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Deng P, Peng Y, Sheng Z, Li W, Liu Y. RNAi silencing CHS1 gene shortens the mortality time of Plutella xylostella feeding Bt-transgenic Brassica napus. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2610-2618. [PMID: 38252693 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7968] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect-resistance genetically modified (GM) plants derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been cultivated to control pests, but continuous cultivation of Bt-transgenic plants at large-scale regions leads to the resistance evolution of target insects to transgenic plants. RNA interference (RNAi) technology is considered an effective strategy in delaying the resistance evolution of target insects. RESULTS We here developed a single transgenic oilseed rape (Brassica napus) line with hairpin RNA of the chitin-synthase 1 gene (CHS1) of Plutella xylostella (hpPxCHS1) and a pyramid transgenic B. napus line harboring hpPxCHS1 and Bt gene (Cry1Ac). Escherichia coli HT115 delivered hpPxCHS1 showed negative effects on the growth of P. xylostella. The single transgenic and pyramid transgenic B. napus significantly reduced the larval weight and length of P. xylostella and increased its lethality rate, with down-regulation expression of the PxCHS1 gene in insects. CONCLUSION Compared to Bt-transgenic B. napus, pyramid-transgenic B. napus shorted the mortality time of P. xylostella, indicating that RNAi technology synergistic with Bt protein improves the effectiveness of controlling target insects. Our results proved that RNAi can delay the resistance evolution of target insects to Bt-transgenic plants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purong Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Eco-process and Function Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yujia Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Eco-process and Function Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhilu Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Eco-process and Function Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wencui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Eco-process and Function Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Eco-process and Function Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
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2
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Chen A, Halilovic L, Shay JH, Koch A, Mitter N, Jin H. Improving RNA-based crop protection through nanotechnology and insights from cross-kingdom RNA trafficking. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 76:102441. [PMID: 37696727 PMCID: PMC10777890 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2023.102441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) is a powerful and eco-friendly method for crop protection. Based off the discovery of RNA uptake ability in many fungal pathogens, the application of exogenous RNAs targeting pathogen/pest genes results in gene silencing and infection inhibition. However, SIGS remains hindered by the rapid degradation of RNA in the environment. As extracellular vesicles are used by plants, animals, and microbes in nature to transport RNAs for cross-kingdom/species RNA interference between hosts and microbes/pests, nanovesicles and other nanoparticles have been used to prevent RNA degradation. Efforts examining the effect of nanoparticles on RNA stability and internalization have identified key attributes that can inform better nanocarrier designs for SIGS. Understanding sRNA biogenesis, cross-kingdom/species RNAi, and how plants and pathogens/pests naturally interact are paramount for the design of SIGS strategies. Here, we focus on nanotechnology advancements for the engineering of innovative RNA-based disease control strategies against eukaryotic pathogens and pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Lida Halilovic
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jia-Hong Shay
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Aline Koch
- Institute of Plant Sciences Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, Plant RNA Transport, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Neena Mitter
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Horticultural Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
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3
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Bélanger S, Kramer MC, Payne HA, Hui AY, Slotkin RK, Meyers BC, Staub JM. Plastid dsRNA transgenes trigger phased small RNA-based gene silencing of nuclear-encoded genes. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:3398-3412. [PMID: 37309669 PMCID: PMC10473229 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastid transformation technology has been widely used to express traits of potential commercial importance, though the technology has been limited to traits that function while sequestered in the organelle. Prior research indicates that plastid contents can escape from the organelle, suggesting a possible mechanism for engineering plastid transgenes to function in other cellular locations. To test this hypothesis, we created tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Petit Havana) plastid transformants that express a fragment of the nuclear-encoded Phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene capable of catalyzing post-transcriptional gene silencing if RNA escapes into the cytoplasm. We found multiple lines of direct evidence that plastid-encoded PDS transgenes affect nuclear PDS gene silencing: knockdown of the nuclear-encoded PDS mRNA and/or its apparent translational inhibition, biogenesis of 21-nucleotide (nt) phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs), and pigment-deficient plants. Furthermore, plastid-expressed dsRNA with no cognate nuclear-encoded pairing partner also produced abundant 21-nt phasiRNAs in the cytoplasm, demonstrating that a nuclear-encoded template is not required for siRNA biogenesis. Our results indicate that RNA escape from plastids to the cytoplasm occurs generally, with functional consequences that include entry into the gene silencing pathway. Furthermore, we uncover a method to produce plastid-encoded traits with functions outside of the organelle and open additional fields of study in plastid development, compartmentalization, and small RNA biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Bélanger
