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Thakre N, Carver M, Paredes-Montero JR, Mondal M, Hu J, Saberi E, Ponvert N, Qureshi JA, Brown JK. UV-LASER adjuvant-surfactant-facilitated delivery of mobile dsRNA to tomato plant vasculature and evidence of biological activity by gene knockdown in the potato psyllid. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2141-2153. [PMID: 38146104 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) biopesticides are of interest for the abatement of insect vectors of pathogenic bacteria such as 'Candidatus Liberibacter', which infects both its psyllid and plant hosts. Silencing of genes essential for psyllids, or for Liberibacter, is anticipated to lead to mortality or impeded bacterial multiplication. Foliar delivery is preferred for biopesticide application; however, the cuticle impedes dsRNA penetration into the vasculature. Here, conditions were established for wounding tomato leaves using ultraviolet light amplification by stimulated emissions of radiation (UV-LASER) to promote dsRNA penetration into leaves and vasculature. RESULTS UV-LASER treatment with application of select adjuvants/surfactants resulted in vascular delivery of 100-, 300- and 600-bp dsRNAs that, in general, were correlated with size. The 100-bp dsRNA required no pretreatment, whereas 300- and 600-bp dsRNAs entered the vasculature after UV-LASER treatment only and UV-LASER adjuvant/surfactant treatment, respectively. Of six adjuvant/surfactants evaluated, plant-derived oil combined with an anionic organosilicon compound performed most optimally. Localization of dsRNAs in the tomato vasculature was documented using fluorometry and fluorescence confocal microscopy. The biological activity of in planta-delivered dsRNA (200-250 bp) was determined by feeding third-instar psyllids on tomato leaves post UV-LASER adjuvant/surfactant treatment, with or without psyllid cdc42- and gelsolin dsRNAs. Gene knockdown was quantified by quantitative, real-time polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription (RT-qPCR) amplification. At 10 days post the ingestion-access period, knockdown of cdc42 and gelsolin expression was 61% and 56%, respectively, indicating that the dsRNAs delivered to the tomato vasculature were mobile and biologically active. CONCLUSION Results indicated that UV-LASER adjuvant/surfactant treatments facilitated the delivery of mobile, biologically active dsRNA molecules to the plant vasculature. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Thakre
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Megan Carver
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jorge R Paredes-Montero
- Biology Department, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, USA
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Mosharrof Mondal
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jiahuai Hu
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Esmaeil Saberi
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Immokalee, FL, USA
| | - Nathaniel Ponvert
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jawwad A Qureshi
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Immokalee, FL, USA
| | - Judith K Brown
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Ren Y, Dong W, Bu W, Xue H. Identification and expression patterns of somatic piRNAs and PIWI genes in Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22107. [PMID: 38591567 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22107] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene silencing is a feasible and sustainable technology for the management of hemipteran pests by double-stranded RNA involvement, including small-interfering RNA, microRNA, and Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathways, that may help to decrease the usage of chemical insecticides. However, only a few data are available on the somatic piRNAs and their biogenesis genes in Riptortus pedestris, which serves as a significant pest of soybean (Glycine max). In this study, two family members of the PIWI gene were identified and characterized in R. pedestris, containing Argonaute3 (RpAgo3) and Aubergine (RpAub) genes with conserved protein domains, and their clusters were validated by phylogenetic analysis. In addition, they were widely expressed in all developmental stages of the whole body of R. pedestris and had lower expression levels in R. pedestris guts under different rearing conditions based on previous transcriptome sequencing. Furthermore, abundant clean reads were filtered to a total number of 45,998 piRNAs with uridine bias at the first nucleotide (nt) position and 26-32 nt in length by mapping onto the reference genome of R. pedestris according to our previous whole-transcriptome sequencing. Finally, our data revealed that gut bacterial changes were significantly positively or negatively associated with differentially expressed piRNAs among the five comparison groups with Pearson correlation analysis. In conclusion, these findings paved new avenues for the application of RNAi-based biopesticides for broad-spectrum hemipteran pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Ren
