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Xie J, Zhang J, Yang J, Wu S, Teng X, Han H, Xu Y, Qian X, Zhu W, Yang Y. Microfluidic-Based dsRNA Delivery Nanoplatform for Efficient Spodoptera exigua Control. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:12508-12515. [PMID: 38788129 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c03307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Nanotechnology-based RNA interference (RNAi) offers a promising approach to pest control. However, current methods for producing RNAi nanopesticides are mainly implemented in a batch-to-batch manner, lacking consistent quality control. Herein, we present a microfluidic-based nanoplatform for RNA nanopesticide preparation using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as nanocarriers, taking advantage of the enhanced mass transfer and continuous processing capabilities of microfluidic technology. The dsRNA@LNPs were rapidly formed within seconds, which showed uniform size distribution, improved leaf wettability, and excellent dispersion properties. The delivery efficiency of dsRNA@LNPs was evaluated by targeting the chitin synthetase B (CHSB) gene ofSpodoptera exigua. The dsRNA@LNPs can effectively resist nuclease-rich midgut fluid degradation. Importantly, dsCHSB@LNPs exhibited increased mortality rates, significant reduction of larvae growth, and enhanced gene suppression efficiency. Therefore, a continuous nanoplatform for RNAi nanopesticide preparation is demonstrated by utilizing microfluidic technology, representing a new route to produce RNAi nanopesticides with enhanced quality control and might accelerate their practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinshan Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jingyi Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shuqin Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xuanming Teng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hongyu Han
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yufang Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xuhong Qian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Weiping Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yangyang Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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Luo X, Fang G, Chen K, Song Y, Lu T, Tomberlin JK, Zhan S, Huang Y. A gut commensal bacterium promotes black soldier fly larval growth and development partly via modulation of intestinal protein metabolism. mBio 2023; 14:e0117423. [PMID: 37706881 PMCID: PMC10653789 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01174-23] [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: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Black solider fly larvae and the gut microbiota can recycle nutrients from various organic wastes into valuable insect biomass. We found that Citrobacter amalonaticus, a gut commensal bacterium of the insect, exerts beneficial effects on larval growth and development and that the expression of many metabolic larval genes was significantly impacted by the symbiont. To identify the larval genes involved in the host-symbiont interaction, we engineered the symbiont to produce double-strand RNA and enabled the strain to silence host genes in the larval gut environment where the interaction takes place. With this approach, we confirmed that two intestinal protease families are involved in the interaction and provided further evidence that intestinal protein metabolism plays a role in the interaction. This work expands the genetic toolkits available to study the insect functional genomics and host-symbiont interaction and provide the prospective for the future application of gut microbiota on the large-scale bioconversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gangqi Fang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kuangqin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Song
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyi Lu
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Shuai Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongping Huang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Palli SR. RNAi turns 25:contributions and challenges in insect science. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1209478. [PMID: 38469536 PMCID: PMC10926446 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1209478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1998, RNA interference (RNAi), a Nobel prize-winning technology, made significant contributions to advances in biology because of its ability to mediate the knockdown of specific target genes. RNAi applications in medicine and agriculture have been explored with mixed success. The past 25 years of research on RNAi resulted in advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of its action, target specificity, and differential efficiency among animals and plants. RNAi played a major role in advances in insect biology. Did RNAi technology fully meet insect pest and disease vector management expectations? This review will discuss recent advances in the mechanisms of RNAi and its contributions to insect science. The remaining challenges, including delivery to the target site, differential efficiency, potential resistance development and possible solutions for the widespread use of this technology in insect management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Field EN, Smith RC. Seasonality influences key physiological components contributing to Culex pipiens vector competence. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1144072. [PMID: 38469495 PMCID: PMC10926469 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1144072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are the most important animal vector of disease on the planet, transmitting a variety of pathogens of both medical and veterinary importance. Mosquito-borne diseases display distinct seasonal patterns driven by both environmental and biological variables. However, an important, yet unexplored component of these patterns is the potential for seasonal influences on mosquito physiology that may ultimately influence vector competence. To address this question, we selected Culex pipiens, a primary vector of the West Nile virus (WNV) in the temperate United States, to examine the seasonal impacts on mosquito physiology by examining known immune and bacterial components implicated in mosquito arbovirus infection. Semi-field experiments were performed under spring, summer, and late-summer conditions, corresponding to historically low-, medium-, and high-intensity periods of WNV transmission, respectively. Through these experiments, we observed differences in the expression of immune genes and RNA interference (RNAi) pathway components, as well as changes in the distribution and abundance of Wolbachia in the mosquitoes across seasonal cohorts. Together, these findings support the conclusion that seasonal changes significantly influence mosquito physiology and components of the mosquito microbiome, suggesting that seasonality may impact mosquito susceptibility to pathogen infection, which could account for the temporal patterns in mosquito-borne disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor N Field
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Ryan C Smith
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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Yoo MS, Truong AT, Jeong H, Hahn DH, Lee JS, Yoon SS, Youn SY, Cho YS. Large-Scale Application of Double-Stranded RNA Shows Potential for Reduction of Sacbrood Virus Disease in Apis cerana Apiaries. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040897. [PMID: 37112876 PMCID: PMC10145737 DOI: 10.3390/v15040897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Sacbrood virus (SBV) infection has emerged as a remarkable threat to Apis cerana colonies in South Korea, necessitating prompt control measures. In this study, RNA interference (RNAi) targeting the VP3 gene was developed to assess its safety and efficacy in protecting and treating SBV in vitro and in infected colonies in South Korean apiaries. The efficacy of VP3 double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) was demonstrated in laboratory-based experiments, wherein infected larvae treated with VP3 dsRNA exhibited a 32.7% increase in survival rate compared to untreated larvae. Data from a large-scale field trial indicate the efficacy of dsRNA treatment since none of the treated colonies had symptomatic SBV infections, whereas disease was observed in 43% (3/7) of the control colonies. In the 102 colonies exhibiting symptoms of SBV disease, RNAi treatment provided partial protection with weekly treatment, prolonging the survival period of colonies to 8 months compared to 2 months in colonies treated at 2- and 4-week intervals. Therefore, this study demonstrated that RNAi is a valuable tool for preventing SBV disease outbreaks in healthy and low-level SBV-infected colonies.
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List F, Tarone AM, Zhu‐Salzman K, Vargo EL. RNA meets toxicology: efficacy indicators from the experimental design of RNAi studies for insect pest management. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3215-3225. [PMID: 35338587 PMCID: PMC9541735 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) selectively targets genes and silences their expression in vivo, causing developmental defects, mortality and altered behavior. Consequently, RNAi has emerged as a promising research area for insect pest management. However, it is not yet a viable alternative over conventional pesticides despite several theoretical advantages in safety and specificity. As a first step toward a more standardized approach, a machine learning algorithm was used to identify factors that predict trial efficacy. Current research on RNAi for pest management is highly variable and relatively unstandardized. The applied random forest model was able to reliably predict mortality ranges based on bioassay parameters with 72.6% accuracy. Response time and target gene were the most important variables in the model, followed by applied dose, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) construct size and target species, further supported by generalized linear mixed effect modeling. Our results identified informative trends, supporting the idea that basic principles of toxicology apply to RNAi bioassays and provide initial guidelines standardizing future research similar to studies of traditional insecticides. We advocate for training that integrates genetic, organismal, and toxicological approaches to accelerate the development of RNAi as an effective tool for pest management. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian List
- Department of EntomologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Aaron M Tarone
- Department of EntomologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | | | - Edward L Vargo
- Department of EntomologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
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Klingler M, Bucher G. The red flour beetle T. castaneum: elaborate genetic toolkit and unbiased large scale RNAi screening to study insect biology and evolution. EvoDevo 2022; 13:14. [PMID: 35854352 PMCID: PMC9295526 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-022-00201-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum has emerged as an important insect model system for a variety of topics. With respect to studying gene function, it is second only to the vinegar fly D. melanogaster. The RNAi response in T. castaneum is exceptionally strong and systemic, and it appears to target all cell types and processes. Uniquely for emerging model organisms, T. castaneum offers the opportunity of performing time- and cost-efficient large-scale RNAi screening, based on commercially available dsRNAs targeting all genes, which are simply injected into the body cavity. Well established transgenic and genome editing approaches are met by ease of husbandry and a relatively short generation time. Consequently, a number of transgenic tools like UAS/Gal4, Cre/Lox, imaging lines and enhancer trap lines are already available. T. castaneum has been a genetic experimental system for decades and now has become a workhorse for molecular and reverse genetics as well as in vivo imaging. Many aspects of development and general biology are more insect-typical in this beetle compared to D. melanogaster. Thus, studying beetle orthologs of well-described fly genes has allowed macro-evolutionary comparisons in developmental processes such as axis formation, body segmentation, and appendage, head and brain development. Transgenic approaches have opened new ways for in vivo imaging. Moreover, this emerging model system is the first choice for research on processes that are not represented in the fly, or are difficult to study there, e.g. extraembryonic tissues, cryptonephridial organs, stink gland function, or dsRNA-based pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Klingler
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Staudtstr. 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Gregor Bucher
- Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institut, GZMB, University of Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
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Santos D, Verdonckt TW, Mingels L, Van den Brande S, Geens B, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Kolliopoulou A, Swevers L, Wynant N, Vanden Broeck J. PIWI Proteins Play an Antiviral Role in Lepidopteran Cell Lines. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071442. [PMID: 35891422 PMCID: PMC9321812 DOI: 10.3390/v14071442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect antiviral immunity primarily relies on RNAi mechanisms. While a key role of small interfering (si)RNAs and AGO proteins has been well established in this regard, the situation for PIWI proteins and PIWI-interacting (pi)RNAs is not as clear. In the present study, we investigate whether PIWI proteins and viral piRNAs are involved in the immunity against single-stranded RNA viruses in lepidopteran cells, where two PIWIs are identified (Siwi and Ago3). Via loss- and gain-of-function studies in Bombyx mori BmN4 cells and in Trichoplusia ni High Five cells, we demonstrated an antiviral role of Siwi and Ago3. However, small RNA analysis suggests that viral piRNAs can be absent in these lepidopteran cells. Together with the current literature, our results support a functional diversification of PIWI proteins in insects.