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N. Warson Road, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
| | - Marianne C Kramer
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N. Warson Road, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
| | - Hayden A Payne
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N. Warson Road, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
| | - Alice Y Hui
- Plastomics Inc, 1100 Corporate Square Drive, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
| | - R Keith Slotkin
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N. Warson Road, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Blake C Meyers
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N. Warson Road, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Staub
- Plastomics Inc, 1100 Corporate Square Drive, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
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4
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Saakre M, Jaiswal S, Rathinam M, Raman KV, Tilgam J, Paul K, Sreevathsa R, Pattanayak D. Host-Delivered RNA Interference for Durable Pest Resistance in Plants: Advanced Methods, Challenges, and Applications. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00833-9. [PMID: 37523020 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00833-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Insect-pests infestation greatly affects global agricultural production and is projected to become more severe in upcoming years. There is concern about pesticide application being ineffective due to insect resistance and environmental toxicity. Reduced effectiveness of Bt toxins also made the scientific community shift toward alternative strategies to control devastating agricultural pests. With the advent of host-delivered RNA interference, also known as host-induced gene silencing, targeted insect genes have been suppressed through genetic engineering tools to deliver a novel insect-pest resistance strategy for combating a number of agricultural pests. This review recapitulates the possible mechanism of host-delivered RNA interference (HD-RNAi), in particular, the silencing of target genes of insect-pests. We emphasize the development of the latest strategies against evolving insect targets including designing of artificial microRNAs, vector constructs, and the benefit of using plastid transformation to transform target RNA-interfering genes. Advantages of using HD-RNAi over other small RNA delivery modes and also the supremacy of HD-RNAi over the CRISPR-Cas system particularly for insect resistance have been described. However, the broader application of this technology is restricted due to its several limitations. Using artificial miRNA designs, the host-delivered RNAi + Bt combinatorial approach and chloroplast transformation can overcome limitations of RNAi. With careful design and delivery approaches, RNAi promises to be extremely valuable and effective plant protection strategy to attain durable insect-pest resistance in crops. Development of transgenic plant using novel strategies to achieve durable resistance against the target insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjesh Saakre
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Sandeep Jaiswal
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
- ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya- 793103, India
| | - Maniraj Rathinam
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - K Venkat Raman
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Jyotsana Tilgam
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Krishnayan Paul
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Rohini Sreevathsa
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Debasis Pattanayak
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India.
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Ortolá B, Daròs JA. Viroids: Non-Coding Circular RNAs Able to Autonomously Replicate and Infect Higher Plants. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020172. [PMID: 36829451 PMCID: PMC9952643 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Viroids are a unique type of infectious agent, exclusively composed of a relatively small (246-430 nt), highly base-paired, circular, non-coding RNA. Despite the small size and non-coding nature, the more-than-thirty currently known viroid species infectious of higher plants are able to autonomously replicate and move systemically through the host, thereby inducing disease in some plants. After recalling viroid discovery back in the late 60s and early 70s of last century and discussing current hypotheses about their evolutionary origin, this article reviews our current knowledge about these peculiar infectious agents. We describe the highly base-paired viroid molecules that fold in rod-like or branched structures and viroid taxonomic classification in two families, Pospiviroidae and Avsunviroidae, likely gathering nuclear and chloroplastic viroids, respectively. We review current knowledge about viroid replication through RNA-to-RNA rolling-circle mechanisms in which host factors, notably RNA transporters, RNA polymerases, RNases, and RNA ligases, are involved. Systemic movement through the infected plant, plant-to-plant transmission and host range are also discussed. Finally, we focus on the mechanisms of viroid pathogenesis, in which RNA silencing has acquired remarkable importance, and also for the initiation of potential biotechnological applications of viroid molecules.
