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Zhang MQ, Gong LL, Zhao YQ, Ma YF, Long GJ, Guo H, Liu XZ, Hull JJ, Dewer Y, Yang C, Zhang NN, He M, He P. Efficient DIPA-CRISPR-mediated knockout of an eye pigment gene in the white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera. INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 31:1015-1025. [PMID: 37919237 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Although CRISPR/Cas9 has been widely used in insect gene editing, the need for the microinjection of preblastoderm embryos can preclude the technique being used in insect species with eggs that are small, have hard shells, and/or are difficult to collect and maintain outside of their normal environment. Such is the case with Sogatella furcifera, the white-backed planthopper (WBPH), a significant pest of Oryza sativa (rice) that oviposits inside rice stems. Egg extraction from the stem runs the risk of mechanical damage and hatching is heavily influenced by the micro-environment of the rice stem. To bypass these issues, we targeted embryos prior to oviposition via direct parental (DIPA)-CRISPR, in which Cas9 and single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) for the WBPH eye pigment gene tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase were injected into the hemocoel of adult females. Females at varying numbers of days posteclosion were evaluated to determine at what stage their oocyte might be most capable of taking up the gene-editing components. An evaluation of the offspring indicated that the highest G0 gene-edited efficacy (56.7%) occurred in females injected 2 d posteclosion, and that those mutations were heritably transmitted to the G1 generation. This study demonstrates the potential utility of DIPA-CRISPR for future gene-editing studies in non-model insect species and can facilitate the development of novel pest management applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Qi Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lang-Lang Gong
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ya-Qin Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yun-Feng Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Gui-Jun Long
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Huan Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xuan-Zheng Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - J Joe Hull
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, Arizona, USA
| | - Youssef Dewer
- Phytotoxicity Research Department, Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Chao Yang
- Guizhou Jifeng Seed Industry Limited Liability Company, Xingyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ning-Ning Zhang
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming He
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Peng He
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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Zhang X, Singh A, Soriano Martinez K, Ferree PM. Direct Parental (DIPA) CRISPR in the jewel wasp, Nasonia vitripennis. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae095. [PMID: 38734969 PMCID: PMC11228858 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
While clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 technology has demonstrated remarkable promise as a gene-editing tool, its application in certain insects, such as the jewel wasp, Nasonia vitripennis, has been hindered by a lack of a tractable method for reagent delivery. Direct Parental (DIPA-) CRISPR recently emerged as a facile way to induce gene lesions because it involves adult injection with commercially available Cas9-sgRNA with no helper reagent. However, DIPA-CRISPR has so far been tested in only a few insects. Here, we have assessed the amenability of DIPA-CRISPR in N. vitripennis by targeting two eye pigmentation genes, cinnabar and vermilion, which function in the ommochrome pathway. Successful generation of lesions in both genes demonstrated the functionality of DIPA-CRISPR in N. vitripennis and its potential application to other genes, thereby expanding the range of insects suitable for this method. We varied two parameters, Cas9-sgRNA concentration and injection volume, to determine optimal injection conditions. We found that the larger injection volume coupled with either higher or lower reagent concentration was needed for consistent mutation production. However, DIPA-CRISPR yields an overall low mutation rate in N. vitripennis when compared to other tested insects, a characteristic that may be attributed to a proportionally low vitellogenic import efficiency in the jewel wasp. We discuss different factors that may be considered in determining when DIPA-CRISPR may be preferable over other reagent delivery methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmi Zhang
- Department of Natural Sciences, Pitzer College and Scripps College, 925 N Mills Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Anabhra Singh
- Department of Natural Sciences, Pitzer College and Scripps College, 925 N Mills Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Kassandra Soriano Martinez
- Department of Natural Sciences, Pitzer College and Scripps College, 925 N Mills Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Patrick M Ferree
- Department of Natural Sciences, Pitzer College and Scripps College, 925 N Mills Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
