miR-310 was able to down-regulate PxABCG20 expression in HEK293T cells. Furthermore, injection of novel-miR-310 agomir markedly inhibited PxABCG20 expression, resulting in increased tolerance to Cry1Ac protoxin in susceptible strain, while injection of novel-miR-310 antagomir markedly induced the expression of PxABCG20, leading to decreased tolerance to Cry1Ac protoxin. Our work provides theoretical basis for exploring novel targets for the DBM response to Cry1Ac toxin and expands the understanding of miRNA role in mediating the susceptibility of insect pest to Cry1Ac toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shiyao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xuejiao Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Guifang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Sujie Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jianlin Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Miao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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Castellanos NL, Smagghe G, Taning CNT, Oliveira EE, Christiaens O. Risk assessment of RNAi-based pesticides to non-target organisms: Evaluating the effects of sequence similarity in the parasitoid wasp Telenomus podisi. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:154746. [PMID: 35337872 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based pesticides are promising novel pest management products that might reduce environmental impacts compared to other pesticides. Their sequence-guided mode of action facilitates a high species-selectivity, preventing harm on non-target organisms. However, there is currently no consensus on the minimum needed sequence similarity for efficient RNAi in insects and studies have shown that adverse effects in non-targets cannot always be ruled out a priori. This study investigates the effects of exposing the parasitoid wasp Telenomus podisi to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) which is lethal to its host, the Neotropical brown stink bug Euschistus heros. Feeding T. podisi with wasp-specific dsRNA targeting the vATPase A and actin-2 genes led to 76.4 ± 9.9% and 76.7 ± 8.8% mortality respectively, demonstrating that dietary RNAi is functional in T. podisi. When feeding T. podisi with E. heros-specific dsRNA targeting the same genes, no lethal or sublethal effects were observed. To link sequence similarity to potential gene silencing effects in the parasitoids, the expression of genes showing the highest degree of similarity (17-21 nucleotide matches) with these two target genes was monitored and was found unaffected by the E. heros-specific dsRNA. Our study confirms that RNAi was in this case highly specific and that for E. heros, RNAi-based pesticides can be used complementary to biological control in an integrated pest management context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaly L Castellanos
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Eugênio E Oliveira
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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74
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Wise JC, Wise AG, Rakotondravelo M, Vandervoort C, Seeve C, Fabbri B. Trunk injection delivery of dsRNA for RNAi-based pest control in apple trees. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3528-3533. [PMID: 35578562 PMCID: PMC9541757 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising new approach for controlling insect pests without the use of synthetic pesticides. Trunk injection is a delivery system for woody plants that harnesses the vascular system of the tree to transport materials to the tree canopy. Full size apple trees were injected with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), and season-long leaf samples were taken to measure the vascular mobility and temporal persistence of dsRNA, using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS The qRT-PCR results revealed that the quantities of dsRNA in the apple leaves of treated trees were significantly greater than those in the leaves of untreated trees for both 2019 and 2020 studies. The peak dsRNA concentration in 2019 was 242 pg/30 mg of leaf tissue, and in 2020 was 16.4 pg/30 mg. The persistence of dsRNA in the apple tree canopy in 2019 was at least 84 days, and in 2020 was at least 141 days. CONCLUSIONS The highest mean measurement of dsRNA on a single date in 2019 was 242 pg, which is approximately equivalent to 8 ng/1 g leaf tissue. The projection using the highest replicate concentration from the same date is approximately equivalent to 27 ng/1 g leaf tissue, which may be sufficient to be considered biologically active. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Wise
- Department of EntomologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
| | - Annabel G Wise
- Veterinary Diagnostic LaboratoryMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
| | | | - Christine Vandervoort
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial SciencesMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
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List F, Tarone AM, Zhu‐Salzman K, Vargo EL. RNA meets toxicology: efficacy indicators from the experimental design of RNAi studies for insect pest management. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3215-3225. [PMID: 35338587 PMCID: PMC9541735 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) selectively targets genes and silences their expression in vivo, causing developmental defects, mortality and altered behavior. Consequently, RNAi has emerged as a promising research area for insect pest management. However, it is not yet a viable alternative over conventional pesticides despite several theoretical advantages in safety and specificity. As a first step toward a more standardized approach, a machine learning algorithm was used to identify factors that predict trial efficacy. Current research on RNAi for pest management is highly variable and relatively unstandardized. The applied random forest model was able to reliably predict mortality ranges based on bioassay parameters with 72.6% accuracy. Response time and target gene were the most important variables in the model, followed by applied dose, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) construct size and target species, further supported by generalized linear mixed effect modeling. Our results identified informative trends, supporting the idea that basic principles of toxicology apply to RNAi bioassays and provide initial guidelines standardizing future research similar to studies of traditional insecticides. We advocate for training that integrates genetic, organismal, and toxicological approaches to accelerate the development of RNAi as an effective tool for pest management. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian List
- Department of EntomologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Aaron M Tarone
- Department of EntomologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | | | - Edward L Vargo
- Department of EntomologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
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Abreu Reis M, Noriega DD, Dos Santos Alves G, Ramos Coelho R, Grossi-de-Sa MF, Antonino JD. Why is oral-induced RNAi inefficient in Diatraea saccharalis? A possible role for DsREase and other nucleases. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 186:105166. [PMID: 35973772 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The efficiency of RNAi technology in insects varies considerably, particularly in lepidopterans. An important limiting factor of RNAi-mediated gene silencing is the degradation of dsRNA by insect nucleases before cellular uptake. To date, few studies have reported effective gene knockdown in the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis. However, yielding contradictory results when using oral delivery. Further, the RNAi efficiency in D. saccharalis and presumed activity of gut nucleases remain poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated whether gene silencing was feasible via dsRNA feeding in D. saccharalis. Two different genes were tested, juvenile hormone esterase (DsJHE) and chitin synthase 1 (DsCHS1). Discrete knockdown was verified only for DsCHS1 with high dsRNA dosages and long exposure times. Neither mortality nor abnormal phenotypes were observed after treatment with any tested dsRNA. It was also verified that dsRNAs were quickly degraded when incubated with gut juice. Furthermore, we identified four possible nucleases that could reduce the knockdown efficiency in D. saccharalis. Three of them had the endonuclease_NS domain (DsNucleases), and one had the PIN domain (DsREase), with REase-like genes being scarcely represented in databanks. We further remark that DsNuclease1 and DsREase are highly expressed in the larval gut, and DsREase was upregulated as insects were fed with artificial diet (without dsRNA), and also when injected with dsRNA. Conversely, no nuclease was triggered when insects were fed with a sucrose droplet containing dsRNA. Thus, our findings suggest that nuclease activity within the gut is one of the possible reasons for the inefficiency of RNAi in D. saccharalis. Our data may shed light on the challenges to overcome when introducing RNAi as a strategy for controlling lepidopteran pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoely Abreu Reis
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Gessica Dos Santos Alves
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, Brazil
| | - Roberta Ramos Coelho
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, Brazil
| | - Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa
- Universidade Católica de Brasília - UCB, Brasília, Brazil; Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil
| | - José Dijair Antonino
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil.