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6
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Stabilized Double-Stranded RNA Strategy Improves Cotton Resistance to CBW ( Anthonomus grandis). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213713. [PMID: 36430188 PMCID: PMC9691246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cotton is the most important crop for fiber production worldwide. However, the cotton boll weevil (CBW) is an insect pest that causes significant economic losses in infested areas. Current control methods are costly, inefficient, and environmentally hazardous. Herein, we generated transgenic cotton lines expressing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules to trigger RNA interference-mediated gene silencing in CBW. Thus, we targeted three essential genes coding for chitin synthase 2, vitellogenin, and ecdysis-triggering hormone receptor. The stability of expressed dsRNAs was improved by designing a structured RNA based on a viroid genome architecture. We transformed cotton embryos by inserting a promoter-driven expression cassette that overexpressed the dsRNA into flower buds. The transgenic cotton plants were characterized, and positive PCR transformed events were detected with an average heritability of 80%. Expression of dsRNAs was confirmed in floral buds by RT-qPCR, and the T1 cotton plant generation was challenged with fertilized CBW females. After 30 days, data showed high mortality (around 70%) in oviposited yolks. In adult insects fed on transgenic lines, chitin synthase II and vitellogenin showed reduced expression in larvae and adults, respectively. Developmental delays and abnormalities were also observed in these individuals. Our data remark on the potential of transgenic cotton based on a viroid-structured dsRNA to control CBW.
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7
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Maliga P. Engineering the plastid and mitochondrial genomes of flowering plants. NATURE PLANTS 2022; 8:996-1006. [PMID: 36038655 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-022-01227-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Engineering the plastid genome based on homologous recombination is well developed in a few model species. Homologous recombination is also the rule in mitochondria, but transformation of the mitochondrial genome has not been realized in the absence of selective markers. The application of transcription activator-like (TAL) effector-based tools brought about a dramatic change because they can be deployed from nuclear genes and targeted to plastids or mitochondria by an N-terminal targeting sequence. Recognition of the target site in the organellar genomes is ensured by the modular assembly of TALE repeats. In this paper, I review the applications of TAL effector nucleases and TAL effector cytidine deaminases for gene deletion, base editing and mutagenesis in plastids and mitochondria. I also review emerging technologies such as post-transcriptional RNA modification to regulate gene expression, Agrobacterium- and nanoparticle-mediated organellar genome transformation, and self-replicating organellar vectors as production platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pal Maliga
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
- Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
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8
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Plastid Transformation of Micro-Tom Tomato with a Hemipteran Double-Stranded RNA Results in RNA Interference in Multiple Insect Species. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073918. [PMID: 35409279 PMCID: PMC8999928 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) holds great promise for insect pest control, as plants can be transformed to produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to selectively down-regulate insect genes essential for survival. For optimum potency, dsRNA can be produced in plant plastids, enabling the accumulation of unprocessed dsRNAs. However, the relative effectiveness of this strategy in inducing an RNAi response in insects using different feeding mechanisms is understudied. To investigate this, we first tested an in vitro-synthesized 189 bp dsRNA matching a highly conserved region of the v-ATPaseA gene from cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis) on three insect species from two different orders that use leaf-chewing, lacerate-and-flush, or sap-sucking mechanisms to feed, and showed that the dsRNA significantly down-regulated the target gene. We then developed transplastomic Micro-tom tomato plants to produce the dsRNA in plant plastids and showed that the dsRNA is produced in leaf, flower, green fruit, red fruit, and roots, with the highest dsRNA levels found in the leaf. The plastid-produced dsRNA induced a significant gene down-regulation in insects using leaf-chewing and lacerate-and-flush feeding mechanisms, while sap-sucking insects were unaffected. Our results suggest that plastid-produced dsRNA can be used to control leaf-chewing and lacerate-and-flush feeding insects, but may not be useful for sap-sucking insects.
