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Dong Y, Zhang Q, Mao Y, Wu M, Wang Z, Chang L, Zhang J. Control of two insect pests by expression of a mismatch corrected double-stranded RNA in plants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:2010-2019. [PMID: 38426894 PMCID: PMC11182576 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14321] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as an efficient technology for pest control by silencing the essential genes of targeted insects. Owing to its nucleotide sequence-guided working mechanism, RNAi has a high degree of species-specificity without impacts on non-target organisms. However, as plants are inevitably under threat by two or more insect pests in nature, the species-specific mode of RNAi-based technology restricts its wide application for pest control. In this study, we artificially designed an intermediate dsRNA (iACT) targeting two β-Actin (ACT) genes of sap-sucking pests Bemisia tabaci and Myzus persicae by mutual correction of their mismatches. When expressing hairpin iACT (hpiACT) from tobacco nuclear genome, transgenic plants are well protected from both B. tabaci and M. persicae, either individually or simultaneously, as evidenced by reduced fecundity and suppressed ACT gene expression, whereas expression of hpRNA targeting BtACT or MpACT in transgenic tobacco plants could only confer specific resistance to either B. tabaci or M. persicae, respectively. In sum, our data provide a novel proof-of-concept that two different insect species could be simultaneously controlled by artificial synthesis of dsRNA with sequence optimization, which expands the range of transgenic RNAi methods for crop protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yarou Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Mengting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Zican Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Ling Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at ShenzhenChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
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Wen J, Wang M, Zeng Y, He F, Li S, Zhang K, Weng Q. Verification of AKT and CDK5 Gene and RNA Interference Combined with Irradiation to Mediate Fertility Changes in Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4623. [PMID: 38731841 PMCID: PMC11082963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) mainly damages cruciferous crops and causes huge economic losses. Presently, chemical pesticides dominate its control, but prolonged use has led to the development of high resistance. In contrast, the sterile insect technique provides a preventive and control method to avoid the development of resistance. We discovered two genes related to the reproduction of Plutella xylostella and investigated the efficacy of combining irradiation with RNA interference for pest management. The results demonstrate that after injecting PxAKT and PxCDK5, there was a significant decrease of 28.06% and 25.64% in egg production, and a decrease of 19.09% and 15.35% in the hatching rate compared to the control. The ratio of eupyrene sperm bundles to apyrene sperm bundles also decreased. PxAKT and PxCDK5 were identified as pivotal genes influencing male reproductive processes. We established a dose-response relationship for irradiation (0-200 Gy and 200-400 Gy) and derived the irradiation dose equivalent to RNA interference targeting PxAKT and PxCDK5. Combining RNA interference with low-dose irradiation achieved a sub-sterile effect on Plutella xylostella, surpassing either irradiation or RNA interference alone. This study enhances our understanding of the genes associated with the reproduction of Plutella xylostella and proposes a novel approach for pest management by combining irradiation and RNA interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Wen
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.W.); (M.W.); (Y.Z.); (F.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Mengran Wang
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.W.); (M.W.); (Y.Z.); (F.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Yuhao Zeng
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.W.); (M.W.); (Y.Z.); (F.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Fengting He
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.W.); (M.W.); (Y.Z.); (F.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Shifan Li
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.W.); (M.W.); (Y.Z.); (F.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Ke Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.W.); (M.W.); (Y.Z.); (F.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Qunfang Weng
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (J.W.); (M.W.); (Y.Z.); (F.H.); (S.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Wang S, Girardello M, Zhang W. Potential and progress of studying mountain biodiversity by means of butterfly genetics and genomics. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:292-301. [PMID: 37302475 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mountains are rich in biodiversity, and butterflies are species-rich and have a good ecological and evolutionary research foundation. This review addresses the potential and progress of studying mountain biodiversity using butterflies as a model. We discuss the uniqueness of mountain ecosystems, factors influencing the distribution of mountain butterflies, representative genetic and evolutionary models in butterfly research, and evolutionary studies of mountain biodiversity involving butterfly genetics and genomics. Finally, we demonstrate the necessity of studying mountain butterflies and propose future perspectives. This review provides insights for studying the biodiversity of mountain butterflies as well as a summary of research methods for reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Marco Girardello
- cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e do Ambiente, Universidade dos Açores, 9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira, Portugal
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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4
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Debrah I, Zhong D, Machani MG, Nattoh G, Ochwedo KO, Morang'a CM, Lee MC, Amoah LE, Githeko AK, Afrane YA, Yan G. Non-Coding RNAs Potentially Involved in Pyrethroid Resistance of Anopheles funestus Population in Western Kenya. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3979432. [PMID: 38464038 PMCID: PMC10925441 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3979432/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Backgrounds The resurgence of Anopheles funestus , a dominant vector of human malaria in western Kenya was partly attributed to insecticide resistance. However, evidence on the molecular basis of pyrethroid resistance in western Kenya is limited. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) form a vast class of RNAs that do not code for proteins and are ubiquitous in the insect genome. Here, we demonstrated that multiple ncRNAs could play a potential role in An. funestus resistance to pyrethroid in western Kenya. Materials and Methods Anopheles funestus mosquitoes were sampled by aspiration methods in Bungoma, Teso, Siaya, Port Victoria and Kombewa in western Kenya. The F1 progenies were exposed to deltamethrin (0.05%), permethrin (0.75%), DDT (4%) and pirimiphos-methyl (0.25%) following WHO test guidelines. A synergist assay using piperonyl butoxide (PBO) (4%) was conducted to determine cytochrome P450s' role in pyrethroid resistance. RNA-seq was conducted on a combined pool of specimens that were resistant and unexposed, and the results were compared with those of the FANG susceptible strain. This approach aimed to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying pyrethroid resistance. Results Pyrethroid resistance was observed in all the sites with an average mortality rate of 57.6%. Port Victoria had the highest level of resistance to permethrin (MR=53%) and deltamethrin (MR=11%) pyrethroids. Teso had the lowest level of resistance to permethrin (MR=70%) and deltamethrin (MR=87%). Resistance to DDT was observed only in Kombewa (MR=89%) and Port Victoria (MR=85%). A full susceptibility to P-methyl (0.25%) was observed in all the sites. PBO synergist assay revealed high susceptibility (>98%) to the pyrethroids in all the sites except for Port Victoria (MR=96%, n=100). Whole transcriptomic analysis showed that most of the gene families associated with pyrethroid resistance comprised non-coding RNAs (67%), followed by imipenemase (10%),cytochrome P450s (6%), cuticular proteins (5%), olfactory proteins (4%), glutathione S-transferases (3%), UDP-glycosyltransferases (2%), ATP-binding cassettes (2%) and carboxylesterases(1%). Conclusions This study unveils the molecular basis of insecticide resistance in An. funestus in western Kenya, highlighting for the first time the potential role of non-coding RNAs in pyrethroid resistance. Targeting non-coding RNAs for intervention development could help in insecticide resistance management.