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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; (T.-W.V.); (L.M.); (S.V.d.B.); (B.G.); (N.W.); (J.V.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Thomas-Wolf Verdonckt
- 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; (T.-W.V.); (L.M.); (S.V.d.B.); (B.G.); (N.W.); (J.V.B.)
| | - Lina Mingels
- 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; (T.-W.V.); (L.M.); (S.V.d.B.); (B.G.); (N.W.); (J.V.B.)
| | - Stijn Van den Brande
- 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; (T.-W.V.); (L.M.); (S.V.d.B.); (B.G.); (N.W.); (J.V.B.)
| | - Bart Geens
- 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; (T.-W.V.); (L.M.); (S.V.d.B.); (B.G.); (N.W.); (J.V.B.)
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Gent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Gent, Belgium;
| | - Anna Kolliopoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, 153 10 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (L.S.)
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, 153 10 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (L.S.)
| | - Niels Wynant
- 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; (T.-W.V.); (L.M.); (S.V.d.B.); (B.G.); (N.W.); (J.V.B.)
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- 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; (T.-W.V.); (L.M.); (S.V.d.B.); (B.G.); (N.W.); (J.V.B.)
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Silencing of multiple target genes via ingestion of dsRNA and PMRi affects development and survival in Helicoverpa armigera. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10405. [PMID: 35729318 PMCID: PMC9213516 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14667-z] [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: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a powerful tool to knockdown genetic targets crucial for the growth and development of agriculturally important insect pests. Helicoverpa armigera is a pest feeding on more than 30 economically important crops worldwide and a major threat. Resistance to insecticides and Bt toxins has been gradually increasing in the field. RNAi-mediated knockdown of H. armigera genes by producing dsRNAs homologous to genetic targets in bacteria and plants has a high potential for insect management to decrease agricultural loss. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE), ecdysone receptor (EcR) and v-ATPase-A (vAA) genes were selected as genetic targets. Fragments comprising a coding sequence of < 500 bp were cloned into the L4440 vector for dsRNA production in bacteria and in a TRV-VIGS vector in antisense orientation for transient expression of dsRNA in Solanum tuberosum leaves. After ingesting bacterial-expressed dsRNA, the mRNA levels of the target genes were significantly reduced, leading to mortality and abnormal development in larva of H. armigera. Furthermore, the S. tuberosum plants transformed with TRV-VIGS expressing AChE exhibited higher mortality > 68% than the control plants 17%, recorded ten days post-feeding and significant resistance in transgenic (transient) plants was observed. Moreover, larval lethality and molting defects were observed in larva fed on potato plants expressing dsRNA specific to EcR. Analysis of transcript levels by quantitative RT–PCR revealed that larval mortality was attributable to the knockdown of genetic targets by RNAi. The results demonstrated that down-regulation of H. armigera genes involved in ATP hydrolysis, transcriptional stimulation of development genes and neural conduction has aptitude as a bioinsecticide to control H. armigera population sizes and therefore decreases crop loss.
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Glucosamine-6-phosphate N-acetyltransferase gene silencing by parental RNA interference in rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Sci Rep 2022; 12:2141. [PMID: 35136178 PMCID: PMC8825807 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06193-9] [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: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental RNAi (pRNAi) is a response of RNA interference in which treated insect pests progenies showed a gene silencing phenotypes. pRNAi of CmGNA gene has been studied in Cnaphalocrocis medinalis via injection. Our results showed significant reduction in ovulation per female that was 26% and 35.26% in G1 and G2 generations, respectively. Significant reduction of hatched eggs per female were observed 23.53% and 45.26% as compared to control in G1–G2 generations, respectively. We also observed the significant variation in the sex ratio between female (40% and 53%) in G1–G2 generations, and in male (65%) in G1 generation as compared to control. Our results also demonstrated the significant larval mortality (63% and 55%) and pupal mortality (55% and 41%), and significant reduction of mRNA expression level in G1 and G2 generations. Our findings have confirmed that effectiveness of pRNAi induced silencing on the CmGNA target gene in G1–G2 generations of C. medinalis. These results suggested the potential role of pRNAi in insect pest resistance management strategies.
