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Bardapurkar R, Binayak G, Pandit S. Trophic microRNA: Post-transcriptional regulation of target genes and larval development impairment in Plutella xylostella upon precursor and mature microRNA ingestion. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39049812 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional gene regulators. In the miRNA pathway's cytoplasmic part, the miRNA is processed from a hairpin-structured precursor to a double-stranded (ds) mature RNA and ultimately to a single-stranded mature miRNA. In insects, ingesting these two ds forms can regulate the target gene expression; this inspired the trophic miRNA's use as a functional genomics and pest management tool. However, systematic studies enabling comparisons of pre- and mature forms, dosages, administration times and instar-wise effects on target transcripts and phenotypes, which can help develop a miRNA administration method, are unavailable due to the different focuses of the previous investigations. We investigated the impact of trophically delivered Px-let-7 miRNA on the lepidopteran pest Plutella xylostella, to compare the efficacies of its pre- and ds-mature forms. Continuous feeding on the miRNA-supplemented diet suppressed expressions of FTZ-F1 and E74, the target ecdysone pathway genes. Both the pre-let-7 and mature let-7 miRNA forms similarly downregulated the target transcripts in all four larval instars. Pre-let-7 and let-7 ingestions decreased larval mass and instar duration and increased mortality in all instars, exhibiting adverse effects on larval growth and development. miRNA processing Dicer-1 and AGO-1's upregulations upon miRNA ingestion denoted the systemic miRNA spread in larval tissues. The scrambled sequence controls did not affect the target transcripts, suggesting the sequence-specific targeting by the mature miRNA and hairpin cassette's non-involvement in the target downregulation. This work provides a framework for miRNA and target gene function analyses and potentiates the trophic miRNA's utility in pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rutwik Bardapurkar
- Agricultural Biotechnology and Chemical Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India
| | - Gauri Binayak
- Agricultural Biotechnology and Chemical Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India
| | - Sagar Pandit
- Agricultural Biotechnology and Chemical Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India
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Koo J, Palli SR. Recent advances in understanding of the mechanisms of RNA interference in insects. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38957135 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
We highlight the recent 5 years of research that contributed to our understanding of the mechanisms of RNA interference (RNAi) in insects. Since its first discovery, RNAi has contributed enormously as a reverse genetic tool for functional genomic studies. RNAi is also being used in therapeutics, as well as agricultural crop and livestock production and protection. Yet, for the wider application of RNAi, improvement of its potency and delivery technologies is needed. A mechanistic understanding of every step of RNAi, from cellular uptake of RNAi trigger molecules to targeted mRNA degradation, is key for developing an efficient strategy to improve RNAi technology. Insects provide an excellent model for studying the mechanism of RNAi due to species-specific variations in RNAi efficiency. This allows us to perform comparative studies in insect species with different RNAi sensitivity. Understanding the mechanisms of RNAi in different insects can lead to the development of better strategies to improve RNAi and its application to manage agriculturally and medically important insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmo Koo
- Department of Entomology, Gatton-Martin College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, Gatton-Martin College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Lv Z, Yu S, Zhao Y, Yang Z. Silence of Aminopeptidase N 2 gene reveals the trade-offs for acquiring Cry1Ac resistance in Plutella xylostella. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 116:e22131. [PMID: 39016064 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22131] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is widely used as a biopesticide worldwide. To date, at least eight pest species have been found to be resistant to Bt in the field. As the first pest that was reported having resistance to Bt in the field, considerable research has been done on the mechanisms of Bt resistance in Plutella xylostella. However, whether the acquisition of Bt resistance by P. xylostella comes at a fitness cost is also a valuable question. In this study, Aminopeptidase-N 2 (APN2), a Cry toxin receptor gene of P. xylostella, was knocked down by RNA interference, resulting in improved resistance to Cry1Ac. It was also found that larval mortality of APN2 knockdown P. xylostella was significantly higher than that of the control, while the pupation rate, pupal weight, eclosion rate, fecundity (egg/female), hatchability, and female adult longevity were significantly lower in APN2 knockdown P. xylostella than in the control. These results illustrate that if Cry1Ac resistance was obtained only through the reduction of APN2 expression, P. xylostella would need to incur some fitness costs for it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuohong Lv
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
- Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha, China