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Ma S, Zhang T, Wang R, Wang P, Liu Y, Chang J, Wang A, Lan X, Sun L, Sun H, Shi R, Lu W, Liu D, Zhang N, Hu W, Wang X, Xing W, Jia L, Xia Q. High-throughput and genome-scale targeted mutagenesis using CRISPR in a nonmodel multicellular organism, Bombyx mori. Genome Res 2024; 34:134-144. [PMID: 38191205 PMCID: PMC10903940 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278297.123] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Large-scale genetic mutant libraries are powerful approaches to interrogating genotype-phenotype correlations and identifying genes responsible for certain environmental stimuli, both of which are the central goal of life science study. We produced the first large-scale CRISPR-Cas9-induced library in a nonmodel multicellular organism, Bombyx mori We developed a piggyBac-delivered binary genome editing strategy, which can simultaneously meet the requirements of mixed microinjection, efficient multipurpose genetic operation, and preservation of growth-defect lines. We constructed a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) plasmid library containing 92,917 sgRNAs targeting promoters and exons of 14,645 protein-coding genes, established 1726 transgenic sgRNA lines following microinjection of 66,650 embryos, and generated 300 mutant lines with diverse phenotypic changes. Phenomic characterization of mutant lines identified a large set of genes responsible for visual phenotypic or economically valuable trait changes. Next, we performed pooled context-specific positive screens for tolerance to environmental pollutant cadmium exposure, and identified KWMTBOMO12902 as a strong candidate gene for breeding applications in sericulture industry. Collectively, our results provide a novel and versatile approach for functional B. mori genomics, as well as a powerful resource for identifying the potential of key candidate genes for improving various economic traits. This study also shows the effectiveness, practicality, and convenience of large-scale mutant libraries in other nonmodel organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanyuan Ma
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China;
| | - Tong Zhang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Ruolin Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Jiasong Chang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Aoming Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Xinhui Lan
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Le Sun
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Run Shi
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Wenbo Hu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- China Chongqing Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine & Health Science, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Weiqing Xing
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Ling Jia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China;
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Abreu Reis M, Noriega DD, Dos Santos Alves G, Ramos Coelho R, Grossi-de-Sa MF, Antonino JD. Why is oral-induced RNAi inefficient in Diatraea saccharalis? A possible role for DsREase and other nucleases. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 186:105166. [PMID: 35973772 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105166] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The efficiency of RNAi technology in insects varies considerably, particularly in lepidopterans. An important limiting factor of RNAi-mediated gene silencing is the degradation of dsRNA by insect nucleases before cellular uptake. To date, few studies have reported effective gene knockdown in the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis. However, yielding contradictory results when using oral delivery. Further, the RNAi efficiency in D. saccharalis and presumed activity of gut nucleases remain poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated whether gene silencing was feasible via dsRNA feeding in D. saccharalis. Two different genes were tested, juvenile hormone esterase (DsJHE) and chitin synthase 1 (DsCHS1). Discrete knockdown was verified only for DsCHS1 with high dsRNA dosages and long exposure times. Neither mortality nor abnormal phenotypes were observed after treatment with any tested dsRNA. It was also verified that dsRNAs were quickly degraded when incubated with gut juice. Furthermore, we identified four possible nucleases that could reduce the knockdown efficiency in D. saccharalis. Three of them had the endonuclease_NS domain (DsNucleases), and one had the PIN domain (DsREase), with REase-like genes being scarcely represented in databanks. We further remark that DsNuclease1 and DsREase are highly expressed in the larval gut, and DsREase was upregulated as insects were fed with artificial diet (without dsRNA), and also when injected with dsRNA. Conversely, no nuclease was triggered when insects were fed with a sucrose droplet containing dsRNA. Thus, our findings suggest that nuclease activity within the gut is one of the possible reasons for the inefficiency of RNAi in D. saccharalis. Our data may shed light on the challenges to overcome when introducing RNAi as a strategy for controlling lepidopteran pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoely Abreu Reis
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Gessica Dos Santos Alves
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, Brazil
| | - Roberta Ramos Coelho
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, Brazil
| | - Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa
- Universidade Católica de Brasília - UCB, Brasília, Brazil; Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil
| | - José Dijair Antonino
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil.
