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Yang J, Zhang Y, Zhao J, Gao Y, Liu Z, Zhang P, Fan R, Xing S, Zhou X. Target gene selection for RNAi-based biopesticides against the hawthorn spider mite, Amphitetranychus viennensis (Acari: Tetranychidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:2482-2492. [PMID: 36866409 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, RNA interference (RNAi)-based biopesticide, a species-specific pest control alternative, has been deregulated and commercialized in the US and Canada. The hawthorn spider mite, Amphitetranychus viennensis Zacher, is a major pest for rosaceous plants, which has been controlled primarily by synthetic pesticides. To address the emerging resistance issues in A. viennensis, we initiated a project to develop RNAi-based biopesticides. RESULTS In this study, we (i) developed a dietary RNAi system for A. viennensis using leaf disc, (ii) assessed the suitability of multiple control genes to distinguish sequence-specific silencing from non-specific effects within this RNAi system, and (iii) screened for the target gene candidates. As a result, β-Glucuronidase (GUS), an enzyme derived from E. coli and a broadly used reporter for plants is the appropriate control for A. viennensis RNAi, while green fluorescent protein (GFP), is not suitable due to its significantly higher mortality than the other controls. For target gene screening, suppression was confirmed for all the candidates, including two housekeeping genes (Vacuolar-type H + -ATPase subunit A (V-ATPase A) and Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, (GAPDH)), and three genes associated with development (ATP-dependent RNA Helicase DDX3Y (Belle), CREB-binding protein (CBP), and Farnesoic acid O-methyltransferase (FaMet)). Knocking down of V-ATPase A resulted in the highest mortality (~ 90%) and reduced fecundity (over 90%) than other candidates. As for the genes associated with development, suppression of Belle and CBP, led to approximately 65% mortality, as well as 86% and 40% reduction in fecundity, respectively. Silencing of FaMet, however, had negligible biological impacts on A. viennensis. CONCLUSION The combined efforts not only establish an effective dsRNA delivery method, but also provide potential target genes for RNAi-based biopesticides against A. viennensis, a devastating invasive pest for fruit trees and woody ornamental plants throughout Asia and Europe. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University/Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yuying Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University/Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Taiyuan, China
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yue Gao
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University/Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhongfang Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University/Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Taiyuan, China
| | - Pengjiu Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University/Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Taiyuan, China
| | - Renjun Fan
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University/Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shuping Xing
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Chen S, Luo X, Nanda S, Yang C, Li Z, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Pan H. RNAi-Based Biopesticides Against 28-Spotted Ladybeetle Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata Does Not Harm the Insect Predator Propylea japonica. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:3373-3384. [PMID: 36762732 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated control of the notorious pest Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is an emerging environment friendly research area. However, the characterization of key target genes in H. vigintioctopunctata is crucial for this. Additionally, assessing the risk of RNAi to nontarget organisms (NTOs) is necessary for environmental safety. In this study, the potential of RNAi technology in controlling H. vigintioctopunctata infestation has been investigated by the oral delivery of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The results revealed that the silencing of six genes, including HvABCH1, HvHel25E, HvProsbeta5, HvProsalpha6, HvProsbeta6, and HvSrp54k, was highly lethal to H. vigintioctopunctata. The LC50 values of the dsRNAs used to silence these six genes were found to be less than 13 ng/μL. Moreover, the use of the bacterially expressed dsRNAs caused high mortality in the lab and field populations of H. vigintioctopunctata. Further, administration of HvHel25E and HvSrp54k dsRNAs in the predatory lady beetle Propylea japonica confirmed no transcriptional or organismal levels effects. This risk-assessment result ensured no off-target RNAi effects on the NTOs. Overall, the findings of the study suggested that HvABCH1, HvHel25E, HvProsbeta5, HvProsalpha6, HvProsbeta6, and HvSrp54k can be novel promising molecular targets with high specificity for H. vigintioctopunctata management with negligible effects on the NTOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xuming Luo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Satyabrata Nanda
- MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi 761200, India
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhaoyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, United States
| | - Huipeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Wang JX, Ma EB, Zhang JZ, Xing SP. DEAD-Box RNA Helicase DDX47 Maintains Midgut Homeostasis in Locusta migratoria. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020586. [PMID: 35054771 PMCID: PMC8775783 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue homeostasis is critical for maintaining organ shape, size, and function. The condition is regulated by the balance between the generation of new cells and the loss of senescent cells, and it involves many factors and mechanisms. The midgut, an important part of the intestinal tract, is responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption in insects. LmDDX47, the ortholog of DEAD-box helicase 47 from Locusta migratoria, is indispensable for sustaining a normal midgut in the nymphs. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, LmDDX47 knockdown resulted in atrophy of the midgut and gastric cecum in both nymph and adult locusts. After LmDDX47 knockdown, the number of regenerative and columnar cells in the midgut was significantly reduced, and cell death was induced in columnar tissue. LmDDX47 was localized to the nucleolus; this was consistent with the reduction in 18S rRNA synthesis in the LmDDX47 knockdown group. In addition, the acetylation and crotonylation levels of midgut proteins were significantly increased. Therefore, LmDDX47 could be a key regulator of midgut homeostasis, regulating 18S rRNA synthesis as well as protein acetylation and crotonylation in the migratory locust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Xiu Wang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (J.-X.W.); (E.-B.M.); (J.-Z.Z.)
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - En-Bo Ma
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (J.-X.W.); (E.-B.M.); (J.-Z.Z.)
| | - Jian-Zhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (J.-X.W.); (E.-B.M.); (J.-Z.Z.)
| | - Shu-Ping Xing
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (J.-X.W.); (E.-B.M.); (J.-Z.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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Wang J, Li T, Deng S, Ma E, Zhang J, Xing S. The RNA helicase DDX3 is required for ovarian development and oocyte maturation in Locusta migratoria. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 106:e21775. [PMID: 33644918 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
DDX3 represents a well-defined subfamily of DEAD-box RNA helicase and exerts multiple functions in RNA metabolism, cell cycle, tumorigenesis, signal pathway, and fertility. Our previous study has shown that LmDDX3, the ortholog of DDX3 in Locusta migratoria, is ubiquitously expressed, and with a high abundance in testis and ovary. Knockdown of LmDDX3 results in a lethal phenotype in nymph, but it still remains unclear for its role in reproductive process. In this study, we therefore characterized LmDDX3 expression in female adult locust and analyzed its function in oocyte development. LmDDX3 was expressed in all tissues examined with significant more transcripts in ovary and hindgut. In ovary, a strong expression level was detected at the day just after adult eclosion, and a dramatic reduction then occurred during the oocyte development. LmDDX3 RNAi led to a reduced vitellogenin (Vg) expression in fat body via partially at least, the JH signaling pathway, and caused an upregulation of vitellogenin receptor (VgR) in ovary, and thus blocked the ovarian development and oocyte maturation. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis indicated that LmDDX3 was closely related to termite DDX3. Taken together, these data reveal a critical role for LmDDX3 in regulating the transcription of Vg and VgR, two major factors in vitellogenesis that is a key process required for ovary development and oocyte maturation in locust, and contribute thereof a new putative target for locust biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxiu Wang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Sufang Deng
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Enbo Ma
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Integrated Pest Management, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Integrated Pest Management, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Shuping Xing
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Integrated Pest Management, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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Wang J, Li T, Deng S, Ma E, Zhang J, Xing S. DDX6 Is Essential for Oocyte Development and Maturation in Locusta migratoria. INSECTS 2021; 12:70. [PMID: 33466820 PMCID: PMC7830464 DOI: 10.3390/insects12010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
DEAD-box protein 6 (DDX6) is a member of the DDX RNA helicase family that exists in all eukaryotes. It has been extensively studied in yeast and mammals and has been shown to be involved in messenger ribonucleoprotein assembly, mRNA storage, and decay, as well as in miRNA-mediated gene silencing. DDX6 participates in many developmental processes but the biological function of DDX6 in insects has not yet been adequately addressed. Herein, we characterized the LmDDX6 gene that encodes the LmDDX6 protein in Locusta migratoria, a global, destructive pest. LmDDX6 possesses five motifs unique to the DDX6 subfamily. In the phylogenetic tree, LmDDX6 was closely related to its orthologs in Apis dorsata and Zootermopsis nevadensis. RT-qPCR data revealed high expression of LmDDX6 in the ovary, muscle, and fat body, with a declining trend in the ovary after adult ecdysis. LmDDX6 knockdown downregulated the expression levels of the juvenile hormone receptor Met, and genes encoding Met downstream targeted Grp78-1 and Grp78-2, reduced LmVg expression, and impaired ovary development and oocyte maturation. These results demonstrate that LmDDX6 plays an essential role in locust female reproduction and, thus, could be a novel target for locust biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxiu Wang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China; (J.W.); (T.L.); (S.D.); (E.M.); (J.Z.)
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China; (J.W.); (T.L.); (S.D.); (E.M.); (J.Z.)
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Sufang Deng
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China; (J.W.); (T.L.); (S.D.); (E.M.); (J.Z.)
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Jinzhong University, Jinzhong 030600, Shanxi, China
| | - Enbo Ma
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China; (J.W.); (T.L.); (S.D.); (E.M.); (J.Z.)
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Integrated Pest Management, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China; (J.W.); (T.L.); (S.D.); (E.M.); (J.Z.)
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Integrated Pest Management, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Shuping Xing
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China; (J.W.); (T.L.); (S.D.); (E.M.); (J.Z.)
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Integrated Pest Management, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
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