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Wenhao Dong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology and Food Science, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Wenjun Bu
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Huaijun Xue
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, P.R. China
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Xue D, Yang Y, Fang L, Wang S, Wu Y. Trehalose 6-phosphate synthase gene rdtps1 contributes to thermal acclimation in Rhyzopertha dominica. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:172. [PMID: 38350857 PMCID: PMC10863172 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10028-4] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica), a worldwide primary pest of stored grain, causes serious economic losses and threatens stored food safety. R. dominica can respond to changes in temperature, especially the adaptability to heat. In this study, transcriptome analysis of R. dominica exposed to different temperatures was performed to elucidate differences in gene expression and the underling molecular mechanism. RESULTS Isoform-sequencing generated 17,721,200 raw reads and yielded 20,416 full-length transcripts. A total of 18,880 (92.48%) transcripts were annotated. We extracted RNA from R. dominica reared at 5 °C (cold stress), 15 °C (cold stress), 27 °C (ambient temperature) and 40 °C (heat stress) for RNA-seq. Compared to those of control insects reared at 27 °C, 119, 342, and 875 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 5 °C, 15 °C, and 40 °C, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that pathways associated with "fatty acid metabolism", "fatty acid biosynthesis", "AMPK signaling pathway", "neuroactive ligand receptor interaction", and "longevity regulating pathway-multiple species" were significantly enriched. The functional annotation revealed that the genes encoding heat shock proteins (HSPs), fatty acid synthase (FAS), phospholipases (PLA), trehalose transporter (TPST), trehalose 6-phosphate synthase (TPS), and vitellogenin (Vg) were most likely involved in temperature regulation, which was also validated by RT-qPCR. Seven candidate genes (rdhsp1, rdfas1, rdpla1, rdtpst1, rdtps1, rdvg1, and rdP450) were silenced in the RNA interference (RNAi) assay. RNAi of each candidate gene suggested that inhibiting rdtps1 expression significantly decreased the trehalose level and survival rate of R. dominica at 40 °C. CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that trehalose contributes to the high temperature resistance of R. dominica. Our study elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying heat tolerance and provides a potential target for the pest management in R. dominica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingrong Xue
- National Engineering Research Center of Grain Storage and Logistics, Academy of National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, No. 11 Baiwanzhuang Street, Xicheng District, 100037, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Grain Storage and Logistics, Academy of National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, No. 11 Baiwanzhuang Street, Xicheng District, 100037, Beijing, China
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Storage Security, School of Food and Strategic Reserves, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liwei Fang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois Chicago, 60612, Chicago, USA
| | - Shibo Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Grain Storage and Logistics, Academy of National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, No. 11 Baiwanzhuang Street, Xicheng District, 100037, Beijing, China
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 200093, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wu
- National Engineering Research Center of Grain Storage and Logistics, Academy of National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, No. 11 Baiwanzhuang Street, Xicheng District, 100037, Beijing, China.
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Ligonniere S, Raymond V, Goven D. Use of double-stranded RNA targeting β2 divergent nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit to control pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum at larval and adult stages. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:896-904. [PMID: 37816139 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7820] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the use of the RNA interference technology (RNAi) has emerged as one of the new strategies for species-specific control of insect pests. Its specificity depends on the distinctiveness of the target gene sequence for a given species. In this work, we assessed in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (A. pisum) the use of a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that targets the β2 divergent nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit (dsRNA-β2), which shares low sequence identity with other subunits, to control populations of this pest at different developmental stages. Because nAChRs are targeted by neonicotinoid insecticides such