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Matsuda N, Takahashi M, Shirai Y, Hinomoto N, Daimon T. Direct parental CRISPR gene editing in the predatory bug Orius strigicollis, a biocontrol agent against small arthropods. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38934844 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The predatory flower bug Orius strigicollis serves as a valuable biocontrol agent against small arthropods; however, its effectiveness can vary, especially when population establishment fails due to low prey/pest densities. A promising approach to improve the efficacy of O. strigicollis as a biocontrol agent is through gene editing. However, as females lay their eggs in plant tissue, the conventional embryo injection approach is challenging in this species. RESULTS In this study, we aimed to develop an efficient and practical gene editing technique for O. strigicollis using direct parental CRISPR (DIPA-CRISPR). Female bugs at various postemergence stages received Cas9 ribonucleoprotein injections, with subsequent genotyping of their offspring (G0) using PCR and a heteroduplex mobility assay. We targeted the kynurenine 3-monooxygenase gene (cinnabar), pivotal for insect ommochrome pigment biosynthesis. Through experimental optimization, we achieved a peak gene editing efficiency of 52%, i.e., 52% of G0 progeny carried gene-edited alleles when injecting 1 day postemergence. Notably, some gene-edited G0 adults exhibited a red-eye mosaic phenotype, in contrast to the black-eyed wild type. Crossing experiments confirmed the heritability of the introduced mutations in the subsequent generation (G1), enabling the establishment of a cinnabar-knockout line with bright red eyes. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that our DIPA-CRISPR gene editing method tailored for O. strigicollis is efficient and practical. Our findings highlight the potency of DIPA-CRISPR as a tool for O. strigicollis genetic engineering and suggest broader applications for enhancing other biocontrol agents. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Matsuda
- Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Momoyo Takahashi
- Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yu Shirai
- Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Norihide Hinomoto
- Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takaaki Daimon
- Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Bansal R, Zhao C, Burks CS, Walse SS, Hunter WB. Characterization and RNA interference-mediated silencing of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase gene in Carpophilus hemipterus (L.) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22072. [PMID: 38288486 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Dried fruit beetle, Carpophilus hemipterus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), is a serious pest of ripened fresh fruit in the orchard and dried fruit in postprocessing storage. Despite the economic impact and widespread distribution of C. hemipterus, there is a lack of functional genomics research seeking to elucidate features of molecular physiology for improved pest management. Here, we report the characterization of the gene named Vermilion in C. hemipterus (ChVer) that encodes for tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase. The Vermilion is frequently used as a visual marker for genomics approaches as tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase is involved in the biosynthesis of eye coloration pigments in insects. We identified 1628 bp long full-length transcript of ChVer from transcriptomic database of C. hemipterus. The expression analysis among adult body parts revealed peak ChVer expression in head compared to thorax and abdomen, which is consistent with its role. Among the C. hemipterus developmental stages, peak ChVer expression was observed in first instar larva, second instar larva, and adult male stages, whereas the lowest levels of expression were seen in third instar larva, prepupa, and pupa. The nanoinjection of ChVer double-stranded RNA in larval C. hemipterus resulted in a significant reduction in ChVer transcript levels as well as caused a loss of eye color, that is, the white-eyed phenotype in adults. Characterization of visually traceable marker gene and robust RNA interference response seen in this study will enable genomics research is this important pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Bansal
- USDA-ARS, San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center, Parlier, California, USA
| | - Chaoyang Zhao
- USDA-ARS, National Soil Dynamics Research Laboratory, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Charles S Burks
- USDA-ARS, San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center, Parlier, California, USA
| | - Spencer S Walse
- USDA-ARS, San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center, Parlier, California, USA
| | - Wayne B Hunter
- USDA-ARS, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
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Terradas G, Macias VM, Peterson H, McKeand S, Krawczyk G, Rasgon JL. The Development and Expansion of in vivo Germline Editing Technologies in Arthropods: Receptor-Mediated Ovary Transduction of Cargo (ReMOT Control) and Beyond. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:1550-1563. [PMID: 37742320 PMCID: PMC10755176 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past 20 years, sequencing technologies have led to easy access to genomic data from nonmodel organisms in all biological realms. Insect genetic manipulation, however, continues to be a challenge due to various factors, including technical and cost-related issues. Traditional techniques such as microinjection of gene-editing vectors into early stage embryos have been used for arthropod transgenesis and the discovery of Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR-Cas) technologies allowed for targeted mutagenesis and the creation of knockouts or knock-ins in arthropods. Receptor-Mediated Ovary Transduction of Cargo (ReMOT Control) acts as an alternative to embryonic microinjections, which require expensive equipment and extensive hands-on training. ReMOT Control's main advantage is its ease of use coupled with the ability to hypothetically target any vitellogenic species, as injections are administered to the egg-laying adult rather than embryos. After its initial application in the mosquito Aedes aegypti, ReMOT Control has successfully produced mutants not only for mosquitoes but for multiple arthropod species from diverse orders, such as ticks, mites, wasps, beetles, and true bugs, and is being extended to crustaceans, demonstrating the versatility of the technique. In this review, we discuss the current state of ReMOT Control from its proof-of-concept to the advances and challenges in the application across species after 5 years since its development, including novel extensions of the technique such as direct parental (DIPA)-CRISPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Terradas