| | - Shuwen Yu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Yafei Zhao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhongxia Yang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
- Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha, China
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Takahashi-Nakaguchi A, Horiuchi Y, Yamamoto M, Totsuka Y, Wakabayashi K. Pierisin, Cytotoxic and Apoptosis-Inducing DNA ADP-Ribosylating Protein in Cabbage Butterfly. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:270. [PMID: 38922164 PMCID: PMC11209040 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Pierisin-1 was serendipitously discovered as a strong cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing protein from pupae of the cabbage butterfly Pieris rapae against cancer cell lines. This 98-kDa protein consists of the N-terminal region (27 kDa) and C-terminal region (71 kDa), and analysis of their biological function revealed that pierisin-1 binds to cell surface glycosphingolipids on the C-terminal side, is taken up into the cell, and is cleaved to N- and C-terminal portions, where the N-terminal portion mono-ADP-ribosylates the guanine base of DNA in the presence of NAD to induce cellular genetic mutation and apoptosis. Unlike other ADP-ribosyltransferases, pieisin-1 was first found to exhibit DNA mono-ADP-ribosylating activity and show anti-cancer activity in vitro and in vivo against various cancer cell lines. Pierisin-1 was most abundantly produced during the transition from the final larval stage to the pupal stage of the cabbage butterfly, and this production was regulated by ecdysteroid hormones. This suggests that pierisn-1 might play a pivotal role in the process of metamorphosis. Moreover, pierisin-1 could contribute as a defense factor against parasitization and microbial infections in the cabbage butterfly. Pierisin-like proteins in butterflies were shown to be present not only among the subtribe Pierina but also among the subtribes Aporiina and Appiadina, and pierisin-2, -3, and -4 were identified in these butterflies. Furthermore, DNA ADP-ribosylating activities were found in six different edible clams. Understanding of the biological nature of pierisin-1 with DNA mono-ADP-ribosylating activity could open up exciting avenues for research and potential therapeutic applications, making it a subject of great interest in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu Horiuchi
- Aquatic Food Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute, Tokyo Innovation Center, Nissui Corporation, 1-32-3 Shichikoku, Hachioji City 192-0991, Japan
| | - Masafumi Yamamoto
- Central Institute for Experimental Medicine and Life Science, 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Yukari Totsuka
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Keiji Wakabayashi
- Graduate Division of Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
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Vatanparast M, Merkel L, Amari K. Exogenous Application of dsRNA in Plant Protection: Efficiency, Safety Concerns and Risk Assessment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6530. [PMID: 38928236 PMCID: PMC11204322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for plant protection shows great potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional pesticides. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on using exogenous dsRNA in plant protection and includes the latest findings on the safety and efficiency of this strategy. The review also emphasizes the need for a cautious and comprehensive approach, considering safety considerations such as off-target effects and formulation challenges. The regulatory landscape in different regions is also discussed, underscoring the need for specific guidelines tailored to dsRNA-based pesticides. The review provides a crucial resource for researchers, regulators, and industry stakeholders, promoting a balanced approach incorporating innovation with thorough safety assessments. The continuous dialog emphasized in this review is essential for shaping the future of dsRNA-based plant protection. As the field advances, collaboration among scientists, regulators, and industry partners will play a vital role in establishing guidelines and ensuring the responsible, effective, and sustainable use of dsRNA in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Khalid Amari
- Julius Kühn Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plant, Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, D-06484 Quedlinburg, Germany
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Zhang M, Zhang X, Chen T, Liao Y, Yang B, Wang G. RNAi-mediated pest control targeting the Troponin I (wupA) gene in sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38863245 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius) is a critical pest producing enormous global losses in sweet potato crops. Traditional pest management approaches for sweet potato weevil, primarily using chemical pesticides, causes pollution, food safety issues, and harming natural enemies. While RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising environmentally friendly approach to pest control, its efficacy in controlling the sweet potato weevil has not been extensively studied. In this study, we selected a potential target for controlling C. formicarius, the Troponin I gene (wupA), which is essential for musculature composition and crucial for fundamental life activities. We determined that wupA is abundantly expressed throughout all developmental stages of the sweet potato weevil. We