as imidacloprid, we also assessed the effect of dsRNA-β2 coupled to this insecticide on aphid survival. Finally, because the effect of a control agent on beneficial insect must be considered before any use of new pest management strategies, the acute toxicity of dsRNA-β2 combined with imidacloprid was evaluated on honeybee Apis mellifera. RESULTS In this work, we demonstrated that dsRNA-β2 alone has an insecticidal effect on aphid larvae and adults. Moreover, dsRNA-β2 and imidacloprid effects on aphid larvae and adults were additive, meaning that dsRNA-β2 did not alter the efficacy of imidacloprid on these two developmental stages. Also, no obvious acute toxicity on Apis mellifera was reported. CONCLUSION Using RNAi that targets β2 divergent nAChR subunit is effective alone or combined with imidacloprid to control A. pisum at larval and adult stages. Because no obvious Apis mellifera mortality has been reported, this RNAi-based pest management strategy should be considered to control insect pest. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Hernández Elizárraga VH, Ballantyne S, O'Brien LG, Americo JA, Suhr ST, Senut MC, Minerich B, Merkes CM, Edwards TM, Klymus K, Richter CA, Waller DL, Passamaneck YJ, Rebelo MF, Gohl DM. Toward invasive mussel genetic biocontrol: Approaches, challenges, and perspectives. iScience 2023; 26:108027. [PMID: 37860763 PMCID: PMC10583111 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108027] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive freshwater mussels, such as the zebra (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), and golden (Limnoperna fortunei) mussel have spread outside their native ranges throughout many regions of the North American, South American, and European continents in recent decades, damaging infrastructure and the environment. This review describes ongoing efforts by multiple groups to develop genetic biocontrol methods for invasive mussels. First, we provide an overview of genetic biocontrol strategies that have been applied in other invasive or pest species. Next, we summarize physical and chemical methods that are currently in use for invasive mussel control. We then describe the multidisciplinary approaches our groups are employing to develop genetic biocontrol tools for invasive mussels. Finally, we discuss the challenges and limitations of applying genetic biocontrol tools to invasive mussels. Collectively, we aim to openly share information and combine expertise to develop practical tools to enable the management of invasive freshwater mussels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott Ballantyne
- Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin River Falls, River Falls, WI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Christopher M. Merkes
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, USA
| | - Thea M. Edwards
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Katy Klymus
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Catherine A. Richter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Diane L. Waller
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, USA
| | - Yale J. Passamaneck
- Bureau of Reclamation, Technical Service Center, Hydraulic Investigations and Laboratory Services, Ecological Research Laboratory, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Mauro F. Rebelo
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daryl M. Gohl
- University of Minnesota Genomics Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Jarva T, Zhang J, Flynt A. MiSiPi-Rna: an integrated tool for characterizing small regulatory RNA processing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.07.539760. [PMID: 37214880 PMCID: PMC10197562 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.07.539760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is mediated by small (20-30 nucleotide) RNAs that are produced by complex processing pathways. In animals, three main classes are recognized: microRNAs (miRNAs), small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). Understanding of small RNA pathways has benefited from genetic models where key enzymatic events were identified that lead to stereotypical positioning of small RNAs relative to precursor transcripts. Increasingly there is interest in using RNAi in non-model systems due to ease of generating synthetic small RNA precursors for research and biotechnology. Unfortunately, small RNAs are often rapidly evolving, requiring investigation of a species' endogenous small RNAs prior to deploying an RNAi approach. This can be accomplished through small non-coding RNA sequencing followed by applying various computational tools; however, the complexity and separately maintained packages lead to significant challenges for annotating global small RNA populations. To address this need, we developed a simple and efficient R package (MiSiPi-Rna) which can be used to characterize pre-selected loci with plots and statistics, aiding researchers understanding RNAi biology specific to their target species. Additionally, MiSiPi-Rna pioneers several computational approaches to identifying Dicer processing to assist annotation of miRNA and siRNA.