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77
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Dalaisón-Fuentes LI, Pascual A, Gazza E, Welchen E, Rivera-Pomar R, Catalano MI. Development of efficient RNAi methods in the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis, a promising application for pest control. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3108-3116. [PMID: 35442515 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis is the main vector of important stunting pathogens that affect maize production. Currently, there are no effective methods available to manage this pest without adverse impact on the environment. In this context, genomic-based technologies such as RNA interference (RNAi) provide a more environmentally friendly pest control strategy. Therefore, we aimed to assess the application of RNAi in D. maidis and determine the function of a candidate gene related to insect reproduction and propagation. RESULTS We have characterized the core RNAi genes and evaluated the functionality of the RNAi machinery. We assessed the potential of RNAi technology in D. maidis via injection or ingestion of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to adult females. We chose Bicaudal C (BicC) as a target gene due to its important role during insect oogenesis. Administration of dsRNABicC caused significant reductions in the transcript levels (fold changes up to 170 times) and ovipositions. Phenotypic analysis of the ovaries revealed alterations in oocyte development, providing additional confirmation for our results and supporting the idea that Dmai-BicC is a key player of D. maidis oogenesis. CONCLUSION This is, to our knowledge, the first report of efficient RNAi in D. maidis. We believe our findings provide a starting point for future control strategies against one of the most important maize pests in the Americas. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Inés Dalaisón-Fuentes
- Centro de BioInvestigaciones (Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires-CICBA), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencias del Noroeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Pergamino, Argentina
| | - Agustina Pascual
- Centro de BioInvestigaciones (Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires-CICBA), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencias del Noroeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Pergamino, Argentina
| | - Elías Gazza
- Centro de BioInvestigaciones (Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires-CICBA), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencias del Noroeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Pergamino, Argentina
| | - Elina Welchen
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (CONICET-UNL), Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Rolando Rivera-Pomar
- Centro de BioInvestigaciones (Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires-CICBA), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencias del Noroeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos (Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata), La Plata, Argentina
| | - María Inés Catalano
- Centro de BioInvestigaciones (Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires-CICBA), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencias del Noroeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Pergamino, Argentina
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78
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RNAi as a Foliar Spray: Efficiency and Challenges to Field Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126639. [PMID: 35743077 PMCID: PMC9224206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool that is being increasingly utilized for crop protection against viruses, fungal pathogens, and insect pests. The non-transgenic approach of spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), which relies on spray application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to induce RNAi, has come to prominence due to its safety and environmental benefits in addition to its wide host range and high target specificity. However, along with promising results in recent studies, several factors limiting SIGS RNAi efficiency have been recognized in insects and plants. While sprayed dsRNA on the plant surface can produce a robust RNAi response in some chewing insects, plant uptake and systemic movement of dsRNA is required for delivery to many other target organisms. For example, pests such as sucking insects require the presence of dsRNA in vascular tissues, while many fungal pathogens are predominately located in internal plant tissues. Investigating the mechanisms by which sprayed dsRNA enters and moves through plant tissues and understanding the barriers that may hinder this process are essential for developing efficient ways to deliver dsRNA into plant systems. In this review, we assess current knowledge of the plant foliar and cellular uptake of dsRNA molecules. We will also identify major barriers to uptake, including leaf morphological features as well as environmental factors, and address methods to overcome these barriers.
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79
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Zhang X, Fan Z, Wang Q, Kong X, Liu F, Fang J, Zhang S, Zhang Z. RNAi Efficiency through dsRNA Injection Is Enhanced by Knockdown of dsRNA Nucleases in the Fall Webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116182. [PMID: 35682860 PMCID: PMC9181381 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) technology is a promising approach used in pest control. The efficiency of RNAi varies considerably among different insect species, and growing evidence suggests that degradation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) prior to uptake is an important factor that limits RNAi efficiency in insects. Our recent work on fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), an important invasive pest in China, showed a relatively low silencing efficiency of RNAi through dsRNA injection, which is considered the most feasible dsRNA delivery method for inducing RNAi, and the factors involved in the mechanism remain unknown. Herein, we first detected the dsRNA-degrading activity in the hemolymph and gut content of H. cunea in ex vivo assays and observed rapid degradation of dsRNA, especially in the hemolymph, which was complete within only 10 min. To determine whether dsRNA degradation could contribute to the low effectiveness of RNAi in H. cunea, four dsRNA nuclease (dsRNase) genes, HcdsRNase1, HcdsRNase2, HcdsRNase3, and HcdsRNase4, were identified by homology searching against the H. cunea transcriptome database, and their transcript levels were subsequently investigated in different tissues, developmental stages, and after dsRNA injection. Our results show that HcdsRNases are highly expressed mainly in gut tissues and hemolymph, and the expression of HcdsRNase3 and HcdsRNase4 were significantly upregulated by dsGFP induction. RNAi-of-RNAi studies, using HcCht5 as a reporter gene, demonstrated that silencing HcdsRNase3 and HcdsRNase4 significantly increases RNAi efficacy via dsHcCht5 injection, and co-silencing these two HcdsRNase genes results in a more significant improvement in efficacy. These results confirm that the RNAi efficacy in H. cunea through dsRNA injection is certainly impaired by dsRNase activity, and that blocking HcdsRNases could potentially improve RNAi, providing a reference for related studies on insects where RNAi has low efficiency.