evaluated the efficiency of double-stranded RNAs in silencing the wupA gene via microinjection and oral feeding of sweet potato weevil larvae at different ages. Our findings demonstrate that both approaches significantly reduced the expression of wupA and produced high mortality. Moreover, the 1st instar larvae administered dswupA exhibited significant growth inhibition. We assessed the toxicity of dswupA on the no-target insect silkworm and assessed its safety. Our study indicates that wupA knockdown can inhibit the growth and development of C. formicarius and offer a potential target gene for environmentally friendly control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaxuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Synthetic Biology Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yonglin Liao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guirong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Synthetic Biology Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
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Deng P, Peng Y, Sheng Z, Li W, Liu Y. RNAi silencing CHS1 gene shortens the mortality time of Plutella xylostella feeding Bt-transgenic Brassica napus. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2610-2618. [PMID: 38252693 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect-resistance genetically modified (GM) plants derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been cultivated to control pests, but continuous cultivation of Bt-transgenic plants at large-scale regions leads to the resistance evolution of target insects to transgenic plants. RNA interference (RNAi) technology is considered an effective strategy in delaying the resistance evolution of target insects. RESULTS We here developed a single transgenic oilseed rape (Brassica napus) line with hairpin RNA of the chitin-synthase 1 gene (CHS1) of Plutella xylostella (hpPxCHS1) and a pyramid transgenic B. napus line harboring hpPxCHS1 and Bt gene (Cry1Ac). Escherichia coli HT115 delivered hpPxCHS1 showed negative effects on the growth of P. xylostella. The single transgenic and pyramid transgenic B. napus significantly reduced the larval weight and length of P. xylostella and increased its lethality rate, with down-regulation expression of the PxCHS1 gene in insects. CONCLUSION Compared to Bt-transgenic B. napus, pyramid-transgenic B. napus shorted the mortality time of P. xylostella, indicating that RNAi technology synergistic with Bt protein improves the effectiveness of controlling target insects. Our results proved that RNAi can delay the resistance evolution of target insects to Bt-transgenic plants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purong Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Eco-process and Function Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yujia Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Eco-process and Function Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhilu Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Eco-process and Function Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wencui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Eco-process and Function Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Eco-process and Function Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
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Cao MH, Zou MM, Liu LL, Dong SJ, Huang MQ, Zheng JH, Li RN, Cui JD, Peng L. Sast1-mediated manifold effects inhibit Plutella xylostella fertility. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2596-2609. [PMID: 38252701 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7966] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) is a destructive pest of cruciferous crops due to its strong reproductive capacity and extensive resistance to pesticides. Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) are the main effective factors that determine the reproductive physiology and behaviour of both sexes. Although an increasing number of SFPs have been identified, the effects of astacins in SFPs on agricultural pests have not yet been reported. Here, we elucidated the mechanisms by which Sast1 (seminal astacin 1) regulates the fertility of Plutella xylostella (L.). RESULTS PxSast1 was specifically expressed in the testis and accesssory gland. CRISPR/Cas9-induced PxSast1 knockout successfully constructed two homozygous mutant strains. Sast1 impaired the fertility of P. xylostella by separately regulating the reproductive capacity of males and females. Loss of PxSast1, on the one hand, significantly decreased the ability of males to mate and fertilize, mainly manifested as shortened mating duration, reduced mating competitiveness and decreased eupyrene sperm production; on the other hand, it significantly inhibited the expression of chorion genes in females, resulting in oogenesis deficits. Simultaneously, for mated females, the differentially expressed genes in signalling pathways related to oogenesis and chorion formation were significantly enriched after PxSast1 knockout. CONCLUSION These analyses of the functions of PxSast1 as the regulator of spermatogenesis and oogenesis establish its importance in the fertility process of P. xylostella, as well as its potential as a promising target for genetic regulation-based pest control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hui Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ming-Min Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li-Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shi-Jie Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meng-Qi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun-Hao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jin-Dong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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McGruddy RA, Smeele ZE, Manley B, Masucci JD, Haywood J, Lester PJ. RNA interference as a next-generation control method for suppressing Varroa destructor reproduction in honey bee (Apis mellifera) hives. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38801186 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is considered to be the greatest threat to apiculture worldwide. RNA interference (RNAi) using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a gene silencing mechanism has emerged as a next-generation strategy for mite control. RESULTS We explored the impact of a dsRNA biopesticide, named vadescana, designed to silence the calmodulin gene in Varroa, on mite fitness in mini-hives housed in a laboratory. Two dosages were tested: 2 g/L dsRNA and 8 g/L dsRNA. Vadescana appeared to have no effect on mite survival, however, mite fertility was substantially reduced. The majority of foundress mites exposed to vadescana failed to produce any offspring. No dose-dependent effect of vadescana was observed, as both the low and high doses inhibited mite reproduction equally well in the mini-hives and neither dose impacted pupal survival of the honey bee. Approximately 95% of bee pupae were alive at uncapping across all treatment groups. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that vadescana has significant potential as an effective alternative to conventional methods for Varroa control, with broader implications for the utilization of RNAi as a next-generation tool in the management of pest species. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose A McGruddy
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Zoe E Smeele
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Brian Manley
- GreenLight Biosciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - James D Masucci
- GreenLight Biosciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John Haywood
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Philip J Lester
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Cedden D, Güney G, Scholten S, Rostás M. Lethal and sublethal effects of orally delivered double-stranded RNA on the cabbage stem flea beetle, Psylliodes chrysocephala. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2282-2293. [PMID: 37020381 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala) is one of the most important insect pests of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in northern Europe. The emergence of insecticide-resistant populations and the ban on neonicotinoid seed treatments have made the management of this pest challenging and research is needed to develop alternative strategies such as RNA interference (RNAi). We investigated lethal and sublethal effects of orally delivered double-stranded (ds)RNAs targeting P. chrysocephala orthologs of Sec23 and vacuolar adenosine triphosphatase subunit G (VatpG), which are involved in endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi transport and organelle acidification, respectively. RESULTS Feeding bioassays on P. chrysocephala adults showed that the highest concentration (200 ng/leaf disk) of dsSec23 caused mortalities of 76% and 56% in pre-aestivating and post-aestivating beetles, respectively, while the same concentration of dsVatpG led to mortality rates of ~34% in both stages. Moreover, sublethal effects, such as decreased feeding rates and attenuated locomotion were observed. Small RNA sequencing and gene expression measurements following the delivery of dsRNAs demonstrated the generation of ~21 nucleotide-long small interfering RNAs and a systemic RNAi response in P. chrysocephala. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that P. chrysocephala is a promising candidate for developing RNAi-based pest management strategies. Further research is necessary to identify more effective target genes and to assess potential non-target effects. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doga Cedden
- Agricultural Entomology, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute, GZMB, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gözde Güney
- Agricultural Entomology, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Scholten
- Division of Crop Plant Genetics, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Rostás
- Agricultural Entomology, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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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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12
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Lee S, Ahn SJ. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of scarlet gene produces eye color mutants in the soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22100. [PMID: 38500478 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22100] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 technology has greatly progressed research on non-model organisms, demonstrating successful applications in genome editing for various insects. However, its utilization in the case of the soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens, a notable pest affecting soybean crops, has not been explored due to constraints such as limited genomic information and the embryonic microinjection technique. This study presents successful outcomes in generating heritable knockout mutants for a pigment transporter gene, scarlet, in C. includens through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis. The scarlet locus identified in the genome assembly of C. includens consists of 14 exons, with a coding sequence extending for 1,986 bp. Two single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed to target the first exon of scarlet. Microinjection of these two sgRNAs along with the Cas9 protein into fresh embryos resulted in the successful production of variable phenotypes, particularly mutant eyes. The observed mutation rate accounted for about 16%. Genotype analysis revealed diverse indel mutations at the target site, presumably originating from double-strand breaks followed by the nonhomologous end joining repair, leading to a premature stop codon due to frame shift. Single-pair mating of the mutant moths produced G1 offspring, and the establishment of a homozygous mutant strain occurred in G2. The mutant moths exhibited lightly greenish or yellowish compound eyes in both sexes, confirming the involvement of scarlet in pigmentation in C. includens. Notably, the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technique serves as a visible phenotypic marker, demonstrating its proof-of-concept applicability in C. includens, as other pigment transporter genes have been utilized as visible markers to establish genetic control for various insects. These results provide the first successful case that the CRISPR/Cas9 method effectively induces mutations in C. includes, an economically important soybean insect pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Seung-Joon Ahn
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
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13
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Koo J, Zhu GH, Palli SR. CRISPR-Cas9 mediated dsRNase knockout improves RNAi efficiency in the fall armyworm. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 200:105839. [PMID: 38582601 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105839] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Lepidopteran insects are refractory to RNA interference (RNAi) response, especially to orally delivered double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). High nuclease activity in the midgut lumen is proposed as one of the major reasons for RNAi insensitivity. We identified three dsRNase genes highly expressed in the midgut of fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda. The genomic region harboring those three dsRNase genes was deleted using the CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing method. A homozygous line with deletion of three dsRNase genes was produced. dsRNA degradation by midgut lumen contents of mutant larvae was lower than in wild-type larvae. Feeding dsRNA targeting the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) gene increased knockdown of the target gene and mortality in mutants compared to wild-type larvae. These results suggest that dsRNases in the midgut contribute to RNAi inefficiency in FAW. Formulations that protect dsRNA from dsRNase degradation may improve RNAi efficiency in FAW and other lepidopteran insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmo Koo
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Guan-Heng Zhu
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA.
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14
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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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15
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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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16
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Mishra S, Moar W, Jurat-Fuentes JL. Larvae of Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) resistant to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) remain susceptible to small-molecule pesticides. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:905-909. [PMID: 37822012 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7825] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementation of resistance management tools is crucial for the continued efficacy of insect control technologies. An important aspect of insect resistance management (IRM) is the combined or sequential use of different modes-of-action to reduce selection pressure and delay evolution of resistance. This is especially important for insect pests with established ability to develop resistance to insecticides, such as the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata, CPB). A new class of insecticides, based on double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) activating the gene silencing RNA-interference (RNAi) pathway, are currently under review for regulatory approval and commercial use in the USA against CPB. However, there is no information available on the potential for cross-resistance between RNAi insecticides and other classes of insecticides used against CPB. Herein, we aim to fill this knowledge gap by capitalizing on the availability of a CPB strain highly resistant to dsRNAs and test its susceptibility to diverse small-molecule insecticide classes compared to reference dsRNA-susceptible CPB strains. RESULTS Differences in activity were observed among the four insecticides tested, with abamectin demonstrating highest activity against all three strains of CPB. However, no differences were observed among the dsRNA-resistant and susceptible CPB strains for any of the tested compounds. Overall, these results demonstrate lack of cross-resistance to commonly used chemical insecticides in the dsRNA-resistant strain of CPB. CONCLUSION These data support the use of these different insecticide classes along with RNAi-based insecticides as part of an effective insect resistance management framework aimed at delaying resistance in CPB. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Mishra
