1
|
Figueiredo Prates LH, Fiebig J, Schlosser H, Liapi E, Rehling T, Lutrat C, Bouyer J, Sun Q, Wen H, Xi Z, Schetelig MF, Häcker I. Challenges of Robust RNAi-Mediated Gene Silencing in Aedes Mosquitoes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5218. [PMID: 38791257 PMCID: PMC11121262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we report the complexities and challenges associated with achieving robust RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene knockdown in the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, a pivotal approach for genetic analysis and vector control. Despite RNAi's potential for species-specific gene targeting, our independent efforts to establish oral delivery of RNAi for identifying genes critical for mosquito development and fitness encountered significant challenges, failing to reproduce previously reported potent RNAi effects. We independently evaluated a range of RNAi-inducing molecules (siRNAs, shRNAs, and dsRNAs) and administration methods (oral delivery, immersion, and microinjection) in three different laboratories. We also tested various mosquito strains and utilized microorganisms for RNA delivery. Our results reveal a pronounced inconsistency in RNAi efficacy, characterized by minimal effects on larval survival and gene expression levels in most instances despite strong published effects for the tested targets. One or multiple factors, including RNase activity in the gut, the cellular internalization and processing of RNA molecules, and the systemic dissemination of the RNAi signal, could be involved in this variability, all of which are barely understood in mosquitoes. The challenges identified in this study highlight the necessity for additional research into the underlying mechanisms of mosquito RNAi to develop more robust RNAi-based methodologies. Our findings emphasize the intricacies of RNAi application in mosquitoes, which present a substantial barrier to its utilization in genetic control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Henrique Figueiredo Prates
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Jakob Fiebig
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Henrik Schlosser
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Eleni Liapi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Tanja Rehling
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | | | - Jeremy Bouyer
- ASTRE, CIRAD, 34398 Montpellier, France (J.B.)
- ASTRE, CIRAD, INRAE, Univ. Montpellier, Plateforme Technologique CYROI, 97491 Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Qiang Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (Q.S.); (H.W.); (Z.X.)
| | - Han Wen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (Q.S.); (H.W.); (Z.X.)
| | - Zhiyong Xi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (Q.S.); (H.W.); (Z.X.)
| | - Marc F. Schetelig
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Irina Häcker
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu X, Yang S, Yao Y, Wu S, Wu P, Zhai Z. Opsin1 regulates light-evoked avoidance behavior in Aedes albopictus. BMC Biol 2022; 20:110. [PMID: 35549721 PMCID: PMC9103082 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01308-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquitoes locate a human host by integrating various sensory cues including odor, thermo, and vision. However, their innate light preference and its genetic basis that may predict the spatial distribution of mosquitoes, a prerequisite to encounter a potential host and initiate host-seeking behaviors, remains elusive. RESULTS Here, we first studied mosquito visual features and surprisingly uncovered that both diurnal (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) and nocturnal (Culex quinquefasciatus) mosquitoes significantly avoided stronger light when given choices. With consistent results from multiple assays, we found that such negative phototaxis maintained throughout development to adult stages. Notably, female mosquitoes significantly preferred to bite hosts in a shaded versus illuminated area. Furthermore, silencing Opsin1, a G protein-coupled receptor that is most enriched in compound eyes, abolished light-evoked avoidance behavior of Aedes albopictus and attenuated photonegative behavior in Aedes aegypti. Finally, we found that field-collected Aedes albopictus also prefers darker area in an Opsin1-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that mosquitoes consistently prefer darker environment and identifies the first example of a visual molecule that modulates mosquito photobehavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Function and Regulation, Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China
| | - Shuzhen Yang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Function and Regulation, Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Function and Regulation, Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China
| | - Si Wu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Function and Regulation, Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China
| | - Pa Wu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Function and Regulation, Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China.