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Zhou Q, Han L, Li Y, Li J, Yang X. Neutral Dietary Effects of Two MicroRNAs, Csu-Novel-260 and Csu-Mir-14, on the Non-Target Arthropod Folsomia candida. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12091885. [PMID: 37176942 PMCID: PMC10181208 DOI: 10.3390/plants12091885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) that is triggered by small or short RNAs has shown enormous potential in the development of pest control strategies. Two microRNAs (miRNAs), Csu-novel-260 and Csu-miR-14, were used in insect-resistant genetically engineered (IRGE) rice lines to confer resistance to Chilo suppressalis. However, a risk assessment of RNAi-based products is essential to determine the safety of a biopesticide or IRGE crop for commercialization. The non-target organism Folsomia candida, which plays an important ecological role as a soil decomposer in agricultural ecosystems, was used to assess the risk of miRNAs Csu-novel-260 and Csu-miR-14. In this study, a dietary miRNA toxicity assay system was established in F. candida. The expression levels of target genes, survival rate, fecundity and body size were investigated to evaluate the effects of the miRNAs on F. candida under the worst-case scenario. The results showed that the dietary miRNA toxicity assay system could be used for risk assessment of miRNA in F. candida. The target genes of miRNAs were influenced by miRNA at some time points. However, no significant differences were observed in the life-table parameters in F. candida fed with a diet containing miRNAs. The dietary effects of two miRNAs on F. candida are neutral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinli Zhou
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lanzhi Han
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yunhe Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Life Sciences and College of Agriculture, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jing Li
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Santos D, Feng M, Kolliopoulou A, Taning CNT, Sun J, Swevers L. What Are the Functional Roles of Piwi Proteins and piRNAs in Insects? INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14020187. [PMID: 36835756 PMCID: PMC9962485 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Research on Piwi proteins and piRNAs in insects has focused on three experimental models: oogenesis and spermatogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster, the antiviral response in Aedes mosquitoes and the molecular analysis of primary and secondary piRNA biogenesis in Bombyx mori-derived BmN4 cells. Significant unique and complementary information has been acquired and has led to a greater appreciation of the complexity of piRNA biogenesis and Piwi protein function. Studies performed in other insect species are emerging and promise to add to the current state of the art on the roles of piRNAs and Piwi proteins. Although the primary role of the piRNA pathway is genome defense against transposons, particularly in the germline, recent findings also indicate an expansion of its functions. In this review, an extensive overview is presented of the knowledge of the piRNA pathway that so far has accumulated in insects. Following a presentation of the three major models, data from other insects were also discussed. Finally, the mechanisms for the expansion of the function of the piRNA pathway from transposon control to gene regulation were considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Santos
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Min Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Anna Kolliopoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Clauvis N. T. Taning
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jingchen Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
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Fei X, Huang X, Li Z, Li X, He C, Xiao S, Li Y, Zhang X, Deng X. Effect of marker-free transgenic Chlamydomonas on the control of Aedes mosquito population and on plankton. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:18. [PMID: 36653886 PMCID: PMC9847121 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05647-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than half of the world's population suffers from epidemic diseases that are spread by mosquitoes. The primary strategy used to stop the spread of mosquito-borne diseases is vector control. Interference RNA (RNAi) is a powerful tool for controlling insect populations and may be less susceptible to insect resistance than other strategies. However, public concerns have been raised because of the transfer of antibiotic resistance marker genes to environmental microorganisms after integration into the recipient genome, thus allowing the pathogen to acquire resistance. Therefore, in the present study, we modified the 3-hydroxykynurenine transaminase (3hkt) and hormone receptor 3 (hr3) RNAi vectors to remove antibiotic resistance marker genes and retain the expression cassette of the inverse repeat sequence of the 3hkt/hr3 target gene. This recombinant microalgal marker-free RNAi insecticide was subsequently added to the suburban water in a simulated-field trial to test its ability to control mosquito population. METHODS The expression cassette of the 3hkt/hr3 inverted repeat sequence and a DNA fragment of the argininosuccinate lyase gene without the ampicillin resistance gene were obtained using restriction enzyme digestion and recovery. After the cotransformation of Chlamydomonas, the recombinant algae was then employed to feed Aedes albopictus larvae. Ten and 300 larvae were used in small- and large-scale laboratory Ae.albopictus feeding trials, respectively. Simulated field trials were conducted using Meishe River water that was complemented with recombinant Chlamydomonas. Moreover, the impact of recombinant microalgae on phytoplankton and zooplankton in the released water was explored via high-throughput sequencing. RESULTS The marker-free RNAi-recombinant Chlamydomonas effectively silenced the 3hkt/hr3 target gene, resulting in the inhibition of Ae. albopictus development and also in the high rate of Ae. albopictus larvae mortality in the laboratory and simulated field trials. In addition, the results confirmed that the effect of recombinant Chlamydomonas on plankton in the released water was similar to that of the nontransgenic Chlamydomonas, which could reduce the abundance and species of plankton. CONCLUSIONS The marker-free RNAi-recombinant Chlamydomonas are highly lethal to the Ae. albopictus mosquito, and their effect on plankton in released water is similar to that of the nontransgenic algal strains, which reduces the abundance and species of plankton. Thus, marker-free recombinant Chlamydomonas can be used for mosquito biorational control and mosquito-borne disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Fei
- grid.443397.e0000 0004 0368 7493Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xiaodan Huang
- grid.443397.e0000 0004 0368 7493Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Zhijie Li
- grid.443397.e0000 0004 0368 7493Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xinghan Li
- grid.509158.0Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science and Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops of Hainan Province, Hainan Institute for Tropical Agricultural Resources, Haikou, China
| | - Changhao He
- grid.443397.e0000 0004 0368 7493Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Sha Xiao
- grid.443397.e0000 0004 0368 7493Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yajun Li
- grid.509158.0Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science and Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops of Hainan Province, Hainan Institute for Tropical Agricultural Resources, Haikou, China ,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-Resources, Haikou, China
| | - Xiuxia Zhang
- grid.509158.0Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science and Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops of Hainan Province, Hainan Institute for Tropical Agricultural Resources, Haikou, China ,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-Resources, Haikou, China
| | - Xiaodong Deng
- grid.509158.0Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science and Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops of Hainan Province, Hainan Institute for Tropical Agricultural Resources, Haikou, China ,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-Resources, Haikou, China ,grid.453499.60000 0000 9835 1415Zhanjiang Experimental Station, CATAS, Zhanjiang, China
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Wise JC, Wise AG, Rakotondravelo M, Vandervoort C, Seeve C, Fabbri B. Trunk injection delivery of dsRNA for RNAi-based pest control in apple trees. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3528-3533. [PMID: 35578562 PMCID: PMC9541757 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising new approach for controlling insect pests without the use of synthetic pesticides. Trunk injection is a delivery system for woody plants that harnesses the vascular system of the tree to transport materials to the tree canopy. Full size apple trees were injected with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), and season-long leaf samples were taken to measure the vascular mobility and temporal persistence of dsRNA, using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS The qRT-PCR results revealed that the quantities of dsRNA in the apple leaves of treated trees were significantly greater than those in the leaves of untreated trees for both 2019 and 2020 studies. The peak dsRNA concentration in 2019 was 242 pg/30 mg of leaf tissue, and in 2020 was 16.4 pg/30 mg. The persistence of dsRNA in the apple tree canopy in 2019 was at least 84 days, and in 2020 was at least 141 days. CONCLUSIONS The highest mean measurement of dsRNA on a single date in 2019 was 242 pg, which is approximately equivalent to 8 ng/1 g leaf tissue. The projection using the highest replicate concentration from the same date is approximately equivalent to 27 ng/1 g leaf tissue, which may be sufficient to be considered biologically active. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Wise
- Department of EntomologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
| | - Annabel G Wise
- Veterinary Diagnostic LaboratoryMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
| | | | - Christine Vandervoort
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial SciencesMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
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Paredes-Montero JR, Arif U, Brown JK. Knockdown of ecdysteroid synthesis genes results in impaired molting and high mortality in Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:2204-2214. [PMID: 35191190 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) has become a promising biopesticide technology with which to direct sequence-specific gene knockdown of key targets in the potato psyllid (PoP) Bactericera cockerelli, resulting in significant mortality. In this study, three strategically selected target genes, ATF4, C7 and D24, essential for the biosynthesis and regulation of ecdysteroids, were evaluated for knockdown and mortality using oral delivery of individual, paired and all three double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), in five replicated experiments. Knockdown was determined as the fold-change in gene expression using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Knockdown of the D24 target, at 39%-45%, resulted in 51% PoP mortality by 10 days post-ingestion (dpi) of dsRNA. Knockdown of C7, at 38%-61%, resulted in 53% mortality by 10 dpi, whereas dsD24 ingestion resulted in 65% mortality by 10 dpi when dsD24 and dsC7 were co-delivered. Three phenotypes, INCOMEC, PREMEC and SWOLLEN, were observed at a frequency of 4%-12%, and are consistent with incomplete ecdysis in immature and/or adult PoP. Adult PoP exhibiting INCOMEC survived for several days but were unable to mate or fly, whereas SWOLLEN and PREMEC were lethal to the immature instars. Knockdown of ATF4 did not result in the mortality or malformations in immature and adult PoP. CONCLUSIONS Compared with knockdown of individual D24 and C7 targets, significantly greater RNAi penetrance was achieved following delivery of combined dsRNAs. The highest knockdown that resulted in incomplete ecdysis and/or mortality was obtained for targets with predicted involvement in the same or interacting pathway(s). Knockdown of ATF4 was apparently "rescued" by uncharacterized compensatory gene(s) or effects. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge R Paredes-Montero
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Usman Arif
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Judith K Brown
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Khanal S, Zancanela BS, Peter JO, Flynt AS. The Small RNA Universe of Capitella teleta. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:802814. [PMID: 35281272 PMCID: PMC8915122 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.802814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAi is an evolutionarily fluid mechanism with dramatically different activities across animal phyla. One major group where there has been little investigation is annelid worms. Here, the small RNAs of the polychaete developmental model Capitella teleta are profiled across development. As is seen with nearly all animals, nearly 200 microRNAs were found with 58 high-confidence novel species. Greater miRNA diversity was associated with later stages consistent with differentiation of tissues. Outside miRNA, a distinct composition of other small RNA pathways was found. Unlike many invertebrates, an endogenous siRNA pathway was not observed, indicating pathway loss relative to basal planarians. No processively generated siRNA-class RNAs could be found arising from dsRNA precursors. This has a significant impact on RNAi technology development for this group of animals. Unlike the apparent absence of siRNAs, a significant population of piRNAs was observed. For many piRNAs, phasing and ping-pong biogenesis pathways were identified. Interestingly, piRNAs were found to be highly expressed during early development, suggesting a potential role in regulation in metamorphosis. Critically, the configuration of RNAi factors in C. teleta is found in other annelids and mollusks, suggesting that similar biology is likely to be present in the wider clade. This study is the first in providing comprehensive analysis of small RNAs in annelids.
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Duke SO. Success, despite another plague year. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:7-11. [PMID: 34874600 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
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Hunter WB, Wintermantel WM. Optimizing Efficient RNAi-Mediated Control of Hemipteran Pests (Psyllids, Leafhoppers, Whitefly): Modified Pyrimidines in dsRNA Triggers. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10091782. [PMID: 34579315 PMCID: PMC8472347 DOI: 10.3390/plants10091782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The advantages from exogenously applied RNAi biopesticides have yet to be realized in through commercialization due to inconsistent activity of the dsRNA trigger, and the activity level of RNAi suppression. This has prompted research on improving delivery methods for applying exogenous dsRNA into plants and insects for the management of pests and pathogens. Another aspect to improve RNAi activity is the incorporation of modified 2′-F pyrimidine nucleotides into the dsRNA trigger. Modified dsRNA incorporating 32–55% of the 2′-F- nucleotides produced improved RNAi activity that increased insect mortality by 12–35% greater than non-modified dsRNA triggers of the same sequence. These results were repeatable across multiple Hemiptera: the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri, Liviidae); whitefly (Bemisia tabaci, Aleyroididae); and the glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis, Cicadellidae). Studies using siRNA with modified 2′-F- pyrimidines in mammalian cells show they improved resistance to degradation from nucleases, plus result in greater RNAi activity, due to increase concentrations and improved binding affinity to the mRNA target. Successful RNAi biopesticides of the future will be able to increase RNAi repeatability in the field, by incorporating modifications of the dsRNA, such as 2′-F- pyrimidines, that will improve delivery after applied to fruit trees or crop plants, with increased activity after ingestion by insects. Costs of RNA modification have decreased significantly over the past few years such that biopesticides can now compete on pricing with commercial chemical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Brian Hunter
- U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Subtropical Insects Res., Fort Pierce, FL 34945, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - William M. Wintermantel
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Crop Improvement and Protection Research, Salinas, CA 93905, USA;
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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: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [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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