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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17
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Pugsley CE, Isaac RE, Warren NJ, Stacey M, Ferguson CTJ, Cappelle K, Dominguez-Espinosa R, Cayre OJ. Effective delivery and selective insecticidal activity of double-stranded RNA via complexation with diblock copolymer varies with polymer block composition. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:669-677. [PMID: 37759365 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7793] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemical insecticides are an important tool to control damaging pest infestations. However, lack of species specificity, the rise of resistance and the demand for biological alternatives with improved ecotoxicity profiles means that chemicals with new modes of action are required. RNA interference (RNAi)-based strategies using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a species-specific bio-insecticide offer an exquisite solution that addresses these issues. Many species, such as the fruit pest Drosophila suzukii, do not exhibit RNAi when dsRNA is orally administered due to degradation by gut nucleases and slow cellular uptake pathways. Thus, delivery vehicles that protect and deliver dsRNA are highly desirable. RESULTS In this work, we demonstrate the complexation of D. suzukii-specific dsRNA for degradation of vha26 mRNA with bespoke diblock copolymers. We study the ex vivo protection of dsRNA against enzymatic degradation by gut enzymes, which demonstrates the efficiency of this system. Flow cytometry then investigates the cellular uptake of Cy3-labelled dsRNA, showing a 10-fold increase in the mean fluorescence intensity of cells treated with polyplexes. The polymer/dsRNA polyplexes induced a significant 87% decrease in the odds of survival of D. suzukii larvae following oral feeding only when formed with a diblock copolymer containing a long neutral block length (1:2 cationic block/neutral block). However, there was no toxicity when fed to the closely related Drosophila melanogaster. CONCLUSION We provide evidence that dsRNA complexation with diblock copolymers is a promising strategy for RNAi-based species-specific pest control, but optimisation of polymer composition is essential for RNAi success. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E Pugsley
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - R Elwyn Isaac
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Nicholas J Warren
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Martin Stacey
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Calum T J Ferguson
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Kaat Cappelle
- Syngenta Ghent Innovation Center, Gent-Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | | | - Olivier J Cayre
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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18
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Saberi E, Mondal M, Paredes-Montero JR, Nawaz K, Brown JK, Qureshi JA. Optimal dsRNA Concentration for RNA Interference in Asian Citrus Psyllid. INSECTS 2024; 15:58. [PMID: 38249064 PMCID: PMC10816725 DOI: 10.3390/insects15010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is a citrus pest and insect vector of "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus", the causal agent of citrus greening disease. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) biopesticides that trigger RNA interference (RNAi) offer an alternative to traditional insecticides. Standardized laboratory screening of dsRNA requires establishing the minimal effective concentration(s) that result in effective RNAi "penetrance" and trigger RNAi, resulting in one or more measurable phenotypes, herein, significant gene knockdown and the potential for mortality. In this study, knockdown was evaluated for a range of dsRNA concentrations of three ACP candidate genes, clathrin heavy chain (CHC), vacuolar ATPase subunit A (vATPase-A), and sucrose non-fermenting protein 7 (Snf7). Gene knockdown was quantified for ACP teneral adults and 3rd instar nymphs allowed a 48 h ingestion-access period (IAP) on 10, 50,100, 200, and 500 ng/µL dsRNA dissolved in 20% sucrose followed by a 5-day post-IAP on orange jasmine shoots. Significant gene knockdown (p < 0.05) in ACP third instar nymphs and adults ranged from 12-34% and 18-39%, 5 days post-IAP on dsRNA at 10-500 and 100-500 ng/µL, respectively. The threshold concentration beyond which no significant gene knockdown and adult mortality was observed post-48 h IAP and 10-day IAP, respectively, was determined as 200 ng/µL, a concentration indicative of optimal RNAi penetrance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmaeil Saberi
- Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS, University of Florida, Immokalee, FL 34142, USA;
| | - Mosharrof Mondal
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (M.M.); (K.N.)
- RNAissance Ag, LLC, Saint Louis, MO 63132, USA
| | - Jorge R. Paredes-Montero
- Biology Department, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI 48710, USA;
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil EC090112, Ecuador
| | - Kiran Nawaz
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (M.M.); (K.N.)