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9
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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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10
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Ren B, Cao J, He Y, Yang S, Zhang J. Assessment on effects of transplastomic potato plants expressing Colorado potato beetle β-Actin double-stranded RNAs for three non-target pests. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 178:104909. [PMID: 34446185 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.104909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference has been proved as an efficient technology for pest control through the silencing of essential genes of targeted insects. We had previously shown that the expression of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) in plastids of plants offers a great potential for efficiently controlling Colorado potato beetle (CPB, Leptinotarsa decemlineata) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). However, whether these transplastomic plants have an impact on other non-target pests was not investigated. In this study, we evaluated the potential effects of transplastomic plants expression dsRNAs target CPB β-Actin (referred to as ACT plants) on three other potato pests: Myzus persicae (Hemiptera, Aphididae), Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), and Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae). Although no effects on M. persicae or S. litura were observed by feeding ACT plants, we found that feeding H. vigintioctopunctata with ACT plants can result in its growth retardation and suppressing the gene expression of HvACT, which has 91.7% identity to CPB β-Actin and shared 66 potential 21-mer matches. Taking together, these results indicated that ACT plants had cross-resistance to H. vigintioctopunctata, another coleopteran insect with the highly conserved nucleotide sequence of β-Actin gene. It also provided an opportunity to simultaneously control L. decemlineata and H. vigintioctopunctata by RNAi induced by intermediate dsRNAs with optimized sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailing Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Jingnan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Yanqiu He
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Sheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
| | - Jiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
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Suhag A, Yadav H, Chaudhary D, Subramanian S, Jaiwal R, Jaiwal PK. Biotechnological interventions for the sustainable management of a global pest, whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1228-1252. [PMID: 32696581 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) are polyphagous invasive hemipteran insects that cause serious losses of important crops by directly feeding on phloem sap and transmitting pathogenic viruses. These insects have emerged as a major threat to global agriculture and food security. Chemically synthesized insecticides are currently the only option to control whiteflies, but the ability of whiteflies to evolve resistance against insecticides has made the management of these insects very difficult. Natural host-plant resistance against whiteflies identified in some crop plants has not been exploited to a great extent. Genetic engineering approaches, such as transgenics and RNA interference (RNAi), are potentially useful for the control of whiteflies. Transgenic plants harboring insecticidal toxins/lectins developed via nuclear or chloroplast transformation are a promising vehicle for whitefly control. Double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) of several insect genes, delivered either through microinjection into the insect body cavity or orally via an artificial diet and transiently or stably expressed in transgenic plants, have controlled whiteflies in model plants and in some crops at the laboratory level, but not at the field level. In this review, we highlight the merits and demerits of each delivery method along with strategies for sustained delivery of dsRNAs via fungal entomopathogen/endosymbiont or nontransgenic RNAi approaches, foliar sprays, root absorption or nanocarriers as well as the factors affecting efficient RNAi and their biosafety issues. Genome sequencing and transcriptome studies of whitefly species are facilitating the selection of appropriate genes for RNAi and gene-editing technology for the efficient and resilient management of whiteflies and their transmitted viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archna Suhag
- Department of Zoology, M.D. University, Rohtak, India
| | - Honey Yadav
- Centre for Biotechnology, M.D. University, Rohtak, India
| | | | - S Subramanian
- Division of Entomology, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Pawan K Jaiwal
- Centre for Biotechnology, M.D. University, Rohtak, India
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Kaplanoglu E, Kolotilin I, Menassa R, Donly C. Transplastomic Tomato Plants Expressing Insect-Specific Double-Stranded RNAs: A Protocol Based on Biolistic Transformation. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2021; 2360:235-252. [PMID: 34495519 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1633-8_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Expressing insecticidal double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules in plant plastids is a novel approach for in planta production of dsRNA that has enormous potential for developing improved plant-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) strategies for insect pest control. In this chapter, we describe the design of a transformation vector containing an expression cassette which can be used to stably transform plastids of tomato plants for production and accumulation of dsRNA . Such dsRNA can trigger the mechanisms of RNAi in pest insects and selectively suppress the expression of target genes, resulting in lethality. We also describe a protocol for detection of full-length dsRNA molecules in plastids using an RT-PCR-based method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Kaplanoglu