| | - Zongzhao Zhai
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Function and Regulation, Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen A, Li Q, Liao P, Zhao Q, Tang S, Wang P, Meng G, Dong Z. Semaphorin-1a-like gene plays an important role in the embryonic development of silkworm, Bombyx mori. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240193. [PMID: 33007004 PMCID: PMC7531805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fuyin-lethal red egg (Fuyin-lre) is a red egg mutant discovered from the germplasm resource Fuyin of Bombyx mori. The embryo of Fuyin-lre stops developing at the late stage of gastrulation due to chromosome structural variation. In this work, precise mutation sites at both ends of the mutated region were determined, and two inserted sequences with lengths of 1232 bp and 1845 bp were obtained at both ends of the mutation region. Interestingly, a bmmar1 transposon was detected in the inserted 1845 bp sequence. Bmmar1 possesses features of the Tcl/mariner superfamily of transposable elements (TEs), which belongs to class II TEs that use a DNA-mediated "cut and paste" mechanism to transpose. This finding suggests that Fuyin-lre mutation might be related to the "cut and paste" action of bmmar1. The mutation resulted in the deletion of 9 genes in the mutation region, of which the red egg gene re (BMSK0002766) did not affect embryonic development of B. mori, and the BMSK0002765 gene was unexpressed during the early stage of embryonic development. The RNA interference results of the remaining 7 genes suggest that the semaphorin-1a-like gene (BMSK0002764) had a major contribution to the embryonic lethality of Fuyin-lre.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anli Chen
- The Sericultural and Apicultural Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mengzi Yunnan, China
- The Key Sericultural Laboratory of Shaanxi, Ankang University, Ankang Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiongyan Li
- The Sericultural and Apicultural Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mengzi Yunnan, China
| | - Pengfei Liao
- The Sericultural and Apicultural Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mengzi Yunnan, China
| | - Qiaoling Zhao
- The Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shunming Tang
- The Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pingyang Wang
- The Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Meng
- The Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhanpeng Dong
- The Sericultural and Apicultural Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mengzi Yunnan, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Duman-Scheel M. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Baker's Yeast) as an Interfering RNA Expression and Delivery System. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 20:942-952. [PMID: 30474529 PMCID: PMC6700756 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666181126123538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The broad application of RNA interference for disease prevention is dependent upon the production of dsRNA in an economically feasible, scalable, and sustainable fashion, as well as the identification of safe and effective methods for RNA delivery. Current research has sparked interest in the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for these applications. This review examines the potential for commercial development of yeast interfering RNA expression and delivery systems. S. cerevisiae is a genetic model organism that lacks a functional RNA interference system, which may make it an ideal system for expression and accumulation of high levels of recombinant interfering RNA. Moreover, recent studies in a variety of eukaryotic species suggest that this microbe may be an excellent and safe system for interfering RNA delivery. Key areas for further research and development include optimization of interfering RNA expression in S. cerevisiae, industrial-sized scaling of recombinant yeast cultures in which interfering RNA molecules are expressed, the development of methods for large-scale drying of yeast that preserve interfering RNA integrity, and identification of encapsulating agents that promote yeast stability in various environmental conditions. The genetic tractability of S. cerevisiae and a long history of using this microbe in both the food and pharmaceutical industry will facilitate further development of this promising new technology, which has many potential applications of medical importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wiltshire RM, Duman-Scheel M. Advances in oral RNAi for disease vector mosquito research and control. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 40:18-23. [PMID: 32516723 PMCID: PMC8718359 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito vectors in the genera Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex transmit a variety of medically important pathogens. Current vector control tools are reaching the limits of their effectiveness, necessitating the introduction of innovative vector control technologies. RNAi, which facilitates functional characterization of mosquito genes in the laboratory, could one day be applied as a new method of vector control. Recent advances in the oral administration of microbial-based systems for delivery of species-specific interfering RNA pesticides to mosquitoes may facilitate translation of this technology to the field. Oral RNAi-based pesticides represent a new class of biorational pesticides that could combat increased global incidence of insecticide resistance and which could one day become critical components of integrated human disease vector mosquito control programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Wiltshire