- RNAissance Ag, LLC, Saint Louis, MO 63132, USA
| | - Judith K. Brown
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (M.M.); (K.N.)
| | - Jawwad A. Qureshi
- Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS, University of Florida, Immokalee, FL 34142, USA;
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Tang Y, Wu S, He H, Gao Q, Ding W, Xue J, Qiu L, Li Y. The CsmiR1579-CsKr-h1 module mediates rice stem borer development and reproduction: An effective target for transgenic insect-resistant rice. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127752. [PMID: 38287594 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127752] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The rice stem borer (RSB, Chilo suppressalis) is a significant agricultural pest that mainly depends on chemical control. However, it has grown to varied degrees of pesticide resistance, which poses a severe threat to rice production and emphasizes the need for safer, more efficient alternative pest management strategies. Here, in vitro and in vivo experiments analyses reveal miR-1579 binds to the critical transcription factor Krüppel homologue 1 (Kr-h1) and negatively regulates its expression. Overexpression of miR-1579 in larvae with significantly lower levels of Kr-h1 was associated with a decline in larval growth and survival. Furthermore, in female pupae, miR-1579 overexpression led to abnormalities in ovarian development, suggesting that targeting miR-1579 could be a potential management strategy against C. suppressalis. Therefore, we generated transgenic rice expressing miR-1579 and screened three lines that had a single copy of highly abundant mature miR-1579 transcripts. Expectedly, fed with transgenic miR-1579 rice lines were significantly lower survival rates in larvae and high levels of resistance to damage caused by C. suppressalis infestation. These findings suggest that miRNA-mediated RNAi could provide an effective and species-specific strategy for C. suppressalis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Tang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Hualiang He
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Qiao Gao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Wenbing Ding
- National Research Center of Engineering & Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Engineering & Technology Research Center for Biopesticide and Formulation Processing, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jin Xue
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Lin Qiu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China.
| | - Youzhi Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; National Research Center of Engineering & Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China.
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20
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Cao F, Yu JM, Sun HM, He JX, Li SG, Liu S, Li MY. Epsilon Class Glutathione S-Transferase Confers Phoxim Tolerance in the Black Cutworm Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:20680-20689. [PMID: 38088263 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c07964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
The black cutworm Agrotis ipsilon is a serious crop pest. Phoxim, an organophosphorus insecticide, has been widely used to control A. ipsilon. When phoxim is extensively applied, the susceptibility of A. ipsilon to insecticide is reduced. However, the mechanisms of tolerance of A. ipsilon to phoxim remain unclear. Herein, we report that an epsilon class glutathione S-transferase, AiGSTE1, confers phoxim tolerance in A. ipsilon. Exposure to a sublethal concentration (LC50) of phoxim caused oxidative stress and activated the transcription of AiGSTe1 genes in A. ipsilon larvae. Recombinant AiGSTE1 expressed in Escherichia coli could metabolize phoxim. Furthermore, E. coli cells overexpressing AiGSTE1 displayed significant tolerance to oxidative stress. Knockdown of AiGSTe1 by RNA interference significantly increased the mortality of A. ipsilon larvae to phoxim. These results demonstrate that AiGSTE1 confers phoxim tolerance in A. ipsilon by metabolizing the insecticide and preventing phoxim-induced oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Cao
- Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety, Ministry of Education, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Jia-Min Yu
- Sichuan Tobacco Science Institute, Sichuan Branch of China National Tobacco Corporation, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hui-Mei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety, Ministry of Education, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Ji-Xian He
- Guangyuan Branch of Sichuan Tobacco Corporation, Guangyuan 628017, China
| | - Shi-Guang Li
- Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety, Ministry of Education, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Su Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety, Ministry of Education, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Mao-Ye Li
- Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety, Ministry of Education, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
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21