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Dhatwalia D, Aminedi R, Kalia V, Pande V, Bhattacharya R. Host-mediated attenuation of gut sucrase in mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi impaired its parthenogenetic reproduction on Indian mustard Brassica juncea. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:803-811. [PMID: 34713547 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nefarious hemipteran mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) inflicts colossal yield losses in Brassica crops including Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). Lack of an accessible resistance source has been the primary impediment in breeding varietal resistance against aphids. In recent years, in planta RNAi-mediated resistance has been demonstrated in model plants as a potential tool for protection against insect pests. However, translational application in crop species is imperative for critical assessment of this technology in breeding effective resistance. RESULTS The essential role of sucrase 1 (SUC1) in mitigating osmotic pressure imposed by sucrose-rich phloem sap inside the insect gut is corroborated by its expression pattern in L. erysimi. Transgenic lines of Indian mustard were developed expressing SUC1 hairpin RNA for its host-mediated delivery into the infesting aphids. The expression of the dsRNA encoding cassette, and generation of siRNA molecules in transgenic B. juncea lines were verified by quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, stem-loop RT-PCR and Northern hybridization. Rearing of L. erysimi on the transgenic lines resulted in 22-40% reduction in aphid fecundity. The observed retardation in aphid reproduction was coherent with the detection of SUC1-specific siRNA molecules and attenuation of the SUC1 transcript level in L. erysimi fed on the transgenic lines. CONCLUSION Augmenting varietal resistance can substantially reduce usage of toxic agrochemicals in crop protection. This attempt was the first successful demonstration of host-mediated RNAi of an aphid gene in any Brassica crop. It paves the way for more rigorous attempt of engineering RNAi-based resistance against aphids in Brassica crops. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Dhatwalia
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | | | - Vinay Kalia
- Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Veena Pande
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
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Khan S, Khan M, Iqbal N, Amiruddin Abd Rahman M, Khalis Abdul Karim M. Deep-piRNA: Bi-Layered Prediction Model for PIWI-Interacting RNA Using Discriminative Features. COMPUTERS, MATERIALS & CONTINUA 2022; 72:2243-2258. [DOI: 10.32604/cmc.2022.022901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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13
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Zhou S, Nadeau EA, Khan MA, Webb BA, Rankin SE, Knutson BL. Relating Mobility of dsRNA in Nanoporous Silica Particles to Loading and Release Behavior. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:8267-8276. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhou
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Emily A. Nadeau
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, United States
| | - M. Arif Khan
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Bruce A. Webb
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, United States
| | - Stephen E. Rankin
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Barbara L. Knutson
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
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Fan YH, Song HF, Abbas M, Wang YL, Li T, Ma EB, Cooper AMW, Silver K, Zhu KY, Zhang JZ. A dsRNA-degrading nuclease (dsRNase2) limits RNAi efficiency in the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis). INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1677-1689. [PMID: 33140888 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The efficiency of RNA interference (RNAi) varies substantially among different insect species. Rapid degradation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) by dsRNA-degrading nucleases (dsRNases) has been implicated to cause low RNAi efficiency in several insect species. In this study, we identified four dsRNase genes (OfdsRNase1, OfdsRNase2, OfdsRNase3 and OfdsRNase4) from the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis) transcriptome database. Bioinformatic analyses showed that each deduced protein sequence contained endonuclease NS domains and signal peptides. Gene expression analysis revealed that OfdsRNase2 was exclusively expressed in the midgut of larvae. RNAi efficiency was investigated in 2-d-old fifth-instar larvae (high expression of dsRNase2) and 2-d-old pupae (low expression of dsRNase2) by feeding or injecting dsRNA targeting a marker gene that encodes the lethal giant larvae protein (OfLgl). Our results showed that OfLgl only partially silenced the expression of OfLgl in pupae, but not in larvae, suggesting that OfdsRNase2 could contribute to lower RNAi efficiency in larval stages. This hypothesis was supported by our RNAi-of-RNAi experiment using a tissue culture technique where the silencing efficiency against the reporter gene, OfHex1, was significantly improved after knockdown of OfdsRNase2. When double luciferase assays were performed to evaluate the role of the four dsRNases in vitro, only OfdsRNase2 expressed in S2 cells significantly affected RNAi efficiency by degrading dsRNA. Taken together, our results suggested that the degradation of dsRNA by OfdsRNase2 in the midgut contributed to low RNAi efficiency in O. furnacalis larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-He Fan
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hui-Fang Song
- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Changzhi University, Changzhi, Shanxi, China
| | - Mureed Abbas
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yan-Li Wang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - En-Bo Ma
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | | | - Kristopher Silver
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Jian-Zhen Zhang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
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15
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Santos D, Remans S, Van den Brande S, Vanden Broeck J. RNAs on the Go: Extracellular Transfer in Insects with Promising Prospects for Pest Management. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:484. [PMID: 33806650 PMCID: PMC8001424 DOI: 10.3390/plants10030484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
RNA-mediated pathways form an important regulatory layer of myriad biological processes. In the last decade, the potential of RNA molecules to contribute to the control of agricultural pests has not been disregarded, specifically via the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism. In fact, several proofs-of-concept have been made in this scope. Furthermore, a novel research field regarding extracellular RNAs and RNA-based intercellular/interorganismal communication is booming. In this article, we review key discoveries concerning extracellular RNAs in insects, insect RNA-based cell-to-cell communication, and plant-insect transfer of RNA. In addition, we overview the molecular mechanisms implicated in this form of communication and discuss future biotechnological prospects, namely from the insect pest-control perspective.
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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; (S.R.); (S.V.d.B.); (J.V.B.)
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16
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Pan H, Yang X, Romeis J, Siegfried BD, Zhou X. Dietary RNAi toxicity assay exhibits differential responses to ingested dsRNAs among lady beetles. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:3606-3614. [PMID: 32400940 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most recently, major federal regulatory agencies deregulated an in planta RNA interference (RNAi) trait against a devastating corn pest, the western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, in the United States and Canada. The impact of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) and dietary RNAi to non-target organisms, however, still needs further investigation. In this study, we assessed the potential risks of a Diabrotica virgifera virgifera active dsRNA to a group of predatory biological control agents, including Hippodamia convergens, Harmonia axyridis, Coleomegilla maculata, and Coccinella septempunctata. The overarching hypothesis is that the insecticidal dsRNA targeting Diabrotica virgifera virgifera has no or negligible adverse effect on lady beetles. RESULTS A 400-bp fragment with the highest sequence similarity between target and tested species was selected as the template for dsRNA synthesis. For the dietary RNAi toxicity assay, newly hatched first instar larvae were administered with v-ATPase A dsRNAs designed from Diabrotica virgifera virgifera and the four lady beetles, respectively. A dsRNA from β-glucuronidase (GUS), a plant gene, and H2 O were served as the negative controls. The endpoint included both sub-organismal (gene expression), and organismal (survival rate, development time, pupa and adult weight) measurements. The results from dietary RNAi toxicity assay demonstrate significantly impacts of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera-active dsRNAs on lady beetles under the worst-case scenario at both transcriptional and phenotypic level. Interestingly, substantial differences among the four lady beetle species were observed toward the ingested exogenous dsRNAs. CONCLUSION Such differential response to dietary RNAi may shed light on the mechanisms underlying the mode-of-action of RNAi-based biopesticides. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huipeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jörg Romeis
- Agroscope, Research Division Agroecology and Environment, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Blair D Siegfried
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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17
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Sorrell MR, Killian KA. Innate immune system function following systemic RNA-interference of the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 gene in the cricket Acheta domesticus. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 126:104097. [PMID: 32791072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2020.104097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), caused by a mutation in the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene, is a common form of inherited mental retardation. Mutation of the gene leads to a loss of the gene product Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). While a loss of FMRP has been primarily associated with neural and cognitive deficits, it has also been reported to lead to immune system dysfunction in both humans and flies. We used the Acheta domesticus transcriptome to identify a highly conserved cricket ortholog of FMR1 (adfmr1). We cloned a partial cDNA of adfmr1, used systemic RNA interference (RNAi) to knockdown adfmr1 expression, and examined the impact of this knockdown (KD) on the cellular and humoral responses of the insect innate immune system. Following RNAi, both male and female crickets exhibited an increase in the number of circulating hemocytes, a decrease in total hemolymph phenoloxidase (PO) activity, and an increase in fat body lysozyme expression. Despite similar changes in these immune parameters in both sexes, male and female crickets responded differently to an immune challenge. Most KD males failed to survive an intra-abdominal injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide, while KD females were just as likely as control females to survive this challenge. Our results support that decreased fmr1 expression can alter the cellular and humoral defenses of the insect innate immune system, and may lead to a decrease in male, but not female, immunocompetence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mollie R Sorrell
- Department of Biology, Miami University, 258 Pearson Hall, Oxford, OH 45056, USA; Department of Biology, Defiance College, Defiance, OH 43512, USA
| | - Kathleen A Killian
- Department of Biology, Miami University, 258 Pearson Hall, Oxford, OH 45056, USA.