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Zhang YH, Ma ZZ, Zhou H, Chao ZJ, Yan S, Shen J. Nanocarrier-delivered dsRNA suppresses wing development of green peach aphids. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:669-682. [PMID: 34288425 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has developed rapidly as a potential "green" pest management strategy. At present, most studies have focused on the screening of aphid lethal genes, whereas only a few studies have been conducted on wing development, which is crucial for aphid migration and plant-virus dissemination. Here, the Myzus persicae genes vestigial (vg) and Ultrabithorax (Ubx) related to wing development, were cloned. These two genes were expressed in various tissues of 3rd-instar winged aphids. The mRNA level of vg was high in 3rd-instar nymphs, whereas the expression level of Ubx was high in adults. The nanocarrier-mediated delivery system delivered double-stranded RNAs for aphid RNAi using topical and root applications. The expression levels of vg and Ubx were downregulated by 44.0% and 36.5%, respectively, using the topical application. The simultaneous RNAi of the two target genes caused 63.3% and 32.2% wing aberration rates using topical and root applications, respectively. The current study provided a promising method for controlling aphid migration to alleviate the spread of insect transmitted plant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Hui Zhang
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong-Zheng Ma
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Jian Chao
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Yan
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Deng Z, Zhang Y, Li L, Xie X, Huang J, Zhang M, Ni X, Li X. A dual-luciferase reporter system for characterization of small RNA target genes in both mammalian and insect cells. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:631-644. [PMID: 34232550 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12945] [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: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulatory RNA molecules that bind to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and affect the stability or translational efficiency of the bound mRNAs. Single or dual-luciferase reporter systems have been successfully used to identify miRNA target genes in mammalian cells. These reporter systems, however, are not sensitive enough to verify miRNA-target gene relationships in insect cell lines because the promoters of the target luciferase (usually Renilla) used in these reporter systems are too weak to drive sufficient expression of the target luciferase in insect cells. In this study, we replaced the SV40 promoter in the psiCHECK-2 reporter vector, which is widely used with mammalian cell lines, with the HSV-TK or AC5.1 promoter to yield two new dual-luciferase reporter vectors, designated psiCHECK-2-TK and psiCHECK-2-AC5.1, respectively. Only psiCHECK-2 and psiCHECK-2-AC5.1 had suitable target (Renilla)/reference (firefly) luciferase activity ratios in mammalian (HeLa and HEK293) and insect (Sf9, S2, Helicoverpa zea fat body and ovary) cell lines, while psiCHECK-2-TK had suitable Renilla/firefly luciferase activity ratios regardless of the cell line. Moreover, psiCHECK-2-TK successfully detected the interaction between Helicoverpa armigera miRNA9a and its target, the 3'-untranslated region of heat shock protein 90, in both mammalian and H. zea cell lines, but psiCHECK-2 failed to do so in H. zea cell lines. Furthermore, psiCHECK-2-TK with the target sequence, HzMasc (H. zea Masculinizer), accurately differentiated between H. zea cell lines with or without the negative regulation factor (miRNA or piRNA) of HzMasc. These data demonstrate that psiCHECK-2-TK can be used to functionally characterize small RNA target genes in both mammalian and insect cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyuan Deng
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Leyao Li
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xingcheng Xie
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinyong Huang
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinzhi Ni
- USDA-ARS, Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit, University of Georgia-Tifton Campus, Tifton, Georgia, USA
| | - Xianchun Li
- Department of Entomology and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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Schvartzman C, Fresia P, Murchio S, Mujica MV, Dalla-Rizza M. RNAi in Piezodorus guildinii (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Transcriptome Assembly for the Development of Pest Control Strategies. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:804839. [PMID: 35432425 PMCID: PMC9011191 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.804839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Red-banded stink bug Piezodorus guildinii (P. guildinii) has been described as the most damaging stink bug regarding soybean crops, leading to seed injury, low germination percentages, and foliar retention, at low population densities. In recent years, RNA interference (RNAi), a conserved eukaryote silencing mechanism has been explored to develop species-selective pesticides. In this work, we evaluated RNAi in P. guildinii to develop new pest-control strategies. For this, we assembled and annotated a P. guildinii transcriptome from a pool of all developmental stages. Analysis of this transcriptome led to the identification of 56 genes related to the silencing process encompassing siRNA, miRNA, and piRNA pathways. To evaluate the functionality of RNAi machinery, P. guildinii adults were injected with 28 ng/mg of body weight of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting vATPase A. A mortality of 35 and 51.6% was observed after 7 and 14 days, respectively, and a downregulation of vATPase A gene of 84% 72 h post-injection. In addition, Dicer-2 and Argonaute-2 genes, core RNAi proteins, were upregulated 1.8-fold 48 h after injection. These findings showed for the first time that RNAi is functional in P. guildinii and the silencing of essential genes has a significant effect in adult viability. Taken together, the work reported here shows that RNAi could be an interesting approach for the development of red-banded stink bug control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Schvartzman
- Unidad de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Fresia
- Unidad Mixta Pasteur + INIA (UMPI), Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sara Murchio
- Unidad de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - María Valentina Mujica
- Unidad de Protección Vegetal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Marco Dalla-Rizza
- Unidad de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Canelones, Uruguay
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Nitnavare RB, Bhattacharya J, Singh S, Kour A, Hawkesford MJ, Arora N. Next Generation dsRNA-Based Insect Control: Success So Far and Challenges. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:673576. [PMID: 34733295 PMCID: PMC8558349 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.673576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a method of gene silencing where dsRNA is digested into small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the presence of enzymes. These siRNAs then target homologous mRNA sequences aided by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). The mechanism of dsRNA uptake has been well studied and established across many living organisms including insects. In insects, RNAi is a novel and potential tool to develop future pest management means targeting various classes of insects including dipterans, coleopterans, hemipterans, lepidopterans, hymenopterans and isopterans. However, the extent of RNAi in individual class varies due to underlying mechanisms. The present review focuses on three major insect classes viz hemipterans, lepidopterans and coleopterans and the rationale behind this lies in the fact that studies pertaining to RNAi has been extensively performed in these groups. Additionally, these classes harbour major agriculturally important pest species which require due attention. Interestingly, all the three classes exhibit varying levels of RNAi efficiencies with the coleopterans exhibiting maximum response, while hemipterans are relatively inefficient. Lepidopterans on the other hand, show minimum response to RNAi. This has been attributed to many facts and few important being endosomal escape, high activity dsRNA-specific nucleases, and highly alkaline gut environment which renders the dsRNA unstable. Various methods have been established to ensure safe delivery of dsRNA into the biological system of the insect. The most common method for dsRNA administration is supplementing the diet of insects via spraying onto leaves and other commonly eaten parts of the plant. This method is environment-friendly and superior to the hazardous effects of pesticides. Another method involves submergence of root systems in dsRNA solutions and subsequent uptake by the phloem. Additionally, more recent techniques are nanoparticle- and Agrobacterium-mediated delivery systems. However, due to the novelty of these biotechnological methods and recalcitrant nature of certain crops, further optimization is required. This review emphasizes on RNAi developments in agriculturally important insect species and the major hurdles for efficient RNAi in these groups. The review also discusses in detail the development of new techniques to enhance RNAi efficiency using liposomes and nanoparticles, transplastomics, microbial-mediated delivery and chemical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul B. Nitnavare