- London Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Rima Menassa
- London Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Cam Donly
- London Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
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Giudice G, Moffa L, Varotto S, Cardone MF, Bergamini C, De Lorenzis G, Velasco R, Nerva L, Chitarra W. Novel and emerging biotechnological crop protection approaches. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 19:1495-1510. [PMID: 33945200 PMCID: PMC8384607 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Traditional breeding or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have for a long time been the sole approaches to effectively cope with biotic and abiotic stresses and implement the quality traits of crops. However, emerging diseases as well as unpredictable climate changes affecting agriculture over the entire globe force scientists to find alternative solutions required to quickly overcome seasonal crises. In this review, we first focus on cisgenesis and genome editing as challenging biotechnological approaches for breeding crops more tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, we take into consideration a toolbox of new techniques based on applications of RNA interference and epigenome modifications, which can be adopted for improving plant resilience. Recent advances in these biotechnological applications are mainly reported for non-model plants and woody crops in particular. Indeed, the characterization of RNAi machinery in plants is fundamental to transform available information into biologically or biotechnologically applicable knowledge. Finally, here we discuss how these innovative and environmentally friendly techniques combined with traditional breeding can sustain a modern agriculture and be of potential contribution to climate change mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Giudice
- Research Centre for Viticulture and EnologyCouncil for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA‐VE)ConeglianoTVItaly
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences ‐ Production, Landscape, Agroenergy (DiSAA)University of MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Loredana Moffa
- Research Centre for Viticulture and EnologyCouncil for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA‐VE)ConeglianoTVItaly
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences (DI4A)University of UdineUdineItaly
| | - Serena Varotto
- Department of Agronomy Animals Food Natural Resources and Environment (DAFNAE)University of PadovaLegnaroPDItaly
| | - Maria Francesca Cardone
- Research Centre for Viticulture and EnologyCouncil for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA‐VE)TuriBAItaly
| | - Carlo Bergamini
- Research Centre for Viticulture and EnologyCouncil for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA‐VE)TuriBAItaly
| | - Gabriella De Lorenzis
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences ‐ Production, Landscape, Agroenergy (DiSAA)University of MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Riccardo Velasco
- Research Centre for Viticulture and EnologyCouncil for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA‐VE)ConeglianoTVItaly
| | - Luca Nerva
- Research Centre for Viticulture and EnologyCouncil for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA‐VE)ConeglianoTVItaly
- Institute for Sustainable Plant ProtectionNational Research Council (IPSP‐CNR)TorinoItaly
| | - Walter Chitarra
- Research Centre for Viticulture and EnologyCouncil for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA‐VE)ConeglianoTVItaly
- Institute for Sustainable Plant ProtectionNational Research Council (IPSP‐CNR)TorinoItaly
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14
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Ahmad S, Jamil M, Fahim M, Zhang S, Ullah F, Lyu B, Luo Y. RNAi-Mediated Knockdown of Imaginal Disc Growth Factors (IDGFs) Genes Causes Developmental Malformation and Mortality in Melon Fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae. Front Genet 2021; 12:691382. [PMID: 34290744 PMCID: PMC8287652 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.691382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This study reports the first successful use of oral feeding dsRNA technique for functional characterization of imaginal disc growth factors (IDGFs) genes (IDGF1, IDGF3_1, IDGF4_0, IDGF4_1, and IDGF6) in melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae. Phylogenetic and domain analysis indicates that these genes had high similarity with other Tephritidae fruit flies homolog and contain only one conserved domain among these five genes, which is glyco-18 domain (glyco-hydro-18 domain). Gene expression analysis at different developmental stages revealed that these genes were expressed at larval, pupal, and adult stages. To understand their role in different developmental stages, larvae were fed dsRNA-corresponding to each of the five IDGFs, in an artificial diet. RNAi-mediated knockdown of IDGF1 shows no phenotypic effects but caused mortality (10.4%), while IDGF4_0 caused malformed pharate at the adult stage where insects failed to shed their old cuticle and remained attached with their body, highest mortality (49.2%) was recorded compared to dsRNA-green fluorescent protein (GFP) or DEPC. Silencing of IDGF3_1 and IDGF4_1 cause lethal phenotype in larvae, (17.2%) and (40%) mortality was indexed in Z. cucurbitae. IDGF6 was mainly expressed in pupae and adult stages, and its silencing caused a malformation in adult wings. The developmental defects such as malformation in wings, larval–larval lethality, pupal–adult malformation, and small body size show that IDGFs are key developmental genes in the melon fly. Our results provide a baseline for the melon fly management and understanding of IDGFs specific functions in Z. cucurbitae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakil Ahmad
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Momana Jamil
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Muhammad Fahim
- Centre for Omic Sciences, Islamia College University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Shujing Zhang