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80
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Pugsley CE, Isaac RE, Warren NJ, Behra JS, Cappelle K, Dominguez-Espinosa R, Cayre OJ. Protection of Double-Stranded RNA via Complexation with Double Hydrophilic Block Copolymers: Influence of Neutral Block Length in Biologically Relevant Environments. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:2362-2373. [PMID: 35549247 PMCID: PMC9198985 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Interaction between
the anionic phosphodiester backbone of DNA/RNA
and polycations can be exploited as a means of delivering genetic
material for therapeutic and agrochemical applications. In this work,
quaternized poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PQDMAEMA-b-PDMAm) double hydrophilic block copolymers
(DHBCs) were synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation
chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization as nonviral delivery vehicles
for double-stranded RNA. The assembly of DHBCs and dsRNA forms distinct
polyplexes that were thoroughly characterized to establish a relationship
between the length of the uncharged poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide)
(PDMA) block and the polyplex size, complexation efficiency, and colloidal
stability. Dynamic light scattering reveals the formation of smaller
polyplexes with increasing PDMA lengths, while gel electrophoresis
confirms that these polyplexes require higher N/P ratio for full complexation.
DHBC polyplexes exhibit enhanced stability in low ionic strength environments
in comparison to homopolymer-based polyplexes. In vitro enzymatic degradation assays demonstrate that both homopolymer and
DHBC polymers efficiently protect dsRNA from degradation by RNase
A enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E Pugsley
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.,School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - R Elwyn Isaac
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J Warren
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Juliette S Behra
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Kaat Cappelle
- Syngenta Ghent Innovation Center, Technologiepark 30, B-9052 Gent-Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Rosa Dominguez-Espinosa
- Syngenta Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 6EY, England
| | - Olivier J Cayre
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
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81
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Wu M, Dong Y, Zhang Q, Li S, Chang L, Loiacono FV, Ruf S, Zhang J, Bock R. Efficient control of western flower thrips by plastid-mediated RNA interference. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2120081119. [PMID: 35380896 PMCID: PMC9169809 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120081119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastid-mediated RNA interference (PM-RNAi) has emerged as a promising strategy for pest control. Expression from the plastid genome of stable double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) targeted against essential insect genes can effectively control some herbivorous beetles, but little is known about the efficacy of the transplastomic approach in other groups of pest insects, especially nonchewing insects that do not consume large amounts of leaf material. Here we have investigated the susceptibility of the western flower thrip (WFT, Frankliniella occidentalis), a notorious pest in greenhouses and open fields, to PM-RNAi. We show that WFTs ingest chloroplasts and take up plastid-expressed dsRNAs. We generated a series of transplastomic tobacco plants expressing dsRNAs and hairpin RNAs (hpRNAs) targeted against four essential WFT genes. Unexpectedly, we discovered plastid genome instability in transplastomic plants expressing hpRNAs, suggesting that dsRNA cassettes are preferable over hpRNA cassettes when designing PM-RNAi strategies. Feeding studies revealed that, unlike nuclear transgenic plants, transplastomic plants induced a potent RNAi response in WFTs, causing efficient suppression of the targeted genes and high insect mortality. Our study extends the application range of PM-RNAi technology to an important group of nonchewing insects, reveals design principles for the construction of dsRNA-expressing transplastomic plants, and provides an efficient approach to control one of the toughest insect pests in agriculture and horticulture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
- Max Planck Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department III, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Yi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Shengchun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Ling Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - F. Vanessa Loiacono
- Max Planck Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department III, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Stephanie Ruf
- Max Planck Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department III, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Jiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Ralph Bock
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
- Max Planck Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department III, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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82
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Yu H, Yi L, Lu Z. Silencing of Chitin-Binding Protein with PYPV-Rich Domain Impairs Cuticle and Wing Development in the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13040353. [PMID: 35447795 PMCID: PMC9027310 DOI: 10.3390/insects13040353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Molting is extremely important for insect growth and development, which is accompanied the degradation of old cuticle and synthesis of new cuticle. Chitin and proteins, as major components of insect cuticle, maintain the rigidity of the exoskeleton. The functions of chitin-binding proteins have not, to date, been characterized in Diaphorina citri. In the current study, we identified a cuticle protein (DcCP64) according to chitin column purification and LC-MS/MS analysis. Silencing of DcCP64 induced an abnormal phenotype and increased the permeability of the abdomen and wings. Additionally, the mortality and malformation rate significantly increased, and the molting rate decreased after inhibition of DcCP64. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that up-regulated DEGs were mainly related to oxidative phosphorylation, whereas down-regulated DEGs were mainly involved in MAPK and FoxO signaling pathways. Our results provide a basis for further functional research on DcCP64 in D. citri. Abstract Chitin is a major component of the arthropod exoskeleton, always working together with chitin-binding proteins to maintain the functions of extracellular structures. In the present study, we identified a cuticle protein 64 from Diaphorina citri using a chitin-binding assay. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that DcCP64 contained eight conserved PYPV motifs but lacked a Rebers–Riddiford (R–R) consensus and other chitin-binding domains. RT-qPCR analysis suggested that DcCP64 had the highest expression level in the wing and fifth-instar nymph stage. Knockdown of DcCP64 by RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in a malformed-wing phenotype, higher mortality and decreased molting rate. Furthermore, transcriptomics analysis revealed that 1244 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were up-regulated and 580 DEGs were down-regulated, compared with dsDcCP64 groups and dsGFP groups. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that up-regulated DEGs were mainly related to oxidative phosphorylation, whereas down-regulated DEGs were mainly involved in the MAPK and FoxO signaling pathways. Moreover, inhibition of DcCP64 significantly affected the cuticle surface, and increased the permeability of the abdomen and wings. Further chitin- and cellulose-binding assay confirmed the chitin-binding properties of recombinant DcCP64 in vitro. These results indicate that DcCP64 might play an important role in the cuticle and wing development of D. citri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizhong Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China;
- National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Nanling Insect Biology, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Long Yi
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China;
- National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Correspondence: (L.Y.); (Z.L.); Tel.: +86-0797-8397738 (L.Y. & Z.L.)
| | - Zhanjun Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China;
- National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Nanling Insect Biology, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Correspondence: (L.Y.); (Z.L.); Tel.: +86-0797-8397738 (L.Y. & Z.L.)