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Vanessa M Macias
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Hillary Peterson
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Sage McKeand
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Grzegorz Krawczyk
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Jason L Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
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Yu B, Dong S, Jiang X, Qiao L, Chen J, Li T, Pan G, Zhou Z, Li C. Cas9-Mediated Gene Editing Using Receptor-Mediated Ovary Transduction of Cargo (ReMOT) Control in Bombyx mori. INSECTS 2023; 14:932. [PMID: 38132605 PMCID: PMC10743513 DOI: 10.3390/insects14120932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Lepidoptera is one of the most speciose insect orders, causing enormous damage to agricultural and forest crops. Although genome editing has been achieved in a few Lepidoptera for insect controls, most techniques are still limited. Here, by injecting female pupae of the Lepidoptera model species, Bombyx mori, gene editing was established using the Receptor-Mediated Ovary Transduction of Cargo (ReMOT) control technique. We identified a B. mori oocytes-targeting peptide ligand (BmOTP, a 29 aa of vitellogenin N-terminal of silkworms) with a highly conserved sequence in lepidopteran insects that could efficiently deliver mCherry into oocytes. When BmOTP was fused to CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) and the BmOTP-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex was injected into female pupae, heritable editing of the offspring was achieved in the silkworms. Compared with embryo microinjection, individual injection is more convenient and eliminates the challenge of injecting extremely small embryos. Our results will significantly facilitate the genetic manipulation of other lepidopteran insects, which is essential for advancing lepidopteran pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Sichen Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaoyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China;
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China;
| | - Chunfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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Bai M, Liu ZL, Zhou YY, Xu QX, Liu TX, Tian HG. Influence of diverse storage conditions of double-stranded RNA in vitro on the RNA interference efficiency in vivo insect Tribolium castaneum. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:45-54. [PMID: 36086883 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant variation in RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency hinders further functional gene studies and pest control application in many insects. The available double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules introduced into the target cells are regarded as the crucial factor for efficient RNAi response. However, numerous studies have only focused on dsRNA stability in vivo; it is uncertain whether different dsRNA storage conditions in vitro play a role in variable RNAi efficiency among insects. RESULTS A marker gene cardinal, which leads to white eyes when knocked-down in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, was used to evaluate the effects of RNAi efficiency under different dsRNA storage conditions. We demonstrated that the dsRNA molecule is very stable under typical cryopreservation temperatures (-80 and -20 °C) within 180 days, and RNAi efficiency shows no significant differences under either low temperature. Unexpectedly, while dsRNA molecules were treated with multiple freeze-thaw cycles up to 50 times between -80/-20 °C and room temperature, we discovered that dsRNA integrity and RNAi efficiency were comparable with fresh dsRNA. Finally, when the stability of dsRNA was further measured under refrigerated storage conditions (4 °C), we surprisingly found that dsRNA is still stable within 180 days and can induce an efficient RNAi response as that of initial dsRNA. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that dsRNA is extraordinarily stable under various temperature storage conditions that did not significantly impact RNAi efficiency in vivo insects. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Zi-Ling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yu-Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Qiu-Xuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Hong-Gang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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Functional genomic tools for emerging model species. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 37:1104-1115. [PMID: 35914975 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Most studies in the field of ecology and evolution aiming to connect genotype to phenotype rarely validate identified loci using functional tools. Recent developments in RNA interference (RNAi) and clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas genome editing have dramatically increased the feasibility of functional validation. However, these methods come with specific challenges when applied to emerging model organisms, including limited spatial control of gene silencing, low knock-in efficiencies, and low throughput of functional validation. Moreover, many functional studies to date do not recapitulate ecologically relevant variation, and this limits their scope for deeper insights into evolutionary processes. We therefore argue that increased use of gene editing by allelic replacement through homology-directed repair (HDR) would greatly benefit the field of ecology and evolution.