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Farman Ullah
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoqian Lyu
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou, China
| | - Yanping Luo
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
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15
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Silver K, Cooper AM, Zhu KY. Strategies for enhancing the efficiency of RNA interference in insects. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:2645-2658. [PMID: 33440063 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Low RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency in many insect pests has significantly prevented its widespread application for insect pest management. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent research in developing various strategies for enhancing RNAi efficiency. Our review focuses on the strategies in target gene selection and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery technologies. For target gene selection, genome-wide or large-scale screening strategies have been used to identify most susceptible target genes for RNAi. Other strategies include the design of dsRNA constructs and manipulate the structure of dsRNA to maximize the RNA efficiency for a target gene. For dsRNA delivery strategies, much recent research has focused on the applications of complexed or encapsulated dsRNA using various reagents, polymers, or peptides to enhance dsRNA stability and cellular uptake. Other dsRNA delivery strategies include genetic engineering of microbes (e.g. fungi, bacteria, and viruses) and plants to produce insect-specific dsRNA. The ingestion of the dsRNA-producing organisms or tissues will have lethal or detrimental effects on the target insect pests. This article also identifies obstacles to further developing RNAi for insect pest management and suggests future avenues of research that will maximize the potential for using RNAi for insect pest management. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher Silver
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | | | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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16
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Environmental RNAi pathways in the two-spotted spider mite. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:42. [PMID: 33421998 PMCID: PMC7796550 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07322-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background RNA interference (RNAi) regulates gene expression in most multicellular organisms through binding of small RNA effectors to target transcripts. Exploiting this process is a popular strategy for genetic manipulation and has applications that includes arthropod pest control. RNAi technologies are dependent on delivery method with the most convenient likely being feeding, which is effective in some animals while others are insensitive. The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, is prime candidate for developing RNAi approaches due to frequent occurrence of conventional pesticide resistance. Using a sequencing-based approach, the fate of ingested RNAs was explored to identify features and conditions that affect small RNA biogenesis from external sources to better inform RNAi design. Results Biochemical and sequencing approaches in conjunction with extensive computational assessment were used to evaluate metabolism of ingested RNAs in T. urticae. This chelicerae arthropod shows only modest response to oral RNAi and has biogenesis pathways distinct from model organisms. Processing of synthetic and plant host RNAs ingested during feeding were evaluated to identify active substrates for spider mite RNAi pathways. Through cataloging characteristics of biochemically purified RNA from these sources, trans-acting small RNAs could be distinguished from degradation fragments and their origins documented. Conclusions Using a strategy that delineates small RNA processing, we found many transcripts have the potential to enter spider mite RNAi pathways, however, trans-acting RNAs appear very unstable and rare. This suggests potential RNAi pathway substrates from ingested materials are mostly degraded and infrequently converted into regulators of gene expression. Spider mites infest a variety of plants, and it would be maladaptive to generate diverse gene regulators from dietary RNAs. This study provides a framework for assessing RNAi technology in organisms where genetic and biochemical tools are absent and benefit rationale design of RNAi triggers for T.urticae.
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17
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Arraes FBM, Martins-de-Sa D, Noriega Vasquez DD, Melo BP, Faheem M, de Macedo LLP, Morgante CV, Barbosa JARG, Togawa RC, Moreira VJV, Danchin EGJ, Grossi-de-Sa MF. Dissecting protein domain variability in the core RNA interference machinery of five insect orders. RNA Biol 2020; 18:1653-1681. [PMID: 33302789 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1861816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene silencing can be used to control specific insect pest populations. Unfortunately, the variable efficiency in the knockdown levels of target genes has narrowed the applicability of this technology to a few species. Here, we examine the current state of knowledge regarding the miRNA (micro RNA) and siRNA (small interfering RNA) pathways in insects and investigate the structural variability at key protein domains of the RNAi machinery. Our goal was to correlate domain variability with mechanisms affecting the gene silencing efficiency. To this end, the protein domains of 168 insect species, encompassing the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera, were analysed using our pipeline, which takes advantage of meticulous structure-based sequence alignments. We used phylogenetic inference and the evolutionary rate coefficient (K) to outline the variability across domain regions and surfaces. Our results show that four domains, namely dsrm, Helicase, PAZ and Ribonuclease III, are the main contributors of protein variability in the RNAi machinery across different insect orders. We discuss the potential roles of these domains in regulating RNAi-mediated gene silencing and the role of loop regions in fine-tuning RNAi efficiency. Additionally, we identified several order-specific singularities which indicate that lepidopterans have evolved differently from other insect orders, possibly due to constant coevolution with plants and viruses. In conclusion, our results highlight several variability hotspots that deserve further investigation in order to improve the application of RNAi technology in the control of insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diogo Martins-de-Sa