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Fan Y, Song H, Abbas M, Wang Y, Liu X, Li T, Ma E, Zhu KY, Zhang J. The stability and sequence cleavage preference of dsRNA are key factors differentiating RNAi efficiency between migratory locust and Asian corn borer. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 143:103738. [PMID: 35134534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We compared the stability of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in each of two body fluids (hemolymph, midgut fluid) and in each of two tissues (integument, midgut), and the uptake of dsRNA in each of two cultured tissues (integument, midgut) between the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) and the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis). We further compared the abundance of putative small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) generated from each of two dsRNAs (dsβ-actin, dsEf1α) and the preference of dsRNA cleavages between the two insect species. Our studies showed a rapid degradation of dsRNA in the midgut fluids of both insect species and in O. furnacalis hemolymph. However, dsRNA remained reasonably stable in L. migratoria hemolymph. When nuclease degradation of dsRNA in cultured tissues was inhibited, dsRNA uptake was not significantly different between the two species. We further showed that the silencing efficiency against target genes was consistent with the abundance of putative siRNAs processed from the dsRNA. In addition, O. furnacalis showed a strong preference in cleaving dsRNA when the nucleotide G was in the position of "1" at 5'-end whereas L. migratoria showed broad spectrum in cleavage sites to generate siRNA. Taken together, our study revealed that silencing efficiency of a target gene by RNAi was directly related to the dsRNA degradation by nucleases and the abundance of siRNAs generated from the dsRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhe Fan
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China; College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Huifang Song
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Changzhi University, Changzhi, Shanxi, 046000, China
| | - Mureed Abbas
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China; Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Yanli Wang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Xiaojian Liu
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Tao Li
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Enbo Ma
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China.
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Shi X, Liu X, Cooper AM, Silver K, Merzendorfer H, Zhu KY, Zhang J. Vacuolar (H + )-ATPase subunit c is essential for the survival and systemic RNA interference response in Locusta migratoria. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:1555-1566. [PMID: 34981606 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vacuolar (H+ )-ATPase (V-ATPase) is a multi-subunit enzyme that hydrolyzes adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to transport protons across a cellular membrane, and it plays an important role in numerous biological processes, including in growth, development and immune responses. The c subunit of V-ATPase is a highly conserved subunit of the rotatory proteolipid ring that is required for binding and transporting protons. To date, there are only a few published reports on V-ATPase-c functions in insects. RESULTS We identified and characterized the V-ATPase-c gene in Locusta migratoria, one of the most destructive agricultural insect pests in the world. LmV-ATPase-c was predominately expressed in Malpighian tubules of nymphs, followed by the hindgut and ovary, while the other tissues showed relatively low expression levels. Silencing of LmV-ATPase-c caused severe molting defects in nymphs and a high mortality rate of > 90%. Histological staining and microscopic examination of sections from the abdominal cuticle revealed the absence of newly formed cuticle in nymphs that were injected with dsLmV-ATPase-c. In addition, silencing of LmV-ATPase-c transcript levels significantly impaired RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency of a reporter gene. By quantifying double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) amounts by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we found that RNAi against LmV-ATPase-c provoked a dramatic accumulation of dsRNA in the endosomes of epidermal and midgut cells of Locusta migratoria. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that LmV-ATPase-c is indispensable for the formation of new cuticle during the molting process and has pivotal functions in dsRNA escape from endosomes. LmV-ATPase-c might be a valuable target for developing new strategies for insect pest management. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuekai Shi
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaojian Liu
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | | | - Kristopher Silver
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | | | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
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Schvartzman C, Fresia P, Murchio S, Mujica MV, Dalla-Rizza M. RNAi in Piezodorus guildinii (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Transcriptome Assembly for the Development of Pest Control Strategies. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:804839. [PMID: 35432425 PMCID: PMC9011191 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.804839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Red-banded stink bug Piezodorus guildinii (P. guildinii) has been described as the most damaging stink bug regarding soybean crops, leading to seed injury, low germination percentages, and foliar retention, at low population densities. In recent years, RNA interference (RNAi), a conserved eukaryote silencing mechanism has been explored to develop species-selective pesticides. In this work, we evaluated RNAi in P. guildinii to develop new pest-control strategies. For this, we assembled and annotated a P. guildinii transcriptome from a pool of all developmental stages. Analysis of this transcriptome led to the identification of 56 genes related to the silencing process encompassing siRNA, miRNA, and piRNA pathways. To evaluate the functionality of RNAi machinery, P. guildinii adults were injected with 28 ng/mg of body weight of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting vATPase A. A mortality of 35 and 51.6% was observed after 7 and 14 days, respectively, and a downregulation of vATPase A gene of 84% 72 h post-injection. In addition, Dicer-2 and Argonaute-2 genes, core RNAi proteins, were upregulated 1.8-fold 48 h after injection. These findings showed for the first time that RNAi is functional in P. guildinii and the silencing of essential genes has a significant effect in adult viability. Taken together, the work reported here shows that RNAi could be an interesting approach for the development of red-banded stink bug control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Schvartzman
- Unidad de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Fresia
- Unidad Mixta Pasteur + INIA (UMPI), Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sara Murchio
- Unidad de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - María Valentina Mujica
- Unidad de Protección Vegetal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Marco Dalla-Rizza
- Unidad de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Canelones, Uruguay