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave, South Bend, IN 46617, USA; Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave, South Bend, IN 46617, USA; Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Munawar K, Alahmed AM, Khalil SMS. Delivery Methods for RNAi in Mosquito Larvae. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2020; 20:5877674. [PMID: 32725159 PMCID: PMC7387866 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito-transmitted diseases pose a threat for a great portion of the world population. Chemical insecticides are the main tool for mosquito control. Heavy dependence on chemicals created several problems such as resistance development in many mosquito species, environmental effects, and human health issues. Other tools for mosquito control were developed and used in some parts of the world. Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) is a reverse genetic mechanism that was recently introduced as a new tool for pest control. Regarding mosquito, RNAi was used to study gene function and to discover genes that can be used as targets for control purposes. Several delivery methods are used to induce RNAi in mosquito larvae. Some methods such as injection and soaking are used routinely in RNAi research but have no application in the field. Other methods such as nanoparticles and microbes have some characteristics that make them good candidates for field application. In this report, we will focus on delivery methods for RNAi in mosquito larvae and will give examples for each method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kashif Munawar
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azzam M Alahmed
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sayed M S Khalil
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mansourian S, Fandino RA, Riabinina O. Progress in the use of genetic methods to study insect behavior outside Drosophila. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 36:45-56. [PMID: 31494407 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the span of a decade we have seen a rapid progress in the application of genetic tools and genome editing approaches in 'non-model' insects. It is now possible to target sensory receptor genes and neurons, explore their functional roles and manipulate behavioral responses in these insects. In this review, we focus on the latest examples from Diptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera of how applications of genetic tools advanced our understanding of diverse behavioral phenomena. We further discuss genetic methods that could be applied to study insect behavior in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard A Fandino
- Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Horch HW, Spicer SB, Low IIC, Joncas CT, Quenzer ED, Okoya H, Ledwidge LM, Fisher HP. Characterization of plexinA and two distinct semaphorin1a transcripts in the developing and adult cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:687-702. [PMID: 31621906 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Guidance cues act during development to guide growth cones to their proper targets in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Experiments in many species indicate that guidance molecules also play important roles after development, though less is understood about their functions in the adult. The Semaphorin family of guidance cues, signaling through Plexin receptors, influences the development of both axons and dendrites in invertebrates. Semaphorin functions have been extensively explored in Drosophila melanogaster and some other Dipteran species, but little is known about their function in hemimetabolous insects. Here, we characterize sema1a and plexA in the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. In fact, we found two distinct predicted Sema1a proteins in this species, Sema1a.1 and Sema1a.2, which shared only 48% identity at the amino acid level. We include a phylogenetic analysis that predicted that many other insect species, both holometabolous and hemimetabolous, express two Sema1a proteins as well. Finally, we used in situ hybridization to show that sema1a.1 and sema1a.2 expression patterns were spatially distinct in the embryo, and both roughly overlap with plexA. All three transcripts were also expressed in the adult brain, mainly in the mushroom bodies, though sema1a.2 was expressed most robustly. sema1a.2 was also expressed strongly in the adult thoracic ganglia while sema1a.1 was only weakly expressed and plexA was undetectable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadley W Horch
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine
| | - Sara B Spicer
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine
| | - Isabel I C Low
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine
| | - Colby T Joncas
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine
| | - Eleanor D Quenzer
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine
| | - Hikmah Okoya
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine
| | - Lisa M Ledwidge
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine
| | - Harrison P Fisher
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mysore K, Li P, Wang CW, Hapairai LK, Scheel ND, Realey JS, Sun L, Severson DW, Wei N, Duman-Scheel M. Characterization of a broad-based mosquito yeast interfering RNA larvicide with a conserved target site in mosquito semaphorin-1a genes. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:256. [PMID: 31118082 PMCID: PMC6532267 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3504-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi), which has facilitated functional characterization of mosquito neural development genes such as the axon guidance regulator semaphorin-1a (sema1a), could one day be applied as a new means of vector control. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) may represent an effective interfering RNA expression system that could be used directly for delivery of RNA pesticides to mosquito larvae. Here we describe characterization of a yeast larvicide developed through bioengineering of S. cerevisiae to express a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting a conserved site in mosquito sema1a genes. RESULTS Experiments conducted on Aedes aegypti larvae demonstrated that the yeast larvicide effectively silences sema1a expression, generates severe neural defects, and induces high levels of larval mortality in laboratory, simulated-field, and semi-field experiments. The larvicide was also found to induce high levels of Aedes albopictus, Anopheles gambiae and Culex quinquefasciatus mortality. CONCLUSIONS The results of these studies indicate that use of yeast interfering RNA larvicides targeting mosquito sema1a genes may represent a new biorational tool for mosquito control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keshava Mysore
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN USA
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN USA
| | - Chien-Wei Wang
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN USA
| | - Limb K. Hapairai
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN USA