- Departamento De Biologia Celular, Universidade De Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Daniel D Noriega Vasquez
- Plant-Pest Molecular Interaction Laboratory (LIMPP), Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Bruno Paes Melo
- Plant-Pest Molecular Interaction Laboratory (LIMPP), Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Viçosa University, UFV, Viçosa-MG, Brazil
| | - Muhammad Faheem
- Plant-Pest Molecular Interaction Laboratory (LIMPP), Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Punjab, Pakistan
| | | | - Carolina Vianna Morgante
- Plant-Pest Molecular Interaction Laboratory (LIMPP), Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Embrapa Semiarid, Petrolina-PE, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology, Jakarta Embrapa-Brazil
| | | | - Roberto Coiti Togawa
- Plant-Pest Molecular Interaction Laboratory (LIMPP), Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Valdeir Junio Vaz Moreira
- Biotechnology Center, Brazil.,Plant-Pest Molecular Interaction Laboratory (LIMPP), Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Departamento De Biologia Celular, Universidade De Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Etienne G J Danchin
- National Institute of Science and Technology, Jakarta Embrapa-Brazil.,INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa
- Plant-Pest Molecular Interaction Laboratory (LIMPP), Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology, Jakarta Embrapa-Brazil
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18
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Dong Y, Yang Y, Wang Z, Wu M, Fu J, Guo J, Chang L, Zhang J. Inaccessibility to double-stranded RNAs in plastids restricts RNA interference in Bemisia tabaci (whitefly). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:3168-3176. [PMID: 32333833 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a promising technology for insect pest control. Because of the accumulation of high levels of long double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) in plastids, it was previously shown that expression of dsRNAs from plastid genome led to higher mortality of some insect pests with chewing mouthparts than dsRNAs expression from nuclear genome. However, whether plastid-expressed dsRNAs have effects on phloem sap-sucking pests is unknown. In this study, we compared the RNAi effects of nuclear transgenic and transplastomic plants on the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, a serious sap-sucking pest. RESULTS Nuclear transgenic and transplastomic tobacco plants were developed for the expression of dsRNA against BtACTB gene of Bemisia tabaci, respectively. Feeding nuclear transgenic plants to Bemisia tabaci resulted in reduced gene expression of BtACTB and survival rate, and impaired fecundity of Bemisia tabaci. We did not observe any effects of transplastomic plants on Bemisia tabaci fitness. Furthermore, we found that the inability of B. tabaci to obtain dsRNAs from plastids might restrict its RNAi responses. CONCLUSION Our study indicated that the expression of dsRNAs in nuclear transgenic plants was more effective than that in transplastomic plants for the control of Bemisia tabaci. The inaccessibility of Bemisia tabaci to plastids contributes to the inefficiency of plastid-mediated RNAi. Our findings are of great significance to future optimization of transgenically delivered RNAi approaches for efficient controlling of sap-sucking pests. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Dong
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Yang
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zican Wang
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengting Wu
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinqiu Fu
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianyang Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Chang
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiang Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
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19
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Bally J, Fishilevich E, Doran RL, Lee K, de Campos SB, German MA, Narva KE, Waterhouse PM. Plin-amiR, a pre-microRNA-based technology for controlling herbivorous insect pests. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2020; 18:1925-1932. [PMID: 32012433 PMCID: PMC7415779 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, is a major insect pest for a wide range of agricultural crops. It causes significant yield loss through feeding damage and by increasing the crop's vulnerability to bacterial and fungal infections. Although expression of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins in transgenic crops has been very successful in protecting against insect pests, including H. armigera, field-evolved resistance has occurred in multiple species. To manage resistant populations, new protection strategies must be continuously developed. Trans-kingdom RNA interference (TK-RNAi) is a promising method for controlling herbivorous pests. TK-RNAi is based on delivering dsRNA or hairpin RNA containing essential insect gene sequences to the feeding insect. The ingested molecules are processed by the insect's RNAi machinery and guide it to silence the target genes. Recently, TK-RNAi delivery has been enhanced by expressing the ds- or hpRNAs in the chloroplast. This compartmentalizes the duplexed RNA away from the plant's RNAi machinery, ensuring that it is delivered in an unprocessed form to the insect. Here, we report another alternative approach for delivering precursor anti-insect RNA in plants. Insect pre-microRNA (pre-miR) transcripts were modified to contain artificial microRNAs (amiRs), targeting insect genes, and expressed in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants. These modified pre-miRs remained largely unprocessed in the plants, and H. armigera feeding on leaves from these plants had increased mortality, developmental abnormalities and delayed growth rates. This shows that plant-expressed insect pre-amiRs (plin-amiRs) are a new strategy of protecting plants against herbivorous insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Bally