- Division of Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Plant Science, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Joorie Bhattacharya
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, India
- Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
| | - Satnam Singh
- Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Regional Research Station, Faridkot, India
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Amardeep Kour
- Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Regional Research Station, Bathinda, India
| | | | - Naveen Arora
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, India
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Cooper AM, Song H, Yu Z, Biondi M, Bai J, Shi X, Ren Z, Weerasekara SM, Hua DH, Silver K, Zhang J, Zhu KY. Comparison of strategies for enhancing RNA interference efficiency in Ostrinia nubilalis. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:635-645. [PMID: 33002336 PMCID: PMC7855606 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting insect-specific genes through post-transcriptional gene silencing with RNA interference (RNAi) is a new strategy for insect pest management. However, lepidopterans are recalcitrant to RNAi, which prevents application of novel RNAi technology to many notorious pests, including Ostrinia nubilalis (ECB). Strategies for enhancing RNAi efficiency, including large doses of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), nuclease inhibitors, transfection reagents, and nanoparticles, have proved useful in other insects exhibiting substantial dsRNA degradation, a major mechanism limiting RNAi efficacy. To determine if similar strategies can enhance RNAi efficiency in ECB, various reagents were tested for their ability to enhance dsRNA stability in ECB tissues, then compared for their effectiveness in whole ECB. RESULTS Ex vivo incubation experiments revealed that Meta dsRNA lipoplexes, EDTA, chitosan-based dsRNA nanoparticles, and Zn2+ enhanced dsRNA stability in ECB hemolymph and gut content extracts, compared with uncoated dsRNA. Despite these positive results, the reagents used in this study were ineffective at enhancing RNAi efficiency in ECB in vivo. To reduce assay time and required dsRNA, midguts were dissected and incubated in tissue culture medium containing dsRNA with and without reagents. These experiments showed that RNAi efficiency varied between target genes, and nuclease inhibitors improved RNAi efficiency for only a portion of the refractory target genes investigated ex vivo. CONCLUSION These results indicate that enhancing dsRNA stability is insufficient to improve RNAi efficiency in ECB and suggests the existence of additional, complex mechanisms contributing to low RNAi efficiency in ECB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia M.W. Cooper
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Huifang Song
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Zhitao Yu
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Marie Biondi
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jun Bai
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
- School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510631, China
| | - Xuekai Shi
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Zhaoyang Ren
- Department of Chemistry, 213 CBC Building, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Sahani M. Weerasekara
- Department of Chemistry, 213 CBC Building, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Duy H. Hua
- Department of Chemistry, 213 CBC Building, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Kristopher Silver
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
- Author for correspondence: (K.Y. Zhu)
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Cooper AMW, Song H, Shi X, Yu Z, Lorenzen M, Silver K, Zhang J, Zhu KY. Characterization, expression patterns, and transcriptional responses of three core RNA interference pathway genes from Ostrinia nubilalis. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 129:104181. [PMID: 33359365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2020.104181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is commonly used in the laboratory to analyze gene function, and RNAi-based pest management strategies are now being employed. Unfortunately, RNAi is hindered by inefficient and highly-variable results when different insects are targeted, especially lepidopterans, such as the European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Previous efforts to achieve RNAi-mediated gene suppression in ECB revealed low RNAi efficiency with both double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection and ingestion. One mechanism that can affect RNAi efficiency in insects is the expression and function of core RNAi pathway genes, such as those encoding Argonaut 2 (Ago2), Dicer 2 (Dcr2), and a dsRNA binding protein (R2D2). To determine if deficiencies in these core RNAi pathway genes contribute to low RNAi efficiency in ECB, full-length complementary DNAs encoding OnAgo2, OnDcr2, and OnR2D2 were cloned, sequenced, and characterized. A comparison of domain architecture suggested that all three predicted proteins contained the necessary domains to function. However, a comparison of evolutionary distances revealed potentially important variations in the first RNase III domain of OnDcr2, the double-stranded RNA binding domains of OnR2D2, and both the PAZ and PIWI domains of OnAgo2, which may indicate functional differences in enzymatic activity between species. Expression analysis indicated that transcripts for all three genes were expressed in all developmental stages and tissues investigated. Interestingly, the introduction of non-target dsRNA into ECB second-instar larvae via microinjection did not affect OnAgo2, OnDcr2, or OnR2D2 expression. In contrast, ingestion of the same dsRNAs resulted in upregulation of OnDcr2 but downregulation of OnR2D2. The unexpected transcriptional responses of the core machinery and the divergence in amino-acid sequence between specific domains in each core RNAi protein may possibly contribute to low RNAi efficiency in ECB. Understanding the contributions of different RNAi pathway components is critical to adapting this technology for use in controlling lepidopteran pests that exhibit low RNAi efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia M W Cooper
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
| | - Huifang Song
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Xuekai Shi
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Zhitao Yu
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Marcé Lorenzen
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Campus Box 7613, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Kristopher Silver
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
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Cooper AMW, Yu Z, Biondi M, Song H, Silver K, Zhang J, Zhu KY. Stability of double-stranded RNA in gut contents and hemolymph of Ostrinia nubilalis larvae. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 169:104672. [PMID: 32828377 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2020.104672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a revolutionary technique for silencing gene expression, but the success of this technique is dependent upon the stability of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules. In many insects, especially lepidopteran species, RNAi efficiency is limited by high instability of dsRNA in the gut and/or hemolymph, preventing the development of RNAi-based strategies for many serious pests. Previous attempts to perform RNAi on Ostrinia nubilalis (ECB, Lepidoptera: Crambidae) indicate low RNAi efficiency with both dsRNA injection and feeding. To investigate the contribution of dsRNA instability to low RNAi efficiency in ECB, a serious of ex vivo incubation experiments were performed where dsRNA integrity was assessed following incubation in larval gut continents and hemolymph using gel electrophoresis or RT-qPCR. DsRNA was less stable in the gut contents from ECB than in gut contents from Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, a coleopteran exhibiting high RNAi efficiency. Furthermore, characterization of dsRNA stability in ECB gut contents and hemolymph revealed that dsRNA was rapidly degraded under physiologically relevant conditions as a result of enzymatic activity that was neither size- nor sequence-dependent. These findings suggest that instability of dsRNA in ECB tissues is a contributing factor to the poor efficiency of RNAi in this pest. This work advances our understanding of mechanisms impacting RNAi efficiency in ECB and related lepidopteran insects for which novel pest management strategies are needed, and may facilitate the development of strategies for enhancing dsRNA stability in ECB tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia M W Cooper
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Zhitao Yu
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Marie Biondi
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Huifang Song
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Kristopher Silver
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
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Cooper AMW, Song H, Shi X, Yu Z, Lorenzen M, Silver K, Zhang J, Zhu KY. Molecular Characterizations of Double-Stranded RNA Degrading Nuclease Genes from Ostrinia nubilalis. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11100652. [PMID: 32977554 PMCID: PMC7598268 DOI: 10.3390/insects11100652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary RNA interference is a gene suppression tool that uses double-stranded RNA to prevent specific genes from producing proteins. By targeting essential genes RNA interference can be developed for control of insect pests. Unfortunately, RNA interference is not equally effective for all insects. Previous investigation suggested that RNA is rapidly digested by unidentified components of body fluids in the European corn borer caterpillar. We characterized genes encoding proteins from European corn borer that are associated with RNA digestion in other insects. Our results suggest that two proteins (RNA interference efficiency-related nuclease and double-stranded RNA-degrading endonuclease 2) may be responsible for digesting RNAs in the European corn borer gut, whereas two other proteins (double-stranded RNA-degrading endonuclease 1 and double-stranded RNA-degrading endonuclease 4) may be responsible for digesting RNA in European corn borer body fluid. These findings suggest digestion of RNA in the European corn borer is likely due to the activity of these proteins. These findings provide information about the mechanism(s) influencing RNA stability in insects. The knowledge generated by this study will facilitate the development of strategies for enhancing RNA interference in insects. Abstract Variable RNA interference (RNAi) efficiencies limit RNAi-based pest management strategies for many pests. Previous efforts to understand mechanisms contributing to low RNAi efficiency indicate that double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is degraded in the European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis, due to nuclease activity. To investigate the contribution of dsRNA-degrading endonucleases (dsRNases) and lepidopteran-specific RNAi efficiency-related nucleases (REases) to dsRNA instability and low RNAi efficiency in ECB, five complementary DNAs putatively encoding four dsRNases (OndsRNase1, 2, 3, and 4) and one REase (OnREase) were sequenced. Characterization of these transcripts revealed that substrate specificity might vary among the four dsRNases due to different amino acid combinations in the substrate-binding sites. Gene expression analysis indicated that OndsRNase2 and OnREase were highly expressed in the larval gut, and OndsRNase1 showed the highest expression in hemolymph, especially in older developmental stages. Transcript level analysis after dsRNA exposure revealed that expression of OnREase rapidly increased upon dsRNA ingestion or injection, whereas OndsRNase4 expression only increased after long-term ingestion of dsRNA. While the biological function of these nucleases remains to be verified, our results suggest that OnREase and OndsRNase2, and OndsRNase1 and OndsRNase4 may be responsible for degradation of dsRNAs in the ECB gut and hemolymph, respectively, thereby contributing to low RNAi efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia M. W. Cooper
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (H.S.); (X.S.); (Z.Y.); (K.S.); (J.Z.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.W.C.); (K.Y.Z.)
| | - Huifang Song
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (H.S.); (X.S.); (Z.Y.); (K.S.); (J.Z.)
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Xuekai Shi
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (H.S.); (X.S.); (Z.Y.); (K.S.); (J.Z.)
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Zhitao Yu
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (H.S.); (X.S.); (Z.Y.); (K.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Marcé Lorenzen
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Campus Box 7613, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | - Kristopher Silver
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (H.S.); (X.S.); (Z.Y.); (K.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (H.S.); (X.S.); (Z.Y.); (K.S.); (J.Z.)
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (H.S.); (X.S.); (Z.Y.); (K.S.); (J.Z.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.W.C.); (K.Y.Z.)
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Adeyinka OS, Riaz S, Toufiq N, Yousaf I, Bhatti MU, Batcho A, Olajide AA, Nasir IA, Tabassum B. Advances in exogenous RNA delivery techniques for RNAi-mediated pest control. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:6309-6319. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05666-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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16
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González-González A, Wayne ML. Immunopathology and immune homeostasis during viral infection in insects. Adv Virus Res 2020; 107:285-314. [PMID: 32711732 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Organisms clear infections by mounting an immune response that is normally turned off once the pathogens have been cleared. However, sometimes this immune response is not properly or timely arrested, resulting in the host damaging itself. This immune dysregulation may be referred to as immunopathology. While our knowledge of immune and metabolic pathways in insects, particularly in response to viral infections, is growing, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate this immune response and hence little is known about immunopathology in this important and diverse group of organisms. In this chapter we focus both on documenting the molecular mechanisms described involved in restoring immune homeostasis in insects after viral infections and on identifying potential mechanisms for future investigation. We argue that learning about the immunopathological consequences of an improperly regulated immune response in insects will benefit both insect and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta L Wayne
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Vaschetto LM, Beccacece HM. The emerging importance of noncoding RNAs in the insecticide tolerance, with special emphasis on Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2019; 10:e1539. [PMID: 31045325 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Recently generated high-throughput sequencing data sets have shed light on the important regulatory roles of noncoding RNA (ncRNA) molecules in the development of higher organisms. Nowadays it is well-known that regulatory ncRNAs can bind complementary RNA or DNA sequences and recruit chromatin remodelers to selectively modulate gene expression. Consequently, genome sequencing and transcriptomics technologies are now being used to reveal hidden associations among ncRNAs and distinct biological mechanisms. This is the case for the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella, a worldwide pest known to infest cruciferous crops and to display resistance to most insecticides, including Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) based biopesticides. In P. xylostella, it is thought that ncRNAs could play important roles in both development and insecticide resistance. This review will highlight recent insights into the roles of ncRNAs in P. xylostella and related lepidopterans, and will outline genetic engineering technologies which might be used to design efficient ncRNA-based pest control strategies. This article is categorized under: Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis María Vaschetto
- Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IDEA, CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (FCEFyN, UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Hernán Mario Beccacece
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (FCEFyN, UNC), Córdoba, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IIByT, CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
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Liu Z, Wang X, Dai Y, Wei X, Ni M, Zhang L, Zhu Z. Expressing Double-Stranded RNAs of Insect Hormone-Related Genes Enhances Baculovirus Insecticidal Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E419. [PMID: 30669419 PMCID: PMC6359566 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Baculoviruses have already been used for insect pest control, but the slow killing speed limits their further promotion and application. Here we provide a strategy for improving baculovirus insecticidal activity using Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearNPV) to express double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) targeting cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) juvenile hormone (JH)-related genes. Droplet-feeding bioassays show that the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) values of recombinant baculoviruses expressing the dsRNA of JH acid methyl transferase gene (HaJHAMT) and the JH acid binding protein gene (HaJHBP) were 1.24 × 10⁴ polyhedral inclusion bodies (PIB)/mL and 2.26 × 10⁴ PIB/mL, respectively. Both were much lower than the control value (8.12 × 10⁴ PIB/mL). Meanwhile, the LT50 of recombinant baculovirus expressing dsRNA of HaJHBP was only 54.2% of the control value, which means that larval death was accelerated. Furthermore, the mRNA level of target genes was reduced in recombinant baculovirus-treated cotton bollworm larvae. Transcription of several key genes involved in hormone signaling pathways-for example, ecdysone receptor gene (HaEcR)-was also altered. This study establishes a new strategy for pest management by interfering with insect hormone-related gene expression via baculoviruses, and the engineered baculoviruses have great potential application in cotton production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xiaofang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yan Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Xiaoli Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Mi Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Zhen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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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: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [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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20
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Vélez AM, Fishilevich E. The mysteries of insect RNAi: A focus on dsRNA uptake and transport. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 151:25-31. [PMID: 30704709 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is becoming a practical tool to control insect pests. Many mysteries of how double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is transported into, within, and between cells to generate an efficient RNAi response in insects are still to be unraveled. This review provides an overview of the evidence that supports a key role of endocytosis in the uptake of dsRNA on both cellular and tissue levels. Additionally, other components of cellular membrane transport and their impact on the efficiency of RNAi in insects are explored. It is now evident that the membrane transport and potentially dsRNA release from the endosome may comprise some of the limiting factors in insects that are recalcitrant to dsRNA. This review concludes with the apparent connection between gene products that are necessary for cellular trafficking of dsRNA and highly lethal RNAi targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Vélez
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Entomology, 103 Entomology Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0816, United States.
| | - Elane Fishilevich
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Entomology, 103 Entomology Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0816, United States; Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, United States.
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Davis-Vogel C, Van Allen B, Van Hemert JL, Sethi A, Nelson ME, Sashital DG. Identification and comparison of key RNA interference machinery from western corn rootworm, fall armyworm, and southern green stink bug. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203160. [PMID: 30183751 PMCID: PMC6124762 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based technology shows great potential for use in agriculture, particularly for management of costly insect pests. In the decade since the insecticidal effects of environmentally-introduced RNA were first reported, this treatment has been applied to several types of insect pests. Through the course of those efforts, it has become apparent that different insects exhibit a range of sensitivity to environmentally-introduced RNAs. The variation in responses across insect is not well-understood, with differences in the underlying RNAi mechanisms being one explanation. This study evaluates eight proteins among three agricultural pests whose responses to environmental RNAi are known to differ: western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera), fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), and southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula). These proteins have been identified in various organisms as centrally involved in facilitating the microRNA- and small interfering-RNA-mediated interference responses. Various bioinformatics tools, as well as gene expression profiling, were used to identify and evaluate putative homologues for characteristics that may contribute to the differing responses of these insects, such as the absence of critical functional domains within expressed sequences, the absence of entire gene sequences, or unusually low or undetectable expression of critical genes. Though many similarities were observed, the number of isoforms and expression levels of double-stranded RNA-binding and argonaute proteins varied across insect. Differences among key RNAi machinery genes of these three pests may impact the function of their RNAi pathways, and therefore, their respective responses to exogenous RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Davis-Vogel
- Research and Development, DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, Iowa, United States of America
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Brandon Van Allen
- Research and Development, DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, Iowa, United States of America
| | - John L. Van Hemert
- Research and Development, DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Amit Sethi
- Research and Development, DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Mark E. Nelson
- Research and Development, DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Dipali G. Sashital
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
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22
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Santa JD, Berdugo-Cely J, Cely-Pardo L, Soto-Suárez M, Mosquera T, Galeano M. CH. QTL analysis reveals quantitative resistant loci for Phytophthora infestans and Tecia solanivora in tetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199716. [PMID: 29979690 PMCID: PMC6034811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Late blight and Guatemalan potato tuber moth caused by Phytophthora infestans and Tecia solanivora, respectively, are major phytosanitary problems on potato crops in Colombia and Ecuador. Hence, the development of resistant cultivars is an alternative for their control. However, breeding initiatives for durable resistance using molecular tools are limited due to the genome complexity and high heterozygosity in autotetraploid potatoes. To contribute to a better understanding of the genetic basis underlying the resistance to P. infestans and T. solanivora in potato, the aim of this study was to identify QTLs for resistance to P. infestans and T. solanivora using a F1 tetraploid potato segregant population for both traits. Ninety-four individuals comprised this population. Parent genotypes and their progeny were genotyped using SOLCAP 12K potato array. Forty-five percent of the markers were polymorphic. A genetic linkage map was built with a length of 968.4 cM and 1,287 SNPs showing good distribution across the genome. Severity and incidence were evaluated in two crop cycles for two years. QTL analysis revealed six QTLs linked to P. infestans, four of these related to previous QTLs reported, and two novel QTLs (qrAUDPC-3 and qrAUDPC-8). Fifteen QTLs were linked to T. solanivora, being qIPC-6 and qOPA-6.1, and qIPC-10 and qIPC-10.1 stable in two different trials. This study is one of the first to identify QTLs for T. solanivora. As the population employed is a breeding population, results will contribute significantly to breeding programs to select resistant plant material, especially in countries where P. infestans and T. solanivora limit potato production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan David Santa
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (AGROSAVIA), C.I. Tibaitatá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jhon Berdugo-Cely
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (AGROSAVIA), C.I. Tibaitatá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Liliana Cely-Pardo
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (AGROSAVIA), C.I. Tibaitatá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Mauricio Soto-Suárez
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (AGROSAVIA), C.I. Tibaitatá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Teresa Mosquera
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos H. Galeano M.
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (AGROSAVIA), C.I. Palmira, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
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23
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Swevers L, Liu J, Smagghe G. Defense Mechanisms against Viral Infection in Drosophila: RNAi and Non-RNAi. Viruses 2018; 10:E230. [PMID: 29723993 PMCID: PMC5977223 DOI: 10.3390/v10050230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAi is considered a major antiviral defense mechanism in insects, but its relative importance as compared to other antiviral pathways has not been evaluated comprehensively. Here, it is attempted to give an overview of the antiviral defense mechanisms in Drosophila that involve both RNAi and non-RNAi. While RNAi is considered important in most viral infections, many other pathways can exist that confer antiviral resistance. It is noted that very few direct recognition mechanisms of virus infections have been identified in Drosophila and that the activation of immune pathways may be accomplished indirectly through cell damage incurred by viral replication. In several cases, protection against viral infection can be obtained in RNAi mutants by non-RNAi mechanisms, confirming the variability of the RNAi defense mechanism according to the type of infection and the physiological status of the host. This analysis is aimed at more systematically investigating the relative contribution of RNAi in the antiviral response and more specifically, to ask whether RNAi efficiency is affected when other defense mechanisms predominate. While Drosophila can function as a useful model, this issue may be more critical for economically important insects that are either controlled (agricultural pests and vectors of diseases) or protected from parasite infection (beneficial insects as bees) by RNAi products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Swevers
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, NCSR "Demokritos", 15341 Athens, Greece.
| | - Jisheng Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, 510006 Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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24
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Livramento KGD, Freitas NC, Máximo WPF, Zanetti R, Paiva LV. Gene Expression Profile Analysis is Directly Affected by the Selected Reference Gene: The Case of Leaf-Cutting Atta Sexdens. INSECTS 2018; 9:E18. [PMID: 29419794 PMCID: PMC5872283 DOI: 10.3390/insects9010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Although several ant species are important targets for the development of molecular control strategies, only a few studies focus on identifying and validating reference genes for quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) data normalization. We provide here an extensive study to identify and validate suitable reference genes for gene expression analysis in the ant Atta sexdens, a threatening agricultural pest in South America. The optimal number of reference genes varies according to each sample and the result generated by RefFinder differed about which is the most suitable reference gene. Results suggest that the RPS16, NADH and SDHB genes were the best reference genes in the sample pool according to stability values. The SNF7 gene expression pattern was stable in all evaluated sample set. In contrast, when using less stable reference genes for normalization a large variability in SNF7 gene expression was recorded. There is no universal reference gene suitable for all conditions under analysis, since these genes can also participate in different cellular functions, thus requiring a systematic validation of possible reference genes for each specific condition. The choice of reference genes on SNF7 gene normalization confirmed that unstable reference genes might drastically change the expression profile analysis of target candidate genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalynka G do Livramento
- Central Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG 37200-000, Brazil.
| | - Natália C Freitas
- Central Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG 37200-000, Brazil.
| | - Wesley P F Máximo
- Central Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG 37200-000, Brazil.
| | - Ronald Zanetti
- Entomology Department, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG 37200-000, Brazil.
| | - Luciano V Paiva
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG 37200-000, Brazil.
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25
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Kumar D, Gong C. Insect RNAi: Integrating a New Tool in the Crop Protection Toolkit. TRENDS IN INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2017. [PMCID: PMC7121382 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-61343-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Protecting crops against insect pests is a major focus area in crop protection. Over the past two decades, biotechnological interventions, especially Bt proteins, have been successfully implemented across the world and have had major impacts on reducing chemical pesticide applications. As insects continue to adapt to insecticides, both chemical and protein-based, new methods, molecules, and modes of action are necessary to provide sustainable solutions. RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a significant tool to knock down or alter gene expression profiles in a species-specific manner. In the past decade, there has been intense research on RNAi applications in crop protection. This chapter looks at the current state of knowledge in the field and outlines the methodology, delivery methods, and precautions required in designing targets. Assessing the targeting of specific gene expression is also an important part of a successful RNAi strategy. The current literature on the use of RNAi in major orders of insect pests is reviewed, along with a perspective on the regulatory aspects of the approach. Risk assessment of RNAi would focus on molecular characterization, food/feed risk assessment, and environmental risk assessment. As more RNAi-based products come through regulatory systems, either via direct application or plant expression based, the impact of this approach on crop protection will become clearer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chengliang Gong
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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26
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Kolliopoulou A, Taning CNT, Smagghe G, Swevers L. Viral Delivery of dsRNA for Control of Insect Agricultural Pests and Vectors of Human Disease: Prospects and Challenges. Front Physiol 2017; 8:399. [PMID: 28659820 PMCID: PMC5469917 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAi is applied as a new and safe method for pest control in agriculture but efficiency and specificity of delivery of dsRNA trigger remains a critical issue. Various agents have been proposed to augment dsRNA delivery, such as engineered micro-organisms and synthetic nanoparticles, but the use of viruses has received relatively little attention. Here we present a critical view of the potential of the use of recombinant viruses for efficient and specific delivery of dsRNA. First of all, it requires the availability of plasmid-based reverse genetics systems for virus production, of which an overview is presented. For RNA viruses, their application seems to be straightforward since dsRNA is produced as an intermediate molecule during viral replication, but DNA viruses also have potential through the production of RNA hairpins after transcription. However, application of recombinant virus for dsRNA delivery may not be straightforward in many cases, since viruses can encode RNAi suppressors, and virus-induced silencing effects can be determined by the properties of the encoded RNAi suppressor. An alternative is virus-like particles that retain the efficiency and specificity determinants of natural virions but have encapsidated non-replicating RNA. Finally, the use of viruses raises important safety issues which need to be addressed before application can proceed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kolliopoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, NCSR “Demokritos,”Aghia Paraskevi, Greece
| | - Clauvis N. T. Taning
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, NCSR “Demokritos,”Aghia Paraskevi, Greece
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27
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Ghosh SKB, Hunter WB, Park AL, Gundersen-Rindal DE. Double strand RNA delivery system for plant-sap-feeding insects. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171861. [PMID: 28182760 PMCID: PMC5300277 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated gene silencing, also known as RNA interference (RNAi), has been a breakthrough technology for functional genomic studies and represents a potential tool for the management of insect pests. Since the inception of RNAi numerous studies documented successful introduction of exogenously synthesized dsRNA or siRNA into an organism triggering highly efficient gene silencing through the degradation of endogenous RNA homologous to the presented siRNA. Managing hemipteran insect pests, especially Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), is critical to food productivity. BMSB was recently introduced into North America where it is both an invasive agricultural pest of high value specialty, row, and staple crops, as well as an indoor nuisance pest. RNAi technology may serve as a viable tool to manage this voracious pest, but delivery of dsRNA to piercing-sucking insects has posed a tremendous challenge. Effective and practical use of RNAi as molecular biopesticides for biocontrol of insects like BMSB in the environment requires that dsRNAs be delivered in vivo through ingestion. Therefore, the key challenge for molecular biologists in developing insect-specific molecular biopesticides is to find effective and reliable methods for practical delivery of stable dsRNAs such as through oral ingestion. Here demonstrated is a reliable delivery system of effective insect-specific dsRNAs through oral feeding through a new delivery system to induce a significant decrease in expression of targeted genes such as JHAMT and Vg. This state-of-the-art delivery method overcomes environmental delivery challenges so that RNAi is induced through insect-specific dsRNAs orally delivered to hemipteran and other insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Kumar B. Ghosh
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wayne B. Hunter
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, Florida, United States of America
| | - Alexis L. Park
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dawn E. Gundersen-Rindal
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
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28
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Xu J, Wang XF, Chen P, Liu FT, Zheng SC, Ye H, Mo MH. RNA Interference in Moths: Mechanisms, Applications, and Progress. Genes (Basel) 2016; 7:E88. [PMID: 27775569 PMCID: PMC5083927 DOI: 10.3390/genes7100088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of lepidopterans, about 90%, are moths. Some moths, particularly their caterpillars, are major agricultural and forestry pests in many parts of the world. However, some other members of moths, such as the silkworm Bombyx mori, are famous for their economic value. Fire et al. in 1998 initially found that exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can silence the homolog endogenous mRNA in organisms, which is called RNA interference (RNAi). Soon after, the RNAi technique proved to be very promising not only in gene function determination but also in pest control. However, later studies demonstrate that performing RNAi in moths is not as straightforward as shown in other insect taxa. Nevertheless, since 2007, especially after 2010, an increasing number of reports have been published that describe successful RNAi experiments in different moth species either on gene function analysis or on pest management exploration. So far, more than 100 peer-reviewed papers have reported successful RNAi experiments in moths, covering 10 families and 25 species. By using classic and novel dsRNA delivery methods, these studies effectively silence the expression of various target genes and determine their function in larval development, reproduction, immunology, resistance against chemicals, and other biological processes. In addition, a number of laboratory and field trials have demonstrated that RNAi is also a potential strategy for moth pest management. In this review, therefore, we summarize and discuss the mechanisms and applications of the RNAi technique in moths by focusing on recent progresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.
- Institute of Plant Protection, Yunnan Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650201, China.
| | - Xia-Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.
| | - Peng Chen
- Institute of Plant Protection, Yunnan Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650201, China.
| | - Fang-Tao Liu
- School of Physical Education, Wenshan Institute, Wenshan 663000, China.
| | - Shuai-Chao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.
| | - Hui Ye
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.
| | - Ming-He Mo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.
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29
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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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30
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Roberts AF, Devos Y, Lemgo GNY, Zhou X. Biosafety research for non-target organism risk assessment of RNAi-based GE plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2015; 6:958. [PMID: 26594220 PMCID: PMC4635219 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference, or RNAi, refers to a set of biological processes that make use of conserved cellular machinery to silence genes. Although there are several variations in the source and mechanism, they are all triggered by double stranded RNA (dsRNA) which is processed by a protein complex into small, single stranded RNA, referred to as small interfering RNAs (siRNA) with complementarity to sequences in genes targeted for silencing. The use of the RNAi mechanism to develop new traits in plants has fueled a discussion about the environmental safety of the technology for these applications, and this was the subject of a symposium session at the 13th ISBGMO in Cape Town, South Africa. This paper continues that discussion by proposing research areas that may be beneficial for future environmental risk assessments of RNAi-based genetically modified plants, with a particular focus on non-target organism assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F. Roberts
- ILSI Research Foundation, Center for Environmental Risk AssessmentWashington, DC, USA
| | - Yann Devos
- GMO Unit, European Food Safety AuthorityParma, Italy
| | - Godwin N. Y. Lemgo
- NEPAD Agency – African Biosafety Network of ExpertiseOuagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of KentuckyLexington, KY, USA
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31
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Moreau SJM, Asgari S. Venom Proteins from Parasitoid Wasps and Their Biological Functions. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:2385-412. [PMID: 26131769 PMCID: PMC4516919 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7072385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitoid wasps are valuable biological control agents that suppress their host populations. Factors introduced by the female wasp at parasitization play significant roles in facilitating successful development of the parasitoid larva either inside (endoparasitoid) or outside (ectoparasitoid) the host. Wasp venoms consist of a complex cocktail of proteinacious and non-proteinacious components that may offer agrichemicals as well as pharmaceutical components to improve pest management or health related disorders. Undesirably, the constituents of only a small number of wasp venoms are known. In this article, we review the latest research on venom from parasitoid wasps with an emphasis on their biological function, applications and new approaches used in venom studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien J M Moreau
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 7261, Université François-Rabelais, Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences et Techniques, Parc Grandmont, 37200 Tours, France.
| | - Sassan Asgari
- School of Biological Sciences, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia.
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