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18
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Khan MA, Kiser MR, Moradipour M, Nadeau EA, Ghanim RW, Webb BA, Rankin SE, Knutson BL. Effect of Confinement in Nanopores on RNA Interactions with Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:8549-8561. [PMID: 32881500 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c06536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPAs) are ideal carriers for oligonucleotides for gene delivery and RNA interference. This investigation examines the thermodynamic driving force of interactions of double-stranded (ds) RNA with MSNPAs as a function of RNA length (84 and 282 base pair) and particle pore diameter (nonporous, 2.7, 4.3, and 8.1 nm) using isothermal titration calorimetry, extending knowledge of solution-based nucleic acid-polycation interactions to RNA confined in nanopores. Adsorption of RNA follows a two-step process: endothermic interactions driven by entropic contribution from counterion (and water) release and an exothermic regime dominated by short-range interactions within the pores. Evidence of hindered pore loading of the longer RNA and pore size-dependent confinement of RNA in the MSPAs is provided from the relative contributions of the endothermic and exothermic regimes. Reduction of endothermic and exothermic enthalpies in both regimes in the presence of salt for both lengths of RNA indicates the significant contribution of short-range electrostatic interactions, whereas ΔH and ΔG values are consistent with conformation changes and desolvation of nucleic acids upon binding with polycations. Knowledge of the interactions between RNA and functionalized porous nanoparticles will aid in porous nanocarrier design suitable for functional RNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Arif Khan
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Maelyn R Kiser
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Mahsa Moradipour
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Emily A Nadeau
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, United States
| | - Ramy W Ghanim
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Bruce A Webb
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, United States
| | - Stephen E Rankin
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Barbara L Knutson
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
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19
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Wiltshire RM, Duman-Scheel M. Advances in oral RNAi for disease vector mosquito research and control. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 40:18-23. [PMID: 32516723 PMCID: PMC8718359 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito vectors in the genera Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex transmit a variety of medically important pathogens. Current vector control tools are reaching the limits of their effectiveness, necessitating the introduction of innovative vector control technologies. RNAi, which facilitates functional characterization of mosquito genes in the laboratory, could one day be applied as a new method of vector control. Recent advances in the oral administration of microbial-based systems for delivery of species-specific interfering RNA pesticides to mosquitoes may facilitate translation of this technology to the field. Oral RNAi-based pesticides represent a new class of biorational pesticides that could combat increased global incidence of insecticide resistance and which could one day become critical components of integrated human disease vector mosquito control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Wiltshire
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave, South Bend, IN 46617, USA; Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave, South Bend, IN 46617, USA; Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
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20
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Dhandapani RK, Duan JJ, Palli SR. Orally delivered dsRNA induces knockdown of target genes and mortality in the Asian long-horned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 104:e21679. [PMID: 32297387 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Asian long-horned beetle (ALB) Anoplophora glabripennis is a serious invasive forest pest in several countries, including the United States. Methods available to manage or eradicate this pest are extremely limited, but RNA interference (RNAi) technology is a potentially effective method to control ALB. In this study, we used sucrose feeding bioassay for oral delivery of double-strand RNA (dsRNA) to ALB larvae. 32 P-labeled dsRNA orally delivered to ALB larvae using the sucrose droplet feeding method was processed to small interfering RNA. Feeding neonate larvae with dsRNA targeting genes coding for the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), vacuolar sorting protein SNF7 (SNF7), and snakeskin (SSK) induced knockdown of target genes and mortality. Feeding 2 µg of dsRNA per day for 3 days did not induce a significant decrease in the expression of target genes or mortality. However, feeding 5 or 10 µg of dsRNA per day for 3 days induced a significant decrease in the expression of target genes and 50-90% mortality. Interestingly, feeding 2.5 µg each of dsIAP plus dsSNF7, dsIAP plus dsSSK, or dsSNF7 plus dsSSK per day for 3 days induced a significant decrease in the expression of both target genes and approximately 80% mortality. Our findings demonstrate that orally delivered dsRNA induces target gene knockdown and mortality in ALB neonate larvae and RNAi technology may have the potential for effective ALB control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Kumar Dhandapani
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Jian Jun Duan
- USDA ARS Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit, Newark, Delaware
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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21
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Soleimani S, Valizadeh Arshad Z, Moradi S, Ahmadi A, Davarpanah SJ, Azimzadeh Jamalkandi S. Small regulatory noncoding RNAs in Drosophila melanogaster: biogenesis and biological functions. Brief Funct Genomics 2020; 19:309-323. [PMID: 32219422 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an important phenomenon that has diverse genetic regulatory functions at the pre- and posttranscriptional levels. The major trigger for the RNAi pathway is double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). dsRNA is processed to generate various types of major small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that include microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) in Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster). Functionally, these small ncRNAs play critical roles in virtually all biological systems and developmental pathways. Identification and processing of dsRNAs and activation of RNAi machinery are the three major academic interests that surround RNAi research. Mechanistically, some of the important biological functions of RNAi are achieved through: (i) supporting genomic stability via degradation of foreign viral genomes; (ii) suppressing the movement of transposable elements and, most importantly, (iii) post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by miRNAs that contribute to regulation of epigenetic modifications such as heterochromatin formation and genome imprinting. Here, we review various routes of small ncRNA biogenesis, as well as different RNAi-mediated pathways in D. melanogaster with a particular focus on signaling pathways. In addition, a critical discussion of the most relevant and latest findings that concern the significant contribution of small ncRNAs to the regulation of D. melanogaster physiology and pathophysiology is presented.
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22
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Edwards CH, Christie CR, Masotti A, Celluzzi A, Caporali A, Campbell EM. Dendrimer-coated carbon nanotubes deliver dsRNA and increase the efficacy of gene knockdown in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12422. [PMID: 32709999 PMCID: PMC7381663 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69068-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the use of dendrimer-coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a delivery vehicle for dsRNA was assessed in Tribolium castaneum. Exposure to low dosages of polyamidoamine dendrimer carbon nanotubes (PAMAM-CNTs) did not affect T. castaneum larval mortality. Expression of key apoptotic factors, Dronc (Tc12580), Dredd (Tcn-like, Tc014026) and Buffy, (Tcinhib apop1), which can act as toxicity indicators, were not altered in T. castaneum larvae following injection of PAMAM-CNTs. The level of knockdown of two target genes, α-tubulin and mitochondrial RNA polymerase (mtpol), were significantly increased when larvae were injected with double-stranded RNA bound to CNTs (PAMAM-CNT-dsRNA), compared to those injected with target dsRNA alone. PAMAM-CNTs were visualised in cellular vacuoles and in the cell nucleus. Increase occurrence of a blistered wing phenotype was found in a subset of PAMAM-CNT-dsRNAαtub injected larvae, relative to the level seen in larvae injected with naked dsRNAαtub alone. These results suggest that the use of functionalised CNTs for dsRNA delivery could increase the efficacy of RNA interference in insect pest species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Craig R Christie
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Andrea Masotti
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Caporali
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ewan M Campbell
- Centre for Genome Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, 23 St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen, AB24 3RY, UK.
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23
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Mingels L, Wynant N, Santos D, Peeters P, Gansemans Y, Billen J, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Vanden Broeck J. Extracellular vesicles spread the RNA interference signal of Tribolium castaneum TcA cells. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 122:103377. [PMID: 32302638 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2020.103377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The potential utility of RNA interference (RNAi) to control insect pests and viral infections depends largely on the target organism's ability to systemically spread the RNAi response. The efficacy of systemic RNAi varies among insects, though it has been shown to be high in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. We identified an extracellular RNAi signal that is present in the culture medium of T. castaneum (TcA) cells after treatment with long dsRNA specific for a luciferase reporter gene. Luciferase-specific siRNAs were detected in extracellular vesicles (EVs) that were purified from the culture medium of these dsRNA-treated cells. Furthermore, by measuring the silencing of luciferase expression, we showed that these siRNA-containing EVs can act as an RNAi signal for recipient TcA cells. We have therefore shown that a systemic RNAi response upon dsRNA treatment can be effectively spread through EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Mingels
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Niels Wynant
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Dulce Santos
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Paulien Peeters
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Yannick Gansemans
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Gent University, 9000, Gent, Belgium.