- Centre for Tropical Crops and BiocommoditiesQUTBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Elane Fishilevich
- Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™Corteva Agriscience™IndianapolisINUSA
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNEUSA
| | - Rachel L. Doran
- Centre for Tropical Crops and BiocommoditiesQUTBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Karen Lee
- Centre for Tropical Crops and BiocommoditiesQUTBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | | | - Marcelo A. German
- Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™Corteva Agriscience™IndianapolisINUSA
| | - Kenneth E. Narva
- Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™Corteva Agriscience™IndianapolisINUSA
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20
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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: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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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21
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Dalakouras A, Wassenegger M, Dadami E, Ganopoulos I, Pappas ML, Papadopoulou K. Genetically Modified Organism-Free RNA Interference: Exogenous Application of RNA Molecules in Plants. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 182:38-50. [PMID: 31285292 PMCID: PMC6945881 DOI: 10.1104/pp.19.00570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The latest advances in the field exogenous application of RNA molecules in plants help to protect and modify them through RNA interference (RNAi).
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Dalakouras
- University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 41500 Larissa, Greece
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources Hellenic Agricultural Organization (ELGO)-DEMETER, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michael Wassenegger
- RLP AgroScience, Alplanta Institute for Plant Research, 67435 Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, Germany
| | - Elena Dadami
- University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Ioannis Ganopoulos
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources Hellenic Agricultural Organization (ELGO)-DEMETER, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria L Pappas
- Democritus University of Thrace, Department of Agricultural Development, 68200 Orestiada, Greece
| | - Kalliope Papadopoulou
- University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 41500 Larissa, Greece
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22
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Goodfellow S, Zhang D, Wang MB, Zhang R. Bacterium-Mediated RNA Interference: Potential Application in Plant Protection. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 8:E572. [PMID: 31817412 PMCID: PMC6963952 DOI: 10.3390/plants8120572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
RNAi has emerged as a promising tool for targeting agricultural pests and pathogens and could provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional means of control. However, the deployment of this technology is still limited by a lack of suitable exogenous- or externally applied delivery mechanisms. Numerous means of overcoming this limitation are being explored. One such method, bacterium-mediated RNA interference, or bmRNAi, has been explored in other systems and shows great potential for application to agriculture. Here, we review the current state of bmRNAi, examine the technical limitations and possible improvements, and discuss its potential applications in crop protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Goodfellow
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Daai Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Ming-Bo Wang
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Ren Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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23
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Vélez AM, Fishilevich E. The mysteries of insect RNAi: A focus on dsRNA uptake and transport. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 151:25-31. [PMID: 30704709 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is becoming a practical tool to control insect pests. Many mysteries of how double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is transported into, within, and between cells to generate an efficient RNAi response in insects are still to be unraveled. This review provides an overview of the evidence that supports a key role of endocytosis in the uptake of dsRNA on both cellular and tissue levels. Additionally, other components of cellular membrane transport and their impact on the efficiency of RNAi in insects are explored. It is now evident that the membrane transport and potentially dsRNA release from the endosome may comprise some of the limiting factors in insects that are recalcitrant to dsRNA. This review concludes with the apparent connection between gene products that are necessary for cellular trafficking of dsRNA and highly lethal RNAi targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Vélez
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Entomology, 103 Entomology Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0816, United States.
| | - Elane Fishilevich
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Entomology, 103 Entomology Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0816, United States; Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, United States.
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