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Rylee JC, Nin‐Velez A, Mahato S, Helms KJ, Wade MJ, Zentner GE, Zelhof AC. Generating and testing the efficacy of transgenic Cas9 in Tribolium castaneum. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:543-550. [PMID: 35429082 PMCID: PMC9544626 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has now expanded to many insect species, including Tribolium castaneum. However, compared to Drosophila melanogaster, the CRISPR toolkit of T. castaneum is limited. A particularly apparent gap is the lack of Cas9 transgenic animals, which generally offer higher editing efficiency. We address this by creating and testing transgenic beetles expressing Cas9. We generated two different constructs bearing basal heat shock promoter-driven Cas9, two distinct 3' UTRs, and one containing Cas9 fused to EGFP by a T2A peptide. Analyses of Cas9 activity in each transgenic line demonstrated that both designs are capable of inducing CRISPR- mediated changes in the genome in the absence of heat induction. Overall, these resources enhance the accessibility of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for the Tribolium research community and provide a benchmark against which to compare future transgenic Cas9 lines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra Nin‐Velez
- Department of BiologyIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
- Present address:
Lilly and Company Corporate CenterIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Simpla Mahato
- Department of BiologyIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | | | - Michael J. Wade
- Department of BiologyIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | - Gabriel E. Zentner
- Department of BiologyIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
- Present address:
eGenesis, Inc.CambridgeMassachusettsUSA
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Shirai Y, Piulachs MD, Belles X, Daimon T. DIPA-CRISPR is a simple and accessible method for insect gene editing. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100215. [PMID: 35637909 PMCID: PMC9142683 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Current approaches for insect gene editing require microinjection of materials into early embryos. This severely limits the application of gene editing to a great number of insect species, especially to those whose reproduction systems preclude access to early embryos for injection. To overcome these limitations, we report a simple and accessible method for insect gene editing, termed "direct parental" CRISPR (DIPA-CRISPR). We show that injection of Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) into the haemocoel of adult females efficiently introduces heritable mutations in developing oocytes. Importantly, commercially available standard Cas9 protein can be directly used for DIPA-CRISPR, which makes this approach highly practical and feasible. DIPA-CRISPR enables highly efficient gene editing in the cockroaches, on which conventional approaches cannot be applied, and in the model beetle Tribolium castaneum. Due to its simplicity and accessibility, DIPA-CRISPR will greatly extend the application of gene editing technology to a wide variety of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shirai
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Maria-Dolors Piulachs
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Xavier Belles
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Takaaki Daimon
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
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Nakamura T, Ylla G, Extavour CG. Genomics and genome editing techniques of crickets, an emerging model insect for biology and food science. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 50:100881. [PMID: 35123119 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2022.100881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Most tools available for manipulating gene function in insects have been developed for holometabolous species. In contrast, functional genetics tools for the Hemimetabola are highly underdeveloped. This is a barrier both to understanding ancestral insect biology, and to optimizing contemporary study and manipulation of particular large hemimetabolous orders of crucial economic and agricultural importance like the Orthoptera. For orthopteran insects, including crickets, the rapid spread of next-generation sequencing technology has made transcriptome data available for a wide variety of species over the past decade. Furthermore, whole genome sequences of orthopteran insects with relatively large genome sizes are now available. With these new genome assemblies and the development of genome editing technologies such as the CRISPR-Cas9 system, it has become possible to create gene knock-out and knock-in strains in orthopteran insects. As a result, orthopteran species should become increasingly feasible for laboratory study not only in research fields that have traditionally used insects, but also in agricultural fields that use them as food and feed. In this review, we summarize these recent advances and their relevance to such applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Nakamura
- Division of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Japan.
| | - Guillem Ylla
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA; Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genome Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Cassandra G Extavour
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA
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12
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CRISPR-mediated knockout of cardinal and cinnabar eye pigmentation genes in the western tarnished plant bug. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4917. [PMID: 35322099 PMCID: PMC8943060 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08908-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus, is a key hemipteran pest of numerous agricultural, horticultural, and industrial crops in the western United States and Mexico. A lack of genetic tools in L. hesperus hinders progress in functional genomics and in developing innovative pest control methods such as gene drive. Here, using RNA interference (RNAi) against cardinal (LhCd), cinnabar (LhCn), and white (LhW), we showed that knockdown of LhW was lethal to developing embryos, while knockdown of LhCd or LhCn produced bright red eye phenotypes, in contrast to wild-type brown eyes. We further used CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated) genome editing to generate germline knockouts of both LhCd (Card) and LhCn (Cinn), producing separate strains of L. hesperus characterized by mutant eye phenotypes. Although the cardinal knockout strain Card exhibited a gradual darkening of the eyes to brown typical of the wild-type line later in nymphal development, we observed bright red eyes throughout all life stages in the cinnabar knockout strain Cinn, making it a viable marker for tracking gene editing in L. hesperus. These results provide evidence that CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing functions in L. hesperus and that eye pigmentation genes are useful for tracking the successful genetic manipulation of this insect.