| | - Johan Billen
- Socio-ecology and Social Evolution, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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24
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Liu S, Jaouannet M, Dempsey DA, Imani J, Coustau C, Kogel KH. RNA-based technologies for insect control in plant production. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 39:107463. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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25
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Abstract
The RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by short/small interfering RNA (siRNA) was discovered in nematodes and found to function in most living organisms. RNAi has been widely used as a research tool to study gene functions and has shown great potential for the development of novel pest management strategies. RNAi is highly efficient and systemic in coleopterans but highly variable or inefficient in many other insects. Differences in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) degradation, cellular uptake, inter- and intracellular transports, processing of dsRNA to siRNA, and RNA-induced silencing complex formation influence RNAi efficiency. The basic dsRNA delivery methods include microinjection, feeding, and soaking. To improve dsRNA delivery, various new technologies, including cationic liposome-assisted, nanoparticle-enabled, symbiont-mediated, and plant-mediated deliveries, have been developed. Major challenges to widespread use of RNAi in insect pest management include variable RNAi efficiency among insects, lack of reliable dsRNA delivery methods, off-target and nontarget effects, and potential development of resistance in insect populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA;
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, USA;
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26
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Peng Y, Wang K, Zhu G, Han Q, Chen J, Elzaki MEA, Sheng C, Zhao C, Palli SR, Han Z. Identification and characterization of multiple dsRNases from a lepidopteran insect, the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 162:86-95. [PMID: 31836059 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2019.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency varies among insects. RNAi is highly efficient and systemic in coleopteran insects but quite variable and inefficient in lepidopteran insects. Degradation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) by double-stranded ribonucleases (dsRNases) is thought to contribute to the variability in RNAi efficiency observed among insects. One or two dsRNases involved in dsRNA digestion have been identified in a few insects. To understand the contribution of dsRNases to reduced RNAi efficiency in lepidopteran insects, we searched the transcriptome of Spodoptera litura and identified six genes coding for DNA/RNA non-specific endonucleases. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolutionary expansion of dsRNase genes in insects. The mRNA levels of three midgut-specific dsRNases increased during the larval stage, and the highest dsRNA-degrading activity was detected in third-instar larvae. Proteins produced via the expression of three midgut-specific dsRNases, and the widely expressed dsRNase3, in a baculovirus system showed dsRNase activity for four out of five dsRNases tested. In addition, the increase in dsRNA-degrading activity and upregulation of dsRNase1 and 2 in larvae fed on cabbage leaves suggests that the diet of S. litura can influence dsRNase expression, dsRNA stability, and thus probably RNAi efficiency. This is the first report that multiple dsRNases function together in an RNAi-recalcitrant insect. The data included in this paper suggest that multiple dsRNases coded by the S. litura genome might contribute to the lower and variable RNAi efficiency reported in this and other lepidopteran insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchuan Peng
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Institute of Entomology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Kangxu Wang
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Guanheng Zhu
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Qunxin Han
- Department of Plant Protection, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Haizhu District, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Jiasheng Chen
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Mohammed Esmail Abdalla Elzaki
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chengwang Sheng
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chunqing Zhao
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Zhaojun Han
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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27
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Tayler A, Heschuk D, Giesbrecht D, Park JY, Whyard S. Efficiency of RNA interference is improved by knockdown of dsRNA nucleases in tephritid fruit flies. Open Biol 2019; 9:190198. [PMID: 31795920 PMCID: PMC6936256 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.190198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) in insects is routinely used to ascertain gene function, but also has potential as a technology to control pest species. For some insects, such as beetles, ingestion of small quantities of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is able to knock down a targeted gene's expression. However, in other species, ingestion of dsRNA can be ineffective owing to the presence of nucleases within the gut, which degrade dsRNA before it reaches target cells. In this study, we observed that nucleases within the gut of the Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni) rapidly degrade dsRNA and reduce RNAi efficacy. By complexing dsRNA with liposomes within the adult insect's diet, RNAi-mediated knockdown of a melanin synthesis gene, yellow, was improved significantly, resulting in strong RNAi phenotypes. RNAi efficiency was also enhanced by feeding both larvae and adults for several days on dsRNAs that targeted two different dsRNase gene transcripts. Co-delivery of both dsRNase-specific dsRNAs and yellow dsRNA resulted in almost complete knockdown of the yellow transcripts. These findings show that the use of liposomes or co-feeding of nuclease-specific dsRNAs significantly improves RNAi inhibition of gene expression in B. tryoni and could be a useful strategy to improve RNAi-based control in other insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Steve Whyard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CanadaR3T 2N2
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Whitten MM. Novel RNAi delivery systems in the control of medical and veterinary pests. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 34:1-6. [PMID: 31247409 PMCID: PMC6990399 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a transformative technology with great potential to control, study or even protect insects and acarines through the knockdown of target gene expression. RNAi offers unprecedented levels of control, but fundamental to its successful deployment is the need to deliver 'trigger' RNA in an appropriate fashion giving due consideration to potential barriers of RNAi efficiency, safety, and the intended purpose of the knockdown. This short review focusses on recent innovations in RNAi delivery that are designed for, or could be adapted for use with, insect and acarine pests of medical or veterinary importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Ma Whitten
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
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Goulin EH, Galdeano DM, Granato LM, Matsumura EE, Dalio RJD, Machado MA. RNA interference and CRISPR: Promising approaches to better understand and control citrus pathogens. Microbiol Res 2019; 226:1-9. [PMID: 31284938 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Citrus crops have great economic importance worldwide. However, citrus production faces many diseases caused by different pathogens, such as bacteria, oomycetes, fungi and viruses. To overcome important plant diseases in general, new technologies have been developed and applied to crop protection, including RNA interference (RNAi) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems. RNAi has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for application in plant defence mechanisms against different pathogens as well as their respective vectors, and CRISPR/Cas system has become widely used in gene editing or reprogramming or knocking out any chosen DNA/RNA sequence. In this article, we provide an overview of the use of RNAi and CRISPR/Cas technologies in management strategies to control several plants diseases, and we discuss how these strategies can be potentially used against citrus pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Henrique Goulin
- Centro de Citricultura Sylvio Moreira/IAC, Rodovia Anhanguera, Km 158, Cordeiropolis, SP, Brazil.
| | - Diogo Manzano Galdeano
- Centro de Citricultura Sylvio Moreira/IAC, Rodovia Anhanguera, Km 158, Cordeiropolis, SP, Brazil
| | - Laís Moreira Granato
- Centro de Citricultura Sylvio Moreira/IAC, Rodovia Anhanguera, Km 158, Cordeiropolis, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcos Antonio Machado
- Centro de Citricultura Sylvio Moreira/IAC, Rodovia Anhanguera, Km 158, Cordeiropolis, SP, Brazil
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Vogel E, Santos D, Mingels L, Verdonckt TW, Broeck JV. RNA Interference in Insects: Protecting Beneficials and Controlling Pests. Front Physiol 2019; 9:1912. [PMID: 30687124 PMCID: PMC6336832 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects constitute the largest and most diverse group of animals on Earth with an equally diverse virome. The main antiviral immune system of these animals is the post-transcriptional gene-silencing mechanism known as RNA(i) interference. Furthermore, this process can be artificially triggered via delivery of gene-specific double-stranded RNA molecules, leading to specific endogenous gene silencing. This is called RNAi technology and has important applications in several fields. In this paper, we review RNAi mechanisms in insects as well as the potential of RNAi technology to contribute to species-specific insecticidal strategies. Regarding this aspect, we cover the range of strategies considered and investigated so far, as well as their limitations and the most promising approaches to overcome them. Additionally, we discuss patterns of viral infection, specifically persistent and acute insect viral infections. In the latter case, we focus on infections affecting economically relevant species. Within this scope, we review the use of insect-specific viruses as bio-insecticides. Last, we discuss RNAi-based strategies to protect beneficial insects from harmful viral infections and their potential practical application. As a whole, this manuscript stresses the impact of insect viruses and RNAi technology in human life, highlighting clear lines of investigation within an exciting and promising field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Vogel
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dulce Santos
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lina Mingels
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas-Wolf Verdonckt
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Cooper AM, Silver K, Zhang J, Park Y, Zhu KY. Molecular mechanisms influencing efficiency of RNA interference in insects. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:18-28. [PMID: 29931761 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an endogenous, sequence-specific gene-silencing mechanism elicited by small RNA molecules. RNAi is a powerful reverse genetic tool, and is currently being utilized for managing insects and viruses. Widespread implementation of RNAi-based pest management strategies is currently hindered by inefficient and highly variable results when different insect species, strains, developmental stages, tissues, and genes are targeted. Mechanistic studies have shown that double-stranded ribonucleases (dsRNases), endosomal entrapment, deficient function of the core machinery, and inadequate immune stimulation contribute to limited RNAi efficiency. However, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms limiting RNAi efficiency remains elusive. Recent advances in dsRNA stability in physiological tissues, dsRNA internalization into cells, the composition and function of the core RNAi machinery, as well as small-interfering RNA/double-stranded RNA amplification and spreading mechanisms are reviewed to establish a global understanding of the obstacles impeding wider understanding of RNAi mechanisms in insects. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristopher Silver
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yoonseong Park
- 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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Double-stranded RNA binding protein, Staufen, is required for the initiation of RNAi in coleopteran insects. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:8334-8339. [PMID: 30061410 PMCID: PMC6099913 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1809381115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is being used to develop methods to control pests and disease vectors. RNAi is robust and systemic in coleopteran insects but is quite variable in other insects. The determinants of efficient RNAi in coleopterans, as well as its potential mechanisms of resistance, are not known. RNAi screen identified a double-stranded RNA binding protein (StaufenC) as a major player in RNAi. StaufenC homologs have been identified in only coleopteran insects. Experiments in two coleopteran insects, Leptinotarsa decemlineata and Tribolium castaneum, showed the requirement of StaufenC for RNAi, especially for processing of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to small interfering RNA. RNAi-resistant cells were selected by exposing L. decemlineata, Lepd-SL1 cells to the inhibitor of apoptosis 1 dsRNA for multiple generations. The resistant cells showed lower levels of StaufenC expression compared with its expression in susceptible cells. These studies showed that coleopteran-specific StaufenC is required for RNAi and is a potential target for RNAi resistance. The data included in this article will help improve RNAi in noncoleopteran insects and manage RNAi resistance in coleopteran insects.