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Horn T, Narov KD, Panfilio KA. Persistent Parental RNAi in the Beetle Tribolium castaneum Involves Maternal Transmission of Long Double-Stranded RNA. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2022; 3:2100064. [PMID: 36620196 PMCID: PMC9744488 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.202100064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Parental RNA interference (pRNAi) is a powerful and widely used method for gene-specific knockdown. Yet in insects its efficacy varies between species, and how the systemic response is transmitted from mother to offspring remains elusive. Using the beetle Tribolium castaneum, an RT-qPCR strategy to distinguish the presence of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) from endogenous mRNA is reported. It is found that injected dsRNA is directly transmitted into the egg and persists throughout embryogenesis. Despite this depletion of dsRNA from the mother, it is shown that strong pRNAi can persist for months before waning at strain-specific rates. In seeking the receptor proteins for cellular uptake of long dsRNA into the egg, a phylogenomics profiling approach of candidate proteins is also presented. A visualization strategy based on taxonomically hierarchical assessment of orthology clustering data to rapidly assess gene age and copy number changes, refined by sequence-based evidence, is demonstrated. Repeated losses of SID-1-like channel proteins in the arthropods, including wholesale loss in the Heteroptera (true bugs), which are nonetheless highly sensitive to pRNAi, are thereby documented. Overall, practical considerations for insect pRNAi against a backdrop of outstanding questions on the molecular mechanism of dsRNA transmission for long-term, systemic knockdown are elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Horn
- Institute for Zoology: Developmental BiologyUniversity of CologneZülpicher Straße 47b50674CologneGermany
| | - Kalin D. Narov
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of WarwickGibbet Hill CampusCoventryCV4 7ALUK
| | - Kristen A. Panfilio
- Institute for Zoology: Developmental BiologyUniversity of CologneZülpicher Straße 47b50674CologneGermany,School of Life SciencesUniversity of WarwickGibbet Hill CampusCoventryCV4 7ALUK
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Fan Y, Abbas M, Liu X, Wang Y, Song H, Li T, Ma E, Zhu KY, Zhang J. Increased RNAi Efficiency by dsEGFP-Induced Up-Regulation of Two Core RNAi Pathway Genes (OfDicer2 and OfAgo2) in the Asian Corn Borer (Ostrinia furnacalis). INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13030274. [PMID: 35323572 PMCID: PMC8948962 DOI: 10.3390/insects13030274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary RNA interference (RNAi) has shown great potentials as a novel technology for insect pest management. However, numerous studies have shown that the efficiency of RNAi varies substantially among different insect species. For example, as a major insect pest of corn, the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis) showed very low RNAi efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new strategies for enhancing RNAi efficiency in insects with low RNAi efficiency. In this study, six core RNAi pathway genes were identified and characterized from O. furnacalis transcriptome database. After dsEGFP was injected into O. furnacalis, the expression of the core RNAi pathway genes (OfDicer2 and OfAgo2) was significantly up-regulated in response to the exposure of dsEGFP. As a result, the RNAi efficiency against the target genes in certain tissues of O. furnacalis was significantly improved. These results suggest that RNAi efficiency can be improved by inducing the expression of key RNAi pathway genes in O. furnacalis. Abstract RNA interference (RNAi) is a sequence-specific gene silencing mechanism that holds great promise for effective management of agricultural pests. Previous studies have shown that the efficacy of RNAi varies among different insect species, which limits its wide spread application in the field of crop protection. In this study, we identified and characterized six core RNAi pathway genes including OfDicer1, OfDicer2, OfR2D2, OfAgo1, OfAgo2, and OfAgo3 from the transcriptomic database of the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis). Domain analysis showed that the six deduced proteins contained the necessary functional domains. Insect developmental stage- and tissue-specific expression analysis showed that five genes were expressed in all the stages and tissues examined except OfAgo3, which showed low expression in larvae, and high expression in pupae and adults and in the midgut. RT-qPCR was performed to examine the response of these six genes to exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Interestingly, the transcript levels of OfDicer2 and OfAgo2 were significantly enhanced after the injection of dsEGFP at different time points and tissues investigated. Consequently, the RNAi efficiency in targeting the insect endogenous genes can be greatly enhanced in the hemolymph or midgut. Taken together, our investigations suggest that RNAi efficiency can be enhanced by pre-injection of dsRNA to induce the RNAi core machinery genes, which could be a useful strategy to improving RNAi efficiency for studying gene functions under laboratory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhe Fan
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Y.F.); (M.A.); (X.L.); (Y.W.); (T.L.); (E.M.)
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Mureed Abbas
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Y.F.); (M.A.); (X.L.); (Y.W.); (T.L.); (E.M.)
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Xiaojian Liu
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Y.F.); (M.A.); (X.L.); (Y.W.); (T.L.); (E.M.)
| | - Yanli Wang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Y.F.); (M.A.); (X.L.); (Y.W.); (T.L.); (E.M.)
| | - Huifang Song
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Changzhi University, Changzhi 046000, China;
| | - Tao Li
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Y.F.); (M.A.); (X.L.); (Y.W.); (T.L.); (E.M.)
| | - Enbo Ma
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Y.F.); (M.A.); (X.L.); (Y.W.); (T.L.); (E.M.)
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
- Correspondence: (K.Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Y.F.); (M.A.); (X.L.); (Y.W.); (T.L.); (E.M.)
- Correspondence: (K.Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
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Ma Z, Zheng Y, Chao Z, Chen H, Zhang Y, Yin M, Shen J, Yan S. Visualization of the process of a nanocarrier-mediated gene delivery: stabilization, endocytosis and endosomal escape of genes for intracellular spreading. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:124. [PMID: 35264206 PMCID: PMC8905852 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01336-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles have been widely applied as gene carrier for improving RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency in medical and agricultural fields. However, the mechanism and delivery process of nanoparticle-mediated RNAi is not directly visualized and elucidated. Here we synthesized a star polymer (SPc) consisted of a hydrophilic shell with positively-charged tertiary amine in the side chain, which was taken as an example to investigate the mechanism in gene delivery. The SPc could assemble with dsRNA spontaneously through electrostatic force, hydrogen bond and van der Waals force. Interestingly, the SPc could protect dsRNA from degradation by RNase A and insect hemolymph, thus remarkably increasing the stability of dsRNA. Meanwhile, the SPc could efficiently promote the cellular uptake and endosomal escape for intracellular spreading of dsRNA. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the SPc could up-regulate some key genes such as Chc, AP2S1 and Arf1 for activating clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Furthermore, the suppression of endocytosis hindered the cellular uptake of SPc-delivered dsRNA in vitro, and the subsequent RNAi effect was also disappeared in vivo. To our knowledge, our study is the first direct visualization of the detailed cellular delivery process and mechanism of nanocarrier-mediated gene delivery. Above mechanism supports the application of nanocarrier-based RNAi in gene therapy and pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongzheng Ma
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Plant Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zheng
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zijian Chao
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongtao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Lab of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Meizhen Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Lab of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Yan
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.
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Papapostolou KM, Riga M, Samantsidis GR, Skoufa E, Balabanidou V, Van Leeuwen T, Vontas J. Over-expression in cis of the midgut P450 CYP392A16 contributes to abamectin resistance in Tetranychus urticae. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 142:103709. [PMID: 34995778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 mediated metabolism is a well-known mechanism of insecticide resistance. However, to what extent qualitative or quantitative changes are responsible for increased metabolism, is not well understood. Increased expression of P450 genes is most often reported, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain widely unclear. In this study, we investigate CYP392A16, a P450 from the polyphagous and major agricultural pest Tetranychus urticae. High expression levels of CYP392A16 and in vitro metabolism assays have previously associated this P450 with abamectin resistance. Here, we show that CYP392A16 is primarily localized in the midgut epithelial cells, as indicated by immunofluorescence analysis, a finding also supported by a comparison between feeding and contact toxicity bioassays. Silencing via RNAi of CYP392A16 in a highly resistant T. urticae population reduced insecticide resistance levels from 3400- to 1900- fold, compared to the susceptible reference strain. Marker-assisted backcrossing, using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) found in the CYP392A16 allele from the resistant population, was subsequently performed to create congenic lines bearing this gene in a susceptible genetic background. Toxicity assays indicated that the allele derived from the resistant strain confers 3.6-fold abamectin resistance compared to the lines with susceptible genetic background. CYP392A16 is over-expressed at the same levels in these lines, pointing to cis-regulation of gene expression. In support of that, functional analysis of the putative promoter region from the resistant and susceptible parental strains revealed a higher reporter gene expression, confirming the presence of cis-acting regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Maria Papapostolou
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 100 N. Plastira Street, GR-700 13, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Maria Riga
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 100 N. Plastira Street, GR-700 13, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Greece.
| | - George-Rafael Samantsidis
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 100 N. Plastira Street, GR-700 13, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Evangelia Skoufa
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 100 N. Plastira Street, GR-700 13, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vasileia Balabanidou
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 100 N. Plastira Street, GR-700 13, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Thomas Van Leeuwen
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure Links 653, Ghent University, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - John Vontas
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 100 N. Plastira Street, GR-700 13, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos Street, GR-11855, Athens, Greece.
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Liu H, Shen E, Wu H, Ma W, Chen H, Lin Y. Trans-kingdom expression of an insect endogenous microRNA in rice enhances resistance to striped stem borer Chilo suppressalis. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:770-777. [PMID: 34704657 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The striped stem borer (SSB), Chilo suppressalis Walker, is a major pest of rice worldwide. Breeding of transgenic rice expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins is a powerful strategy to control SSB. However, pests may evolve certain resistance to Bt toxins in transgenic plants. Hence, new controlling strategies must be continuously developed. RESULTS We successfully generated SSB-resistant rice (csu-53) expressing the artificial microRNA (amiRNA) of SSB endogenous miRNA (csu-novel-miR53) through the RNAi-based technology. Feeding assays demonstrated that csu-53 rice inhibited larval growth, delayed pupation time, and reduced pupal weight and eclosion rate of SSB larva. In a 10-day feeding experiment, the miRNA mimic of csu-novel-miR53 also suppressed larval growth and more importantly increased larval mortality. Transcriptome analysis identified 28 differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) in the midgut between SSB larvae fed on csu-53 rice and the wild type. One DEG (DN90065_c0_g12) validated by qRT-PCR had a predicted target site of csu-novel-miR53. In addition, in vitro double-stranded RNA synthesis and further feeding assay proved that DN90065_c0_g12 is most likely the target of csu-novel-miR53. CONCLUSION amiRNA-mediated strategy can be applied to the development of insect-resistant crops, and the novel amiRNA csu-novel-miR53 of SSB has important application potential in developing SSB resistant rice. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoju Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Enlong Shen
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Wuhan, China
- Henry Fok School of Biology and Agriculture, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, China
| | - Weihua Ma
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongjun Lin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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91
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Katsavou E, Riga M, Ioannidis P, King R, Zimmer CT, Vontas J. Functionally characterized arthropod pest and pollinator cytochrome P450s associated with xenobiotic metabolism. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 181:105005. [PMID: 35082029 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.105005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The cytochrome P450 family (P450s) of arthropods includes diverse enzymes involved in endogenous essential physiological functions and in the oxidative metabolism of xenobiotics, insecticides and plant allelochemicals. P450s can also establish insecticide selectivity in bees and pollinators. Several arthropod P450s, distributed in different phylogenetic groups, have been associated with xenobiotic metabolism, and some of them have been functionally characterized, using different in vitro and in vivo systems. The purpose of this review is to summarize scientific publications on arthropod P450s from major insect and mite agricultural pests, pollinators and Papilio sp, which have been functionally characterized and shown to metabolize xenobiotics and/or their role (direct or indirect) in pesticide toxicity or resistance has been functionally validated. The phylogenetic relationships among these P450s, the functional systems employed for their characterization and their xenobiotic catalytic properties are presented, in a systematic approach, including critical aspects and limitations. The potential of the primary P450-based metabolic pathway of target and non-target organisms for the development of highly selective insecticides and resistance-breaking formulations may help to improve the efficiency and sustainability of pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Katsavou
- Pesticide Science Laboratory, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Riga
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH), Nikolaou Plastira Street 100, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | - Panagiotis Ioannidis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH), Nikolaou Plastira Street 100, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Rob King
- Department of Computational and Analytical Sciences, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, UK
| | - Christoph T Zimmer
- Syngenta Crop Protection, Werk Stein, Schaffhauserstrasse, Stein CH4332, Switzerland
| | - John Vontas
- Pesticide Science Laboratory, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH), Nikolaou Plastira Street 100, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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92
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Lei J, Tan Y, List F, Puckett R, Tarone AM, Vargo EL, Zhu-Salzman K. Cloning and Functional Characterization of a Double-Stranded RNA-Degrading Nuclease in the Tawny Crazy Ant (Nylanderia fulva). Front Physiol 2022; 13:833652. [PMID: 35153841 PMCID: PMC8836465 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.833652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference is a powerful tool that post-transcriptionally silences target genes. However, silencing efficacy varies greatly among different insect species. Recently, we attempted to knock down some housekeeping genes in the tawny crazy ant (Nylanderia fulva), a relatively new invasive species in the southern United States, but only achieved relatively low silencing efficiency when dsRNA was orally administered. Here, we detected divalent cation-dependent, dsRNA-degrading activity in the midgut fluid of worker ants in ex vivo assays. To determine whether dsRNA degradation could contribute to low effectiveness of oral RNAi in N. fulva, we cloned its sole dsRNase gene (NfdsRNase). The deduced amino acid sequence contained a signal peptide and an endonuclease domain. Sequence alignment indicated a high degree of similarity with well-characterized dsRNases, particularly the six key residues at active sites. We also identified dsRNase homologs from five other ant species and found a tight phylogenetic relationship among ant dsRNases. NfdsRNase is expressed predominantly in the abdomen of worker ants. Oral delivery of dsRNA of NfdsRNase significantly reduced the expression of NfdsRNase transcripts, and substantially suppressed dsRNA-degrading activity of worker ants’ midgut fluids as well. Our data suggest that dsRNA stability in the alimentary tract is an important factor for gene silencing efficiency in N. fulva, and that blocking NfdsRNase in gut lumen could potentially improve RNAi, a novel pest management tactic in control of N. fulva and other ant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Lei
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Yongan Tan
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Fabian List
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Robert Puckett
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Aaron M. Tarone
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Edward L. Vargo
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Keyan Zhu-Salzman
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Keyan Zhu-Salzman,
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93
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Nauen R, Bass C, Feyereisen R, Vontas J. The Role of Cytochrome P450s in Insect Toxicology and Resistance. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 67:105-124. [PMID: 34590892 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-070621-061328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Insect cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) perform a variety of important physiological functions, but it is their role in the detoxification of xenobiotics, such as natural and synthetic insecticides, that is the topic of this review. Recent advances in insect genomics and postgenomic functional approaches have provided an unprecedented opportunity to understand the evolution of insect P450s and their role in insect toxicology. These approaches have also been harnessed to provide new insights into the genomic alterations that lead to insecticide resistance, the mechanisms by which P450s are regulated, and the functional determinants of P450-mediated insecticide resistance. In parallel, an emerging body of work on the role of P450s in defining the sensitivity of beneficial insects to insecticides has been developed. The knowledge gained from these studies has applications for the management of P450-mediated resistance in insect pests and can be leveraged to safeguard the health of important beneficial insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Nauen
- Crop Science Division R&D, Bayer AG, D-40789 Monheim, Germany;
| | - Chris Bass
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, United Kingdom;
| | - René Feyereisen
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Vontas
- Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, GR-11855 Athens, Greece;
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, GR-700 13 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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94
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Darlington M, Reinders JD, Sethi A, Lu AL, Ramaseshadri P, Fischer JR, Boeckman CJ, Petrick JS, Roper JM, Narva KE, Vélez AM. RNAi for Western Corn Rootworm Management: Lessons Learned, Challenges, and Future Directions. INSECTS 2022; 13:57. [PMID: 35055900 PMCID: PMC8779393 DOI: 10.3390/insects13010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is considered one of the most economically important pests of maize (Zea mays L.) in the United States (U.S.) Corn Belt with costs of management and yield losses exceeding USD ~1-2 billion annually. WCR management has proven challenging given the ability of this insect to evolve resistance to multiple management strategies including synthetic insecticides, cultural practices, and plant-incorporated protectants, generating a constant need to develop new management tools. One of the most recent developments is maize expressing double-stranded hairpin RNA structures targeting housekeeping genes, which triggers an RNA interference (RNAi) response and eventually leads to insect death. Following the first description of in planta RNAi in 2007, traits targeting multiple genes have been explored. In June 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the first in planta RNAi product against insects for commercial use. This product expresses a dsRNA targeting the WCR snf7 gene in combination with Bt proteins (Cry3Bb1 and Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1) to improve trait durability and will be introduced for commercial use in 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Darlington
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.D.); (J.D.R.)
| | - Jordan D. Reinders
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.D.); (J.D.R.)
| | - Amit Sethi
- Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA 50131, USA; (A.S.); (A.L.L.); (C.J.B.); (J.M.R.)
| | - Albert L. Lu
- Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA 50131, USA; (A.S.); (A.L.L.); (C.J.B.); (J.M.R.)
| | | | - Joshua R. Fischer
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA; (P.R.); (J.R.F.); (J.S.P.)
| | - Chad J. Boeckman
- Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA 50131, USA; (A.S.); (A.L.L.); (C.J.B.); (J.M.R.)
| | - Jay S. Petrick
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA; (P.R.); (J.R.F.); (J.S.P.)
| | - Jason M. Roper
- Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA 50131, USA; (A.S.); (A.L.L.); (C.J.B.); (J.M.R.)
| | | | - Ana M. Vélez
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.D.); (J.D.R.)
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95
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Duke SO. Success, despite another plague year. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:7-11. [PMID: 34874600 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
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96
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Kottaipalayam-Somasundaram SR, Jacob JP, Aiyar B, Merzendorfer H, Nambiar-Veetil M. Chitin metabolism as a potential target for RNAi-based control of the forestry pest Hyblaea puera Cramer (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:296-303. [PMID: 34487617 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyblaea puera, commonly known as the teak defoliator, is a serious pest in teak plantations. Despite the availability of control measures, this pest causes losses in yield and quality of timber through voracious feeding. RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising strategy for the control of this pest. Chitin metabolism, which is vital for the growth and development of arthropods, is a potential target for developing RNAi-based insecticides. RESULTS To assess the effects of chitin metabolism inhibition, H. puera larvae were treated with a chitin synthesis inhibitor, diflubenzuron (DFB). DFB treatment caused pupal deformities and disrupted eclosion. Partial gene sequences for three key genes of H. puera chitin metabolism were cloned and sequenced: chitin synthase 1 (HpCHS1), chitinase-h (HpChi-h) and ecdysone receptor (HpEcR). Feeding dsRNA cognate for these three target genes to the first instar of H. puera resulted in mortality and reduction in the corresponding transcript levels as assessed through qRT-PCR. This is the first report of RNAi in this forestry pest. The highest mortality was 45.9%, in response to dsHpEcR treatment; HpChi-h transcripts were the most down-regulated in response to dsHpEcR feeding. DsHpEcR RNAi resulted in growth inhibition and molting arrest. The mortalities were 29.7% and 32.4% for dsHpCHS1 and dsHpChi-h feeding, respectively. CONCLUSION Chitin metabolism could be a potential target for RNAi-based control of H. puera, and HpCHS1, HpChi-h and HpEcR could be suitable target genes. However, the RNAi efficacy needs to be improved through formulations that improve stability and uptake, and employing better delivery strategies. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmiya R Kottaipalayam-Somasundaram
- Plant Biotechnology and Cytogenetics Division, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India
- Department Biology/Chemistry, Animal Physiology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - John P Jacob