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Gouda MNR, Jeevan H, Shashank HG. CRISPR/Cas9: a cutting-edge solution for combatting the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 51:13. [PMID: 38085335 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08986-1] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The utilization of CRISPR/Cas9 in Spodoptera frugiperda, commonly known as fall armyworm, presents a groundbreaking avenue for pest management. With its ability to precisely modify the insect's genome, CRISPR/Cas9 offers innovative strategies to combat this destructive pest. The application of CRISPR/Cas9 in S. frugiperda holds immense potential. It enables the identification and functional analysis of key genes associated with its behavior, development, and insecticide resistance. This knowledge can unveil novel target sites for more effective and specific insecticides. Additionally, CRISPR/Cas9 can facilitate the development of population control methods by disrupting vital genes essential for survival. However, challenges such as off-target effects and the efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components remain. Addressing these obstacles is vital to ensure accurate and reliable results. Furthermore, ethical considerations, biosafety protocols, and regulatory frameworks must be integral to the adoption of this technology. Looking forward, CRISPR/Cas9-based gene drive systems hold the potential to promulgate desirable genetic traits within S. frugiperda populations, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly approach. This could curtail their reproductive capabilities or make them more susceptible to certain interventions. In conclusion, CRISPR/Cas9 presents a transformative platform for precise and targeted pest management in S. frugiperda. By deciphering the insect's genetic makeup and developing innovative strategies, we can mitigate the devastating impact of fall armyworm on agriculture while ensuring environmental sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Rudra Gouda
- Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - H Jeevan
- Division of Nematology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - H G Shashank
- Division of Plant Genetic Resources, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
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22
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Li XC, Ma YC, Long J, Yan X, Peng NN, Cai CH, Zhong WF, Huang YB, Qiao X, Zhou LX, Cai QC, Cheng CX, Zhou GF, Han YF, Liu HY, Zhang Q, Tang HM, Meng JH, Luo KJ. Simulating immunosuppressive mechanism of Microplitis bicoloratus bracovirus coordinately fights Spodoptera frugiperda. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1289477. [PMID: 38146373 PMCID: PMC10749342 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1289477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitoid wasps control pests via a precise attack leading to the death of the pest. However, parasitoid larvae exhibit self-protection strategies against bracovirus-induced reactive oxygen species impairment. This has a detrimental effect on pest control. Here, we report a strategy for simulating Microplitis bicoloratus bracovirus using Mix-T dsRNA targeting 14 genes associated with transcription, translation, cell-cell communication, and humoral signaling pathways in the host, and from wasp extracellular superoxide dismutases. We implemented either one-time feeding to the younger instar larvae or spraying once on the corn leaves, to effectively control the invading pest Spodoptera frugiperda. This highlights the conserved principle of "biological pest control," as elucidated by the triple interaction of parasitoid-bracovirus-host in a cooperation strategy of bracovirus against its pest host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Cheng Li
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Yin-Chen Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jin Long
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiang Yan
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Nan-Nan Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Cheng-Hui Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Wen-Feng Zhong
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Yong-Biao Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Xin Qiao
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Li-Xiang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Qiu-Chen Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Chang-Xu Cheng
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Gui-Fang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Yun-Feng Han
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Hong-Yu Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Hong-Mei Tang
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jiang-Hui Meng
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Kai-Jun Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of the University in Yunnan Province for International Cooperation in Intercellular Communications and Regulations, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
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Zhu Y, Kong L, Wang X, Xu J, Qian X, Yang Y, Xu Z, Zhu KY. Rolling circle transcription: A new system to produce RNA microspheres for improving RNAi efficiency in an agriculturally important lepidopteran pest (Mythimna separate). PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 197:105680. [PMID: 38072537 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105680] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
We applied a new RNA interference (RNAi) system using rolling circle transcription (RCT) technology to generate RNA microspheres (RMS) for targeting two key chitin synthetic pathway genes [chitin synthase A (CHSA), chitin synthase B (CHSB)] in the larvae of the oriental armyworm (Mythimna separate), a RNAi-unsusceptible agriculturally important lepidopteran pest. Feeding the third-instar larvae with the RMS-CHSA- or RMS-CHSB-treated corn leaf discs suppressed the expression of CHSA by 81.7% or CHSB by 88.1%, respectively, at 72 h. The silencing of CHSA consequently affected the larval development, including the reduced body weight (54.0%) and length (41.3%), as evaluated on the 7th day, and caused significant larval mortalities (51.1%) as evaluated on the 14th day. Similar results were obtained with the larvae fed RMS-CHSB. We also compared RNAi efficiencies among different strategies: 1) two multi-target RMS [i.e., RMS-(CHSA + CHSB), RMS-CHSA + RMS-CHSB], and 2) multi-target RMS and single-target RMS (i.e., either RMS-CHSA or RMS-CHSB) and found no significant differences in RNAi efficiency. By using Cy3-labