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Li SP, Chen ZX, Gao G, Bao YQ, Fang WY, Zhang YN, Liu WX, Lorenzen M, Wiegmann BM, Xuan JL. Development of an agroinfiltration-based transient hairpin RNA expression system in pak choi leaves (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) for RNA interference against Liriomyza sativae. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 204:106091. [PMID: 39277418 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.106091] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
The vegetable leafminer (Liriomyza sativae) is a devastating invasive pest of many vegetable crops and horticultural plants worldwide, causing serious economic loss. Conventional control strategy against this pest mainly relies on the synthetic chemical pesticides, but widespread use of insecticides easily causes insecticide resistance development and is harmful to beneficial organisms and environment. In this context, a more environmentally friendly pest management strategy based on RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a powerful tool to control of insect pests. Here we report a successful oral RNAi in L. sativae after feeding on pak choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) that transiently express hairpin RNAs targeting vital genes in this pest. First, potentially lethal genes are identified by searching an L. sativae transcriptome for orthologs of the widely used V-ATPase A and actin genes, then expression levels are assessed during different life stages and in different adult tissues. Interestingly, the highest expression levels for V-ATPase A are observed in the adult heads (males and females) and for actin in the abdomens of adult females. We also assessed expression patterns of the target hairpin RNAs in pak choi leaves and found that they reach peak levels 72 h post agroinfiltration. RNAi-mediated knockdown of each target was then assessed by letting adult L. sativae feed on agroinfiltrated pak choi leaves. Relative transcript levels of each target gene exhibit significant reductions over the feeding time, and adversely affect survival of adult L. sativae at 24 h post infestation in genetically unmodified pak choi plants. These results demonstrate that the agroinfiltration-mediated RNAi system has potential for advancing innovative environmentally safe pest management strategies for the control of leaf-mining species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Peng Li
- Anhui Engineering Research Center for Green Production Technology of Drought Grain Crops, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China; Anhui Watermelon and Melon Biological Breeding Engineering Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Zi-Xu Chen
- Anhui Engineering Research Center for Green Production Technology of Drought Grain Crops, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Ge Gao
- Anhui Engineering Research Center for Green Production Technology of Drought Grain Crops, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Ya-Qi Bao
- Anhui Engineering Research Center for Green Production Technology of Drought Grain Crops, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Wen-Ying Fang
- Anhui Engineering Research Center for Green Production Technology of Drought Grain Crops, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhang
- Anhui Engineering Research Center for Green Production Technology of Drought Grain Crops, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Wan-Xue Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Marcé Lorenzen
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Brian M Wiegmann
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Jing-Li Xuan
- Anhui Engineering Research Center for Green Production Technology of Drought Grain Crops, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, 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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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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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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4
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Souza D, Christensen SA, Wu K, Buss L, Kleckner K, Darrisaw C, Shirk PD, Siegfried BD. RNAi-induced knockdown of white gene in the southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula L.). Sci Rep 2022; 12:10396. [PMID: 35729244 PMCID: PMC9213411 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14620-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The southern green stink bug (SGSB) Nezara viridula L. is one of the most common stink bug species in the United States and can cause significant yield loss in a variety of crops. A suitable marker for the assessment of gene-editing tools in SGSB has yet to be characterized. The white gene, first documented in Drosophila, has been a useful target to assess the efficiency of introduced mutations in many species as it controls pigmentation processes and mutants display readily identifiable phenotypes. In this study we used the RNAi technique to investigate functions and phenotypes associated with the white ortholog in the SGSB and to validate white as a marker for genetic transformation in this species. This study revealed that white may be a suitable marker for germline transformation in the SGSB as white transcript knockdown was not lethal, did not impair embryo development and provided a distinguishable phenotype. Our results demonstrated that the white ortholog in SGSB is involved in the pathway for ommochrome synthesis and suggested additional functions of this gene such as in the integument composition, management of hemolymph compounds and riboflavin mobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariane Souza
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611, USA. .,Syngenta Crop Protection AG, WST-540.1.17 Schaffhauserstrasse, 4332, Stein, Switzerland.
| | - Shawn A Christensen
- USDA-ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, 32608, USA
| | - Ke Wu
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611, USA
| | - Lyle Buss
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611, USA
| | - Kaylin Kleckner
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611, USA
| | - Constance Darrisaw
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611, USA
| | - Paul D Shirk
- USDA-ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, 32608, USA
| | - Blair D Siegfried
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611, USA
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Jia Z, Hasi S, Vogl C, Burger PA. Genomic insights into evolution and control of
Wohlfahrtia magnifica
, a widely distributed myiasis‐causing fly of warm‐blooded vertebrates. Mol Ecol Resour 2022; 22:2744-2757. [PMID: 35643968 PMCID: PMC9545800 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13654] [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: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Wohlfahrtia magnifica is a pest fly species, invading livestock in many European, African and Asian countries, and causing heavy agroeconomic losses. In the life cycle of this obligatory parasite, adult flies infect the host by depositing the first‐stage larvae into body cavities or open wounds. The feeding larvae cause severe (skin) tissue damage and potentially fatal infections if untreated. Despite serious health detriments and agroeconomic concerns, genomic resources for understanding the biology of W. magnifica have so far been lacking. Here, we present a complete genome assembly from a single adult female W. magnifica using a Low‐DNA Input workflow for PacBio HiFi library preparation. The de novo assembled genome is 753.99 Mb in length, with a scaffold N50 of 5.00 Mb, consisting of 16,718 predicted protein‐encoding genes. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that W. magnifica has the closest phylogenetic relationship to Sarcophaga bullata followed by Lucilia cuprina. Evolutionary analysis of gene families showed expansions of 173 gene families in W. magnifica that were enriched for gene ontology (GO) categories related to immunity, insecticide‐resistance mechanisms, heat stress response and cuticle development. In addition, 45 positively selected genes displaying various functions were identified. This new genomic resource contributes to the evolutionary and comparative analysis of dipterous flies and an in‐depth understanding of many aspects of W. magnifica biology. Furthermore, it will facilitate the development of novel tools for controlling W. magnifica infection in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Jia
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Savoyenstrasse 1 1160 Vienna Austria
| | - Surong Hasi
- Inner Mongolia Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Hohhot 010018 China
| | - Claus Vogl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Veterinaerplatz 1 1210 Vienna Austria
| | - Pamela A. Burger
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Savoyenstrasse 1 1160 Vienna Austria
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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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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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8
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Denecke S, Rankić I, Driva O, Kalsi M, Luong NBH, Buer B, Nauen R, Geibel S, Vontas J. Comparative and functional genomics of the ABC transporter superfamily across arthropods. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:553. [PMID: 34281528 PMCID: PMC8290562 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07861-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily is comprised predominantly of proteins which directly utilize energy from ATP to move molecules across the plasma membrane. Although they have been the subject of frequent investigation across many taxa, arthropod ABCs have been less well studied. While the manual annotation of ABC transporters has been performed in many arthropods, there has so far been no systematic comparison of the superfamily within this order using the increasing number of sequenced genomes. Furthermore, functional work on these genes is limited. RESULTS Here, we developed a standardized pipeline to annotate ABCs from predicted proteomes and used it to perform comparative genomics on ABC families across arthropod lineages. Using Kruskal-Wallis tests and the Computational Analysis of gene Family Evolution (CAFE), we were able to observe significant expansions of the ABC-B full transporters (P-glycoproteins) in Lepidoptera and the ABC-H transporters in Hemiptera. RNA-sequencing of epithelia tissues in the Lepidoptera Helicoverpa armigera showed that the 7 P-glycoprotein paralogues differ substantially in their tissue distribution, suggesting a spatial division of labor. It also seems that functional redundancy is a feature of these transporters as RNAi knockdown showed that most transporters are dispensable with the exception of the highly conserved gene Snu, which is probably due to its role in cuticular formation. CONCLUSIONS We have performed an annotation of the ABC superfamily across > 150 arthropod species for which good quality protein annotations exist. Our findings highlight specific expansions of ABC transporter families which suggest evolutionary adaptation. Future work will be able to use this analysis as a resource to provide a better understanding of the ABC superfamily in arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Denecke
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 100 N. Plastira Street, 700 13, Heraklion Crete, Greece.
| | - Ivan Rankić
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czechia
| | - Olympia Driva
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 100 N. Plastira Street, 700 13, Heraklion Crete, Greece
| | - Megha Kalsi
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 100 N. Plastira Street, 700 13, Heraklion Crete, Greece
| | - Ngoc Bao Hang Luong
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 100 N. Plastira Street, 700 13, Heraklion Crete, Greece
| | - Benjamin Buer
- CropScience Division, Bayer AG, R&D Pest Control, D-40789, Monheim, Germany
| | - Ralf Nauen
- CropScience Division, Bayer AG, R&D Pest Control, D-40789, Monheim, Germany
| | - Sven Geibel
- CropScience Division, Bayer AG, R&D Pest Control, D-40789, Monheim, Germany
| | - John Vontas
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 100 N. Plastira Street, 700 13, Heraklion Crete, Greece.,Laboratory of Pesticide Science, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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9
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Finetti L, Pezzi M, Civolani S, Calò G, Scapoli C, Bernacchia G. Characterization of Halyomorpha halys TAR1 reveals its involvement in (E)-2-decenal pheromone perception. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:239726. [PMID: 33914035 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.238816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In insects, tyramine receptor 1 (TAR1) has been shown to control several physiological functions, including olfaction. We investigated the molecular and functional profile of the Halyomorpha halys type 1 tyramine receptor gene (HhTAR1) and its role in olfactory functions of this pest. Molecular and pharmacological analyses confirmed that the HhTAR1 gene codes for a true TAR1. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that HhTAR1 is expressed mostly in adult brain and antennae as well as in early development stages (eggs, 1st and 2nd instar nymphs). In particular, among the antennomeres that compose a typical H. halys antenna, HhTAR1 was more expressed in flagellomeres. Scanning electron microscopy investigation revealed the type and distribution of sensilla on adult H. halys antennae: both flagellomeres appear rich in trichoid and grooved sensilla, known to be associated with olfactory functions. Through an RNAi approach, topically delivered HhTAR1 dsRNA induced a 50% downregulation in gene expression after 24 h in H. halys 2nd instar nymphs. An innovative behavioural assay revealed that HhTAR1 RNAi-silenced 2nd instar nymphs were less susceptible to the alarm pheromone component (E)-2 decenal as compared with controls. These results provide critical information concerning the role of TAR1 in olfaction regulation, especially alarm pheromone reception, in H. halys. Furthermore, considering the emerging role of TAR1 as target of biopesticides, this work opens the way for further investigation on innovative methods for controlling H. halys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Finetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Pezzi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Civolani
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.,InnovaRicerca s.r.l. Monestirolo, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bernacchia
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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10
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Silencing of Double-Stranded Ribonuclease Improves Oral RNAi Efficacy in Southern Green Stinkbug Nezaraviridula. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12020115. [PMID: 33525755 PMCID: PMC7912330 DOI: 10.3390/insects12020115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Variability in RNA-interference (RNAi) efficacy among different insect orders poses a big hurdle in the development of RNAi-based pest control strategies. The activity of double-stranded ribonucleases (dsRNases) in the digestive canal of insects can be one of the critical factors affecting oral RNAi efficacy. Here, the involvement of these dsRNases in the southern green stinkbug Nezaraviridula was investigated. First, the full sequence of the only dsRNase (NvdsRNase) in the transcriptome of N. viridula was obtained, followed by an oral feeding bioassay to evaluate the effect of NvdsRNase-silencing on oral RNAi efficacy. The NvdsRNase was first silenced in nymphs by NvdsRNase-dsRNA injections, followed by exposure to an artificial diet containing a lethal αCop-specific dsRNA. A significantly higher mortality was observed in the NvdsRNase-silenced nymphs when placed on the dsαCop-containing diet (65%) than in the dsGFP injected and dsαCop fed control (46.67%). Additionally, an ex vivo dsRNA degradation assay showed a higher stability of dsRNA in the saliva and midgut juice of NvdsRNase-silenced adults. These results provide evidence for the involvement of NvdsRNase in the reduction of oral RNAi efficacy in N. viridula. This information will be useful in further improving potential RNAi-based strategies to control this pest.