- Forest Protection Division, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India
| | - Balasubramanian Aiyar
- Plant Biotechnology and Cytogenetics Division, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India
| | - Hans Merzendorfer
- Department Biology/Chemistry, Animal Physiology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Mathish Nambiar-Veetil
- Plant Biotechnology and Cytogenetics Division, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India
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97
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Chatterjee M, Yadav J, Rathinam M, Karthik K, Chowdhary G, Sreevathsa R, Rao U. Amenability of Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) to gene silencing through exogenous administration and host-delivered dsRNA in pigeonpea ( Cajanus cajan L.). PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 28:189-202. [PMID: 35221579 PMCID: PMC8847478 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-022-01133-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Insect pests are one of the major biotic stresses limiting yield in commercially important crops. The lepidopteran polyphagous spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata causes significant economic losses in legumes including pigeonpea. RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene silencing has emerged as one of the potential biotechnological tools for crop improvement. We report in this paper, RNAi in M. vitrata through exogenous administration of dsRNA with sequence specificity to three functionally important genes, Alpha-amylase (α-amylase), Chymotrypsin-like serine protease (CTLP) and Tropomyosin (TPM) into the larval haemolymph and their host-delivered RNAi in pigeonpea. Significant decline in the expression of selected genes supported by over-expression of DICER and generation of siRNA indicated the occurrence of RNAi in the dsRNA-injected larvae. Additionally, the onset of RNAi in the herbivore was demonstrated in pigeonpea, one of the prominent hosts, by host-delivered dsRNA. Transgenics in pigeonpea (cv. Pusa 992), a highly recalcitrant crop, were developed through a shoot apical meristem-targeted in planta transformation strategy and evaluated. Plant level bioassays in transgenic events characterized and selected at molecular level showed mortality of M. vitrata larvae as well as reduced feeding when compared to wild-type. Furthermore, molecular evidence for down regulation of target genes in the insects that fed on transgenic plants authenticated RNAi. Considering the variability of gene silencing in lepidopteran pests, this study provided corroborative proof for the possibility of gene silencing in M. vitrata through both the strategies. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01133-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhurima Chatterjee
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha India
| | - Jyoti Yadav
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Maniraj Rathinam
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Kesiraju Karthik
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Gopal Chowdhary
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha India
| | | | - Uma Rao
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
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98
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Bai J, Wang YC, Liu YC, Chang YW, Liu XN, Gong WR, Du YZ. Isolation of two new genes encoding heat shock protein 70 in Bemisia tabaci and analysis during thermal stress. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 193:933-940. [PMID: 34728307 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.10.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The heat shock protein 70 family (HSP70) is among the most varied HSP family with respect to structure and function. The phloem-feeding insect Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is an important pest of cotton, vegetables and ornamentals that transmits several plant viruses and causes enormous agricultural losses. In this study, two new HSP70 genes (Bthsp70-2 and Bthsp70-3) were isolated from the MED cryptic species B. tabaci, an important phloem-feeding pest of vegetables and ornamentals. Bthsp70-2 and Bthsp70-3 encoded proteins comprised of 652 and 676 amino acids, and the deduced proteins were closely related to other HSP70s in Hemiptera. Expression analyses using real-time quantitative PCR indicated that Bthsp70-2 and Bthsp70-3 were induced in B. tabaci pupae and adults during high and low thermal stress. Bthsp70-2 and Bthsp70-3 exhibited similar, but not identical, expression patterns when exposed to different durations of high temperature stress. Oral ingestion of dsBthsp70 reduced the expression level of Bthsp70-2 and Bthsp70-3 in B. tabaci and increased the mortality of B. tabaci during heat shock. In conclusion, Bthsp70-2 and Bthsp70-3 exhibit different expression patterns during thermal stress, thus expanding the roles of HSPs in B. tabaci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Bai
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection & Institute of Applied Entomology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yu-Cheng Wang
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection & Institute of Applied Entomology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yun-Cai Liu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection & Institute of Applied Entomology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Ya-Wen Chang
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection & Institute of Applied Entomology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiao-Na Liu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection & Institute of Applied Entomology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Wei-Rong Gong
- Plant Protection and Quarantine Station of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 21003, China
| | - Yu-Zhou Du
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection & Institute of Applied Entomology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
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99
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RNAi technology for plant protection and its application in wheat. ABIOTECH 2021; 2:365-374. [PMID: 36304420 PMCID: PMC9590511 DOI: 10.1007/s42994-021-00036-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The RNAi technology takes advantage of the intrinsic RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism that exists in nearly all eukaryotes in which target mRNAs are degraded or functionally suppressed. Significant progress has been made in recent years where RNAi technology is applied to several crops and economic plants for protection against diseases like fungi, pests, and nematode. RNAi technology is also applied in controlling pathogen damages in wheat, one of the most important crops in the world. In this review, we first give a brief introduction of the RNAi technology and the underneath mechanism. We then review the recent progress of its utilization in crops, particular wheat. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges and prospect future development of this technology in crop protection.
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100
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Functional Characterization of a Trehalose-6-Phosphate Synthase in Diaphorina citri Revealed by RNA Interference and Transcriptome Sequencing. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12121074. [PMID: 34940162 PMCID: PMC8709273 DOI: 10.3390/insects12121074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) plays an important role in the synthesis of trehalose. In the current study, a TPS gene was obtained from Diaphorina citri, and named as DcTPS1 which encoded a protein of 833 amino acid residues. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed that DcTPS1 had the highest expression level in the midgut and fifth-instar nymph stage. Knockdown of DcTPS1 by RNA interference (RNAi) induced an abnormal phenotype and increased mortality and malformation rate with a decreased molting rate. In addition, silencing of DcTPS1 significantly inhibited D. citri chitin metabolism and fatty acid metabolism, while the expression levels of fatty acid decomposition-related genes were downregulated. Furthermore, comparative transcriptomics analysis revealed that 791 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated and 678 DEGs were downregulated when comparing dsDcTPS1 groups with dsGFP groups. Bioinformatics analysis showed that upregulated DEGs were mainly involved in oxidative phosphorylation, whereas downregulated DEGs were mainly attributed to the lysosome and ribosome. These results indicated that DcTPS1 played an important role in the growth and development of D. citri.
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