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Huang JH, Liu Y, Lin YH, Belles X, Lee HJ. Practical Use of RNA Interference: Oral Delivery of Double-stranded RNA in Liposome Carriers for Cockroaches. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29782022 DOI: 10.3791/57385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has been widely applied for uncovering the biological functions of numerous genes, and has been envisaged as a pest control tool operating by disruption of essential gene expression. Although different methods, such as injection, feeding, and soaking, have been reported for successful delivery of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), the efficiency of RNAi through oral delivery of dsRNA is highly variable among different insect groups. The German cockroach, Blattella germanica, is highly sensitive to the injection of dsRNA, as shown by many studies published previously. The present study describes a method to demonstrate that the dsRNA encapsulated with liposome carriers is sufficient to retard the degradation of dsRNA by midgut juice. Notably, the continuous feeding of dsRNA encapsulated by liposomes significantly reduces the tubulin expression in the midgut, and led to the death of cockroaches. In conclusion, the formulation and utilization of dsRNA lipoplexes, which protect dsRNA against nucleases, could be a practical use of RNAi for insect pest control in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University
| | - Yu-Hsien Lin
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University; Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, Czech Academy of Sciences; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia
| | | | - How-Jing Lee
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University;
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Weiner S, Geffre A, Toth A. Functional genomics in the wild: a case study with paper wasps shows challenges and prospects for RNA interference in ecological systems. Genome 2018; 61:266-272. [DOI: 10.1139/gen-2017-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a useful tool to assess gene function by knocking down expression of a target gene and has been used successfully in domestic and laboratory organisms. However, the use of RNAi for functional genomics has not fully extended into ecological model organisms in natural environments. Assessment of gene function in the wild is important because gene function can be environmentally and context dependent. Here, we present a case study using RNAi to assess gene function in wild paper wasps Polistes metricus, to test roles for two candidate genes (NADH dehydrogenase (NADHdh) and retinoid and fatty acid binding protein (RfaBp)) in the development of reproductive castes. Previous studies have shown that these genes are upregulated in larvae that become queens compared to workers, but this pattern was reversed in the laboratory, making field-based studies necessary. We orally administered dsRNA to larvae in field colonies and found evidence of a short-term knockdown followed by a compensatory rebound in expression for RfaBp. We also observed the predicted worker-like decrease in lipid stores in NADHdh dsRNA treated wasps, suggesting a possible role for NADHdh in caste development. We discuss our results in the context of challenges for using RNAi for functional genomics in ecological model organisms in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.A. Weiner
- Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - A.G. Geffre
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - A.L. Toth
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
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RNA interference technology to improve the baculovirus-insect cell expression system. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:443-451. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Santos D, Wynant N, Van den Brande S, Verdonckt TW, Mingels L, Peeters P, Kolliopoulou A, Swevers L, Vanden Broeck J. Insights into RNAi-based antiviral immunity in Lepidoptera: acute and persistent infections in Bombyx mori and Trichoplusia ni cell lines. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2423. [PMID: 29403066 PMCID: PMC5799340 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20848-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The control of viral infections in insects is a current issue of major concern and RNA interference (RNAi) is considered the main antiviral immune response in this group of animals. Here we demonstrate that overexpression of key RNAi factors can help to protect insect cells against viral infections. In particular, we show that overexpression of Dicer2 and Argonaute2 in lepidopteran cells leads to improved defense against the acute infection of the Cricket Paralysis Virus (CrPV). We also demonstrate an important role of RNAi in the control of persistent viral infections, as the one caused by the Macula-like Latent Virus (MLV). Specifically, a direct interaction between Argonaute2 and virus-specific small RNAs is shown. Yet, while knocking down Dicer2 and Argonaute2 resulted in higher transcript levels of the persistently infecting MLV in the lepidopteran cells under investigation, overexpression of these proteins could not further reduce these levels. Taken together, our data provide deep insight into the RNAi-based interactions between insects and their viruses. In addition, our results suggest the potential use of an RNAi gain-of-function approach as an alternative strategy to obtain reduced viral-induced mortality in Lepidoptera, an insect order that encompasses multiple species of relevant economic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Santos
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 02465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Niels Wynant
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 02465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stijn Van den Brande
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 02465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas-Wolf Verdonckt
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 02465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lina Mingels
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 02465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paulien Peeters
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 02465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Kolliopoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Group, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", 153 10, Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Group, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", 153 10, Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 02465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
As a laboratory animal, Drosophila melanogaster has made extensive contributions to understanding many areas of fundamental biology as well as being an effective model for human disease. Until recently, there was relatively little known about fly peroxisomes. There were early studies that examined the role of peroxisome enzymes during development of organs like the eye. However, with the advent of a well-annotated, sequenced genome, several groups have collectively determined, first by sequence homology and increasingly by functional studies, Drosophila Peroxins and related peroxisome proteins. Notably, it was shown that Drosophila peroxisome biogenesis is mediated via a well-conserved PTS1 import system. Although the fly genome encodes a Pex7 homologue, a canonical PTS2 import system does not seem to be conserved in Drosophila. Given the homology between Drosophila and Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Homo sapiens peroxisome biogenesis and function, Drosophila has emerged as an effective multicellular system to model human Peroxisome Biogenesis Disorders. Finally, Drosophila peroxisome research has recently come into its own, facilitating new discoveries into the role of peroxisomes within specific tissues, such as testes or immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Anderson-Baron
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 5-14 Medical Sciences, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Andrew J Simmonds
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 5-14 Medical Sciences, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada.
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Poreddy S, Li J, Baldwin IT. Plant-mediated RNAi silences midgut-expressed genes in congeneric lepidopteran insects in nature. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 17:199. [PMID: 29132300 PMCID: PMC5683459 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-017-1149-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant-mediated RNAi (PMRi) silencing of insect genes has enormous potential for crop protection, but whether it works robustly under field conditions, particularly with lepidopteran pests, remains controversial. Wild tobacco Nicotiana attenuata and cultivated tobacco (N. tabacum) (Solanaceae) is attacked by two closely related specialist herbivores Manduca sexta and M. quinquemaculata (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae). When M. sexta larvae attack transgenic N. attenuata plants expressing double-stranded RNA(dsRNA) targeting M. sexta's midgut-expressed genes, the nicotine-ingestion induced cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (invert repeat (ir)CYP6B46-plants) and the lyciumoside-IV-ingestion induced β-glucosidase1 (irBG1-plants), these larval genes which are important for the larvae's response to ingested host toxins, are strongly silenced. RESULTS Here we show that the PMRi procedure also silences the homologous genes in native M. quinquemaculata larvae feeding on irCYP6B46 and irBG1-transgenic N. attenuata plants in nature. The PMRi lines shared 98 and 96% sequence similarity with M. quinquemaculata homologous coding sequences, and CYP6B46 and BG1 transcripts were reduced by ca. 90 and 80%, without reducing the transcripts of the larvae's most similar, potential off-target genes. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the PMRi procedure can robustly and specifically silence genes in native congeneric insects that share sufficient sequence similarity and with the careful selection of targets, might protect crops from attack by congeneric-groups of insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spoorthi Poreddy
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Str. 8, D-07745, Jena, Germany
- Present address: Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Zollikerstrasse 107, CH-8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jiancai Li
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Str. 8, D-07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Ian T Baldwin
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Str. 8, D-07745, Jena, Germany.