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RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 as Functional Genomics Tools in the Neotropical Stink Bug, Euschistus heros. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11120838. [PMID: 33260850 PMCID: PMC7761266 DOI: 10.3390/insects11120838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Understanding the biology of insect pests is an important step towards developing appropriate control strategies. In this study, a CRISPR/Cas9 gene knockout work flow was established for the first time and was together with RNAi used as tools to study gene functions in the Neotropical stink bug, Euschistus heros. RNAi was first employed to study the function of three genes, abnormal wing disc (awd), tyrosine hydroxylase (th) and yellow (yel). Targeting awd and th resulted in distinct malformed phenotypes such as a deformed wing or a lighter cuticle pigmentation/defects in cuticle sclerotization, respectively. However, no distinct phenotype was observed for yel. To further investigate the function of yel, a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing protocol was developed for E. heros. A total of 719 eggs were microinjected with single-guide (sgRNA) and Cas9 and total of six insects hatched. Out of these six nymphs, one insect showed mutation in yel but no clear phenotype was visible. Although, we were unable to generate insects with a distinct phenotype for yel, a successful gene editing workflow was established to complement RNAi for future functional gene studies in E. heros. Additionally, we provided recommendations to improve the established gene editing workflow. Abstract The Neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros, is one of the most important stink bug pests in leguminous plants in South America. RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 are important and useful tools in functional genomics, as well as in the future development of new integrated pest management strategies. Here, we explore the use of these technologies as complementing functional genomic tools in E. heros. Three genes, abnormal wing disc (awd), tyrosine hydroxylase (th) and yellow (yel), known to be involved in wing development (awd) and the melanin pathway (th and yel) in other insects, were chosen to be evaluated using RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 as tools. First, the genes were functionally characterized using RNAi knockdown technology. The expected phenotype of either deformed wing or lighter cuticle pigmentation/defects in cuticle sclerotization was observed for awd and th, respectively. However, for yel, no obvious phenotype was observed. Based on this, yel was selected as a target for the development of a CRISPR/Cas9 workflow to study gene knockout in E. heros. A total of 719 eggs were injected with the Cas9 nuclease (300 ng/µL) together with the sgRNA (300 ng/µL) targeting yel. A total of six insects successfully hatched from the injected eggs and one of the insects showed mutation in the target region, however, the phenotype was still not obvious. Overall, this study for the first time provides a useful CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing methodology to complement RNAi for functional genomic studies in one of the most important and economically relevant stink bug species.
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Jain RG, Robinson KE, Fletcher SJ, Mitter N. RNAi-Based Functional Genomics in Hemiptera. INSECTS 2020; 11:E557. [PMID: 32825516 PMCID: PMC7564473 DOI: 10.3390/insects11090557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful approach for sequence-specific gene silencing, displaying tremendous potential for functional genomics studies in hemipteran insects. Exploiting RNAi allows the biological roles of critical genes to be defined and aids the development of RNAi-based biopesticides. In this review, we provide context to the rapidly expanding field of RNAi-based functional genomics studies in hemipteran insects. We highlight the most widely used RNAi delivery strategies, including microinjection, oral ingestion and topical application. Additionally, we discuss the key variables affecting RNAi efficacy in hemipteran insects, including insect life-stage, gene selection, the presence of nucleases, and the role of core RNAi machinery. In conclusion, we summarise the application of RNAi in functional genomics studies in Hemiptera, focusing on genes involved in reproduction, behaviour, metabolism, immunity and chemical resistance across 33 species belonging to 14 families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karl E. Robinson
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Horticultural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Queensland, Australia; (R.G.J.); (S.J.F.); (N.M.)
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Howell JL, Mogilicherla K, Gurusamy D, Palli SR. Development of RNAi methods to control the harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 104:e21690. [PMID: 32394499 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The harlequin bug (HB), Murgantia histrionica, is a major pest of cabbage family plants throughout its range in the United States. RNA interference (RNAi) is a posttranscriptional gene silencing mechanism that is showing promise as a biopesticide due to the ability to target species-specific genes necessary for growth and/or survival with synthetic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). In the present study, dsRNA stability assays revealed that nucleases present in the saliva of harlequin bugs did not rapidly degrade dsRNA. We tracked the movement and localization of radioactively labeled dsRNA in both mustard plant seedlings and harlequin bug nymphs that fed on treated host plants. Movement of 32 P-labeled-dsRNA from soil to plant and plant to insect was detected. The efficacy of RNAi in inducing mortality in harlequin bug adults and nymphs injected or fed with dsRNA targeting inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), ATPase N2B (ATPase), serine/threonine-protein phosphatase PP1-β catalytic subunit (PP1), signal recognition particle 54 kDa protein (SRP), and G protein-coupled receptor 161-like (GPCR) genes was evaluated. Injection of dsRNA targeting candidate genes into adults caused between 40% and 75% mortality and induced significant knockdown of target gene expression. Feeding dsRNA targeting the IAP gene to nymphs by plant-mediated and droplet feeding methods induced knockdown of the target gene and caused 40-55% mortality. These findings suggest that RNAi may be a viable approach for managing this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Howell
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | | | | | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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