| | - Nicholas D. Scheel
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN USA
| | - Jacob S. Realey
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN USA
| | - Longhua Sun
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN USA
| | - David W. Severson
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN USA
- Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Na Wei
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mysore K, Hapairai LK, Wei N, Realey JS, Scheel ND, Severson DW, Duman-Scheel M. Preparation and Use of a Yeast shRNA Delivery System for Gene Silencing in Mosquito Larvae. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1858:213-231. [PMID: 30414120 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8775-7_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mosquito genome projects facilitated research in new facets of mosquito biology, including functional genetic studies in the dengue and Zika virus vector Aedes aegypti and the primary African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. RNA interference (RNAi) has facilitated gene silencing experiments in both of these disease vector mosquito species and could one day be applied as a new method of vector control. Here, we describe a procedure for the genetic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) that express short hairpin RNA (shRNA) corresponding to mosquito target genes of interest. Following cultivation, which facilitates inexpensive propagation of shRNA, the yeast is inactivated and prepared in a ready-to-use dry tablet formulation that is fed to mosquito larvae. Ingestion of the yeast tablets results in effective larval target gene silencing. This technically straightforward and affordable technique may be applicable to a wide variety of mosquito species and potentially to other arthropods that feed on yeast.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keshava Mysore
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Limb K Hapairai
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Na Wei
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Jacob S Realey
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Nicholas D Scheel
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - David W Severson
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, USA.
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mysore K, Hapairai LK, Sun L, Harper EI, Chen Y, Eggleson KK, Realey JS, Scheel ND, Severson DW, Wei N, Duman-Scheel M. Yeast interfering RNA larvicides targeting neural genes induce high rates of Anopheles larval mortality. Malar J 2017; 16:461. [PMID: 29132374 PMCID: PMC5683233 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-2112-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although larviciding can reduce the number of outdoor biting malaria vector mosquitoes, which may help to prevent residual malaria transmission, the current larvicide repertoire is faced with great challenges to sustainability. The identification of new effective, economical, and biorational larvicides could facilitate maintenance and expansion of the practice of larviciding in integrated malaria vector mosquito control programmes. Interfering RNA molecules represent a novel class of larvicides with untapped potential for sustainable mosquito control. This investigation tested the hypothesis that short interfering RNA molecules can be used as mosquito larvicides. Results A small interfering RNA (siRNA) screen for larval lethal genes identified siRNAs corresponding to the Anopheles gambiae suppressor of actin (Sac1), leukocyte receptor complex member (lrc), and offtrack (otk) genes. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) was engineered to produce short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) for silencing of these genes. Feeding larvae with the engineered yeasts resulted in silenced target gene expression, a severe loss of neural synapses in the larval brain, and high levels of larval mortality. The larvicidal activities of yeast interfering RNA larvicides were retained following heat inactivation and drying of the yeast into user-friendly tablet formulations that induced up to 100% larval mortality in laboratory trials. Conclusions Ready-to-use dried inactivated yeast interfering RNA larvicide tablets may someday be an effective and inexpensive addition to malaria mosquito control programmes and a valuable, biorational tool for addressing residual malaria transmission. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-017-2112-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keshava Mysore
- Dept. of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, 46530, USA.,The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Limb K Hapairai
- Dept. of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, 46530, USA.,The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Longhua Sun
- The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Dept. of Biological Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Elizabeth I Harper
- Dept. of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, 46530, USA.,The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Yingying Chen
- The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Kathleen K Eggleson
- The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Dept. of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, 46530, USA
| | - Jacob S Realey
- Dept. of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, 46530, USA.,The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Nicholas D Scheel
- The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Dept. of Biological Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - David W Severson
- Dept. of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, 46530, USA.,The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Dept. of Biological Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Na Wei
- The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Dept. of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, 46530, USA. .,The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA. .,Dept. of Biological Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hapairai LK, Mysore K, Chen Y, Harper EI, Scheel MP, Lesnik AM, Sun L, Severson DW, Wei N, Duman-Scheel M. Lure-and-Kill Yeast Interfering RNA Larvicides Targeting Neural Genes in the Human Disease Vector Mosquito Aedes aegypti. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13223. [PMID: 29038510 PMCID: PMC5643370 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13566-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