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13
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Sharma A, Pham MN, Reyes JB, Chana R, Yim WC, Heu CC, Kim D, Chaverra-Rodriguez D, Rasgon JL, Harrell RA, Nuss AB, Gulia-Nuss M. Cas9-mediated gene editing in the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, by embryo injection and ReMOT Control. iScience 2022; 25:103781. [PMID: 35535206 PMCID: PMC9076890 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their capacity to acquire and pass on an array of debilitating pathogens, research on ticks has lagged behind other arthropod vectors, such as mosquitoes, largely because of challenges in applying available genetic and molecular tools. CRISPR-Cas9 is transforming non-model organism research; however, successful gene editing has not yet been reported in ticks. Technical challenges for injecting tick embryos to attempt gene editing have further slowed research progress. Currently, no embryo injection protocol exists for any chelicerate species, including ticks. Herein, we report a successful embryo injection protocol for the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, and the use of this protocol for genome editing with CRISPR-Cas9. We also demonstrate that the ReMOT Control technique could be successfully used to generate genome mutations outside Insecta. Our results provide innovative tools to the tick research community that are essential for advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing pathogen transmission by tick vectors and the underlying biology of host-vector-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Michael N. Pham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Jeremiah B. Reyes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Randeep Chana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Won C. Yim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Chan C. Heu
- Department of Entomology, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Donghun Kim
- Department of Entomology, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Duverney Chaverra-Rodriguez
- Department of Entomology, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jason L. Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Robert A. Harrell
- Insect Transformation Facility, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Andrew B. Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- Department of Agriculture, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Monika Gulia-Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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Nuss A, Sharma A, Gulia-Nuss M. Genetic Manipulation of Ticks: A Paradigm Shift in Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:678037. [PMID: 34041045 PMCID: PMC8141593 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.678037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods that are distributed worldwide and are one of the most important vectors of pathogens affecting humans and animals. Despite the growing burden of tick-borne diseases, research on ticks has lagged behind other arthropod vectors, such as mosquitoes. This is largely because of challenges in applying functional genomics and genetic tools to the idiosyncrasies unique to tick biology, particularly techniques for stable genetic transformations. CRISPR-Cas9 is transforming non-model organism research; however, successful germline editing has yet to be accomplished in ticks. Here, we review the ancillary methods needed for transgenic tick development and the use of CRISPR/Cas9, the most promising gene-editing approach, for tick genetic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
- Department of Agriculture, Veterinary, and Rangeland Sciences, The University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Arvind Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Monika Gulia-Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
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15
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Chaverra-Rodriguez D, Dalla Benetta E, Heu CC, Rasgon JL, Ferree PM, Akbari OS. Germline mutagenesis of Nasonia vitripennis through ovarian delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 29:569-577. [PMID: 32715554 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is a powerful technology to study the genetics of rising model organisms, such as the jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis. However, current methods involving embryonic microinjection of CRISPR reagents are challenging. Delivery of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein into female ovaries is an alternative that has only been explored in a small handful of insects, such as mosquitoes, whiteflies and beetles. Here, we developed a simple protocol for germline gene editing by injecting Cas9 ribonucleoprotein in adult N. vitripennis females using either ReMOT control (Receptor-Mediated Ovary Transduction of Cargo) or BAPC (Branched Amphiphilic Peptide Capsules) as ovary delivery methods. For ReMOT Control we used the Drosophila melanogaster-derived peptide 'P2C' fused to EGFP to visualize the ovary delivery, and fused to Cas9 protein for gene editing of the cinnabar gene using saponin as an endosomal escape reagent. For BAPC we optimized the concentrations of protein, sgRNA and the transfection reagent. We demonstrate delivery of protein cargo such as EGFP and Cas9 into developing oocytes via P2C peptide and BAPC. Additionally, somatic and germline gene editing were demonstrated. This approach will greatly facilitate CRISPR-applied genetic manipulation in this and other rising model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Chaverra-Rodriguez
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - E Dalla Benetta
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- W. M. Keck Science Department, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - C C Heu
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - J L Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - P M Ferree
- W. M. Keck Science Department, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - O S Akbari
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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