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The evolution of animal Argonautes: evidence for the absence of antiviral AGO Argonautes in vertebrates. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9230. [PMID: 28835645 PMCID: PMC5569025 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08043-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to mediating regulation of endogenous gene expression, RNA interference (RNAi) in plants and invertebrates plays a crucial role in defense against viruses via virus-specific siRNAs. Different studies have demonstrated that the functional diversity of RNAi in animals is linked to the diversification of the Argonaute superfamily, central components of RISCs (RNA induced silencing complexes). The animal Argonaute superfamily is traditionally grouped into AGO and PIWI Argonautes. Yet, by performing phylogenetic analyses and determining the selective evolutionary pressure in the metazoan Argonaute superfamily, we provide evidence for the existence of three conserved Argonaute lineages between basal metazoans and protostomes, namely siRNA-class AGO, miRNA-class AGO and PIWI Argonautes. In addition, it shown that the siRNA-class AGO lineage is characterized by high rates of molecular evolution, suggesting a role in the arms race with viruses, while the miRNA-class AGOs display strong sequence conservation. Interestingly, we also demonstrate that vertebrates lack siRNA-class AGO proteins and that vertebrate AGOs display low rates of molecular evolution. In this way, we provide supportive evidence for the loss of the antiviral siRNA-class AGO group in vertebrates and discuss the consequence hereof on antiviral immunity and the use of RNAi as a loss of function tool in these animals.
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40
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Kandasamy SK, Zhu L, Fukunaga R. The C-terminal dsRNA-binding domain of Drosophila Dicer-2 is crucial for efficient and high-fidelity production of siRNA and loading of siRNA to Argonaute2. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 23:1139-1153. [PMID: 28416567 PMCID: PMC5473147 DOI: 10.1261/rna.059915.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Drosophila Dicer-2 efficiently and precisely produces 21-nucleotide (nt) siRNAs from long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) substrates and loads these siRNAs onto the effector protein Argonaute2 for RNA silencing. The functional roles of each domain of the multidomain Dicer-2 enzyme in the production and loading of siRNAs are not fully understood. Here we characterized Dicer-2 mutants lacking either the N-terminal helicase domain or the C-terminal dsRNA-binding domain (CdsRBD) (ΔHelicase and ΔCdsRBD, respectively) in vivo and in vitro. We found that ΔCdsRBD Dicer-2 produces siRNAs with lowered efficiency and length fidelity, producing a smaller ratio of 21-nt siRNAs and higher ratios of 20- and 22-nt siRNAs in vivo and in vitro. We also found that ΔCdsRBD Dicer-2 cannot load siRNA duplexes to Argonaute2 in vitro. Consistent with these findings, we found that ΔCdsRBD Dicer-2 causes partial loss of RNA silencing activity in vivo. Thus, Dicer-2 CdsRBD is crucial for the efficiency and length fidelity in siRNA production and for siRNA loading. Together with our previously published findings, we propose that CdsRBD binds the proximal body region of a long dsRNA substrate whose 5'-monophosphate end is anchored by the phosphate-binding pocket in the PAZ domain. CdsRBD aligns the RNA to the RNA cleavage active site in the RNase III domain for efficient and high-fidelity siRNA production. This study reveals multifunctions of Dicer-2 CdsRBD and sheds light on the molecular mechanism by which Dicer-2 produces 21-nt siRNAs with a high efficiency and fidelity for efficient RNA silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh K Kandasamy
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Ryuya Fukunaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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41
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Thairu MW, Skidmore IH, Bansal R, Nováková E, Hansen TE, Li-Byarlay H, Wickline SA, Hansen AK. Efficacy of RNA interference knockdown using aerosolized short interfering RNAs bound to nanoparticles in three diverse aphid species. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 26:356-368. [PMID: 28314050 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a promising method for validating gene function; however, its utility in nonmodel insects has proven problematic, with delivery methods being one of the main obstacles. This study investigates a novel method of RNAi delivery in aphids, the aerosolization of short interfering RNA (siRNA)-nanoparticle complexes. By using nanoparticles as a siRNA carrier, the likelihood of cellular uptake is increased, when compared to methods previously used in insects. To determine the efficacy of this RNAi delivery system, siRNAs were aerosolized with and without nanoparticles in three aphid species: Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis glycines and Schizaphis graminum. The genes targeted for knockdown were carotene dehydrogenase (tor), which is important for pigmentation in Ac. pisum, and branched chain-amino acid transaminase (bcat), which is essential in the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids in all three aphid species. Overall, we observed modest gene knockdown of tor in Ac. pisum and moderate gene knockdown of bcat in Ap. glycines along with its associated phenotype. We also determined that the nanoparticle emulsion significantly increased the efficacy of gene knockdown. Overall, these results suggest that the aerosolized siRNA-nanoparticle delivery method is a promising new high-throughput and non-invasive RNAi delivery method in some aphid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- M W Thairu
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - I H Skidmore
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - R Bansal
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, USA
| | - E Nováková
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - T E Hansen
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - H Li-Byarlay
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - S A Wickline
- School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - A K Hansen
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
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Lin YH, Huang JH, Liu Y, Belles X, Lee HJ. Oral delivery of dsRNA lipoplexes to German cockroach protects dsRNA from degradation and induces RNAi response. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2017; 73:960-966. [PMID: 27470169 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the past years, the concept of RNAi application for insect pest control has been proposed, considering the disruption of vital genes. However, the efficiency of RNAi is variable between different insect groups, especially by oral delivery of dsRNA. The purpose of this study is to assess the possibilities of RNAi as a tool for pest control using oral delivery of the dsRNAs encapsulated by liposome in the German cockroach Blattella germanica, which is highly sensitive to RNAi by injection of dsRNAs. RESULTS Injecting dsRNA into the abdomen of B. germanica caused dramatic depletion of essential α-tubulin gene and mortality. In contrast, oral delivery of the naked dsRNA resulted in lower RNAi efficiency, accounting for rapid degradation of the dsRNA in the midgut of B. germanica. Notably, we have further demonstrated that continuous ingestion of dsRNA lipoplexes in which dsRNA was encapsulated with a cationic liposome carrier was sufficient to slow down the degradation of dsRNA in the midgut and to increase the mortality of the German cockroach by significantly inhibiting α-tubulin expression in the midgut. CONCLUSION We provide empirical evidence that the formulation of dsRNA lipoplexes could be a plausible approach for insect pest control based on RNAi. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsien Lin
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Hsin Huang
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Xavier Belles
- CSIC-UPF, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - How-Jing Lee
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chan SY, Snow JW. Uptake and impact of natural diet-derived small RNA in invertebrates: Implications for ecology and agriculture. RNA Biol 2017; 14:402-414. [PMID: 27763816 PMCID: PMC5411125 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2016.1248329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The putative transfer and gene regulatory activities of diet-derived small RNAs (sRNAs) in ingesting animals are still debated. The existence of natural uptake of diet-derived sRNA by invertebrate species could have significant implication for our understanding of ecological relationships and could synergize with efforts to use RNA interference (RNAi) technology in agriculture. Here, we synthesize information gathered from studies in invertebrates using natural or artificial dietary delivery of sRNA and from studies of sRNA in vertebrate animals and plants to review our current understanding of uptake and impact of natural diet-derived sRNA on invertebrates. Our understanding has been influenced and sometimes confounded by the diversity of invertebrates and ingested plants studied, our limited insights into how gene expression may be modulated by dietary sRNAs at the mechanistic level, and the paucity of studies focusing directly on natural uptake of sRNA. As such, we suggest 2 strategies to investigate this phenomenon more comprehensively and thus facilitate the realization of its potentially broad impact on ecology and agriculture in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Y. Chan
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Wang F, Lu X, Guo F, Gong H, Zhang H, Zhou Y, Cao J, Zhou J. The immunomodulatory protein RH36 is relating to blood-feeding success and oviposition in hard ticks. Vet Parasitol 2017; 240:49-59. [PMID: 28449954 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An immunomodulatory protein designated RH36 was identified in the tick Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides. The cDNA sequence of RH36 has 844bp and encodes a deduced protein with a predicted molecular weight of 24kDa. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that RH36 presented a degree of similarity of 34.36% with the immunomodulatory protein p36 from the tick Dermacentor andersoni. The recombinant RH36 (rRH36) expressed in Sf9 insect cells suppressed the T-lymphocyte mitogen-driven in vitro proliferation of splenocytes and the expression of several cytokines such as IL-2, IL-12, and TNF-α. Furthermore, the proliferation of splenocytes isolated from rRH36-inoculated mice was significantly lower than that in control mice, suggesting that rRH36 could directly suppress immune responses in vivo. In addition, microarray analysis of splenocytes indicated that the expression of several immunomodulatory genes was downregulated by rRH36. The silencing of the RH36 gene by RNAi led to a 37.5% decrease in the tick attachment rate 24h after placement into the rabbit ears, whereas vaccination with RH36 caused a 53.06% decrease in the tick engorgement rate. Unexpectedly, RNAi induced a significant decrease in the oviposition rate, ovary weight at day 12 after engorgement, and egg-hatching rate. The effects of RH36 on blood feeding and oviposition were further confirmed by vaccination tests using the recombinant protein. These results indicate that RH36 is a novel member of immunosuppressant proteins and affects tick blood feeding and oviposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiaojuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Fengxun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Haiyan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Houshuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yongzhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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Galdeano DM, Breton MC, Lopes JRS, Falk BW, Machado MA. Oral delivery of double-stranded RNAs induces mortality in nymphs and adults of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171847. [PMID: 28282380 PMCID: PMC5345766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is one of the most important citrus pests. ACP is the vector of the phloem-limited bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter americanus and Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the causal agents of the devastating citrus disease huanglongbing (HLB). The management of HLB is based on the use of healthy young plants, eradication of infected plants and chemical control of the vector. RNA interference (RNAi) has proven to be a promising tool to control pests and explore gene functions. Recently, studies have reported that target mRNA knockdown in many insects can be induced through feeding with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). In the current study, we targeted the cathepsin D, chitin synthase and inhibitor of apoptosis genes of adult and nymph ACP by feeding artificial diets mixed with dsRNAs and Murraya paniculata leaves placed in dsRNAs solutions, respectively. Adult ACP mortality was positively correlated with the amount of dsRNA used. Both nymphs and adult ACP fed dsRNAs exhibited significantly increased mortality over time compared with that of the controls. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the dsRNA-mediated RNAi effects on target mRNAs. These results showed that RNAi can be a powerful tool for gene function studies in ACP and perhaps for HLB control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Manzano Galdeano
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Citricultura Sylvio Moreira, Instituto Agronômico de Campinas, Cordeirópolis, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michèle Claire Breton
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Citricultura Sylvio Moreira, Instituto Agronômico de Campinas, Cordeirópolis, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Roberto Spotti Lopes
- Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiróz, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bryce W. Falk
- Plant Pathology Department, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Marcos Antonio Machado
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Citricultura Sylvio Moreira, Instituto Agronômico de Campinas, Cordeirópolis, São Paulo, Brazil
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Abrieux A, Chiu JC. Oral delivery of dsRNA by microbes: Beyond pest control. Commun Integr Biol 2016; 9:e1236163. [PMID: 28042376 PMCID: PMC5193050 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2016.1236163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) by oral delivery of dsRNA in insects has great potential as a tool for integrated pest management (IPM), especially with respect to addressing the need to reduce off-target effect and slow down resistance development to chemical insecticides. Employing the natural association existing between insect and yeast, we developed a novel method to enable the knock down of vital genes in the pest insect Drosophila suzukii through oral delivery of species-specific dsRNA using genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisae. D. suzukii that were fed with our “yeast biopesticide” showed a significant decrease in fitness. In this perspective article, we postulate that this approach could be adapted to a large number of species, given the great diversity of symbiotic interactions involving microorganisms and host species. Furthermore, we speculate that beyond its application as biopesticide, dsRNA delivery by genetically modified microbes can also serve to facilitate reverse genetic applications, specifically in non-model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Abrieux
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California , Davis, CA, USA
| | - Joanna C Chiu
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California , Davis, CA, USA
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Masood M, Everett CP, Chan SY, Snow JW. Negligible uptake and transfer of diet-derived pollen microRNAs in adult honey bees. RNA Biol 2016; 13:109-18. [PMID: 26680555 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2015.1128063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The putative transfer and gene regulatory activities of diet-derived miRNAs in ingesting animals are still debated. Importantly, no study to date has fully examined the role of dietary uptake of miRNA in the honey bee, a critical pollinator in both agricultural and natural ecosystems. After controlled pollen feeding experiments in adult honey bees, we observed that midguts demonstrated robust increases in plant miRNAs after pollen ingestion. However, we found no evidence of biologically relevant delivery of these molecules to proximal or distal tissues of recipient honey bees. Our results, therefore, support the premise that pollen miRNAs ingested as part of a typical diet are not robustly transferred across barrier epithelia of adult honey bees under normal conditions. Key future questions include whether other small RNA species in honey bee diets behave similarly and whether more specialized and specific delivery mechanisms exist for more efficient transport, particularly in the context of stressed barrier epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Masood
- a Department of Biology , Barnard College , New York , NY , 10027 , USA
| | - Claire P Everett
- a Department of Biology , Barnard College , New York , NY , 10027 , USA
| | - Stephen Y Chan
- b Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh , PA , 15261 , USA
| | - Jonathan W Snow
- a Department of Biology , Barnard College , New York , NY , 10027 , USA
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48
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Swevers L, Ioannidis K, Kolovou M, Zografidis A, Labropoulou V, Santos D, Wynant N, Broeck JV, Wang L, Cappelle K, Smagghe G. Persistent RNA virus infection of lepidopteran cell lines: Interactions with the RNAi machinery. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 93-94:81-93. [PMID: 27595655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
RNAi is broadly used as a technique for specific gene silencing in insects but few studies have investigated the factors that can affect its efficiency. Viral infections have the potential to interfere with RNAi through their production of viral suppressors of RNAi (VSRs) and the production of viral small RNAs that can saturate and inactivate the RNAi machinery. In this study, the impact of persistent infection of the RNA viruses Flock house virus (FHV) and Macula-like virus (MLV) on RNAi efficiency was investigated in selected lepidopteran cell lines. Lepidopteran cell lines were found to be readily infected by both viruses without any apparent pathogenic effects, with the exception of Bombyx-derived Bm5 and BmN4 cells, which could not be infected by FHV. Because Sf21 cells were free from both FHV and MLV and Hi5-SF were free from FHV and only contained low levels of MLV, they were tested to evaluate the impact of the presence of the virus. Two types of RNAi reporter assays however did not detect a significant interference with gene silencing in infected Sf21 and Hi5-SF cells when compared to virus-free cells. In Hi5 cells, the presence of FHV could be easily cleared through the expression of an RNA hairpin that targets its VSR gene, confirming that the RNAi mechanism was not inhibited. Sequencing indicated that the B2 RNAi inhibitor gene of FHV and a putative VSR gene from MLV were intact in persistently infected cell lines, indicating that protection against RNAi remains essential for virus survival. It is proposed that infection levels of persistent viruses in the cell lines are too low to have an impact on RNAi efficiency in the lepidopteran cell lines and that encoded VSRs act locally at the sites of viral replication (mitochondrial membranes) without affecting the rest of the cytoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos Ioannidis
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Kolovou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Aris Zografidis
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Labropoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Dulce Santos
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Niels Wynant
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luoluo Wang
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kaat Cappelle
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Cao B, Bao W, Wuriyanghan H. Silencing of Target Chitinase Genes via Oral Delivery of dsRNA Caused Lethal Phenotypic Effects in Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2016; 181:860-866. [PMID: 27663609 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-016-2254-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mythimna separata walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous, migratory corn pest. Outbreak of M. separata has led to severe damage to corn production recently in China. RNAi (RNA interference) is a gene silencing technology applied both in model and non-model organisms, and it is especially useful for the latter in which the reverse genetic research tools are not available. RNAi approach was broadly investigated in many plant pathogens and was used for the generation of anti-pest transgenic plants. We are proposing to use this technology to silence M. separata endogenous genes, thereby, providing a biocontrol method for this insect. Feeding of dsRNAs for target Chitinase genes resulted in substantial decreases of their transcript levels in M. separata. Furthermore, silencing of target Chitinase genes led to phenotypic effects such as reduced body weight and increased mortality. Our study provided both reverse genetic research tool and potential control strategy for this insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Budao Cao
- Inner Mongolia University, No. 235 West College Road, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China, 010021
| | - Wenhua Bao
- Inner Mongolia University, No. 235 West College Road, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China, 010021
| | - Hada Wuriyanghan
- Inner Mongolia University, No. 235 West College Road, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China, 010021.
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50
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Anstead CA, Batterham P, Korhonen PK, Young ND, Hall RS, Bowles VM, Richards S, Scott MJ, Gasser RB. A blow to the fly — Lucilia cuprina draft genome and transcriptome to support advances in biology and biotechnology. Biotechnol Adv 2016; 34:605-620. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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