New mosquito control strategies are vitally needed to address established arthropod-borne infectious diseases such as dengue and yellow fever and emerging diseases such as Zika and chikungunya, all of which are transmitted by the disease vector mosquito Aedes aegypti. In this investigation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) was engineered to produce short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) corresponding to the Aedes aegypti orthologs of fasciculation and elongation protein zeta 2 (fez2) and leukocyte receptor cluster (lrc) member, two genes identified in a recent screen for A. aegypti larval lethal genes. Feeding A. aegypti with the engineered yeasts resulted in silenced target gene expression, disrupted neural development, and highly significant larval mortality. Larvicidal activities were retained following heat inactivation and drying of the yeast into tabular formulations that induced >95% mortality and were found to attract adult females to oviposit. These ready-to-use inactivated yeast interfering RNA tablets may one day facilitate the seamless integration of this new class of lure-and-kill species-specific biorational mosquito larvicides into integrated mosquito control programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Limb K Hapairai
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, South Bend, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Keshava Mysore
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, South Bend, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Yingying Chen
- The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Elizabeth I Harper
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, South Bend, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Max P Scheel
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, South Bend, IN, USA
| | - Alexandra M Lesnik
- The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Longhua Sun
- The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - David W Severson
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, South Bend, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Na Wei
- The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, South Bend, IN, USA. .,The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA. .,The University of Notre Dame Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism, a poorly understood but crucial aspect of vector mosquito biology, encompasses sex-specific physical, physiological, and behavioral traits related to mosquito reproduction. The study of mosquito sexual dimorphism has largely focused on analysis of the differences between adult female and male mosquitoes, particularly with respect to sex-specific behaviors related to disease transmission. However, sexually dimorphic behaviors are the products of differential gene expression that initiates during development and therefore must also be studied during development. Recent technical advancements are facilitating functional genetic studies in the dengue vector Aedes aegypti, an emerging model for mosquito development. These methodologies, many of which could be extended to other non-model insect species, are facilitating analysis of the development of sexual dimorphism in neural tissues, particularly the olfactory system. These studies are providing insight into the neurodevelopmental genetic basis for sexual dimorphism in vector mosquitoes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, Indiana, USA; Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Zainulabeuddin Syed
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rocha M, Kimler KJ, Leming MT, Hu X, Whaley MA, O'Tousa JE. Expression and light-triggered movement of rhodopsins in the larval visual system of mosquitoes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 218:1386-92. [PMID: 25750414 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.111526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
During the larval stages, the visual system of the mosquito Aedes aegypti contains five stemmata, often referred to as larval ocelli, positioned laterally on each side of the larval head. Here we show that stemmata contain two photoreceptor types, distinguished by the expression of different rhodopsins. The rhodopsin Aaop3 (GPROP3) is expressed in the majority of the larval photoreceptors. There are two small clusters of photoreceptors located within the satellite and central stemmata that express the rhodopsin Aaop7 (GPROP7) instead of Aaop3. Electroretinogram analysis of transgenic Aaop7 Drosophila indicates that Aaop3 and Aaop7, both classified as long-wavelength rhodopsins, possess similar but not identical spectral properties. Light triggers an extensive translocation of Aaop3 from the photosensitive rhabdoms to the cytoplasmic compartment, whereas light-driven translocation of Aaop7 is limited. The results suggest that these photoreceptor cell types play distinct roles in larval vision. An additional component of the larval visual system is the adult compound eye, which starts to develop at the anterior face of the larval stemmata during the 1st instar stage. The photoreceptors of the developing compound eye show rhodopsin expression during the 4th larval instar stage, consistent with indications from previous reports that the adult compound eye contributes to larval and pupal visual capabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Rocha
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, Galvin Life Science Building, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Kyle J Kimler
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, Galvin Life Science Building, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Matthew T Leming
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, Galvin Life Science Building, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Xiaobang Hu
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, Galvin Life Science Building, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Michelle A Whaley
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, Galvin Life Science Building, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Joseph E O'Tousa
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, Galvin Life Science Building, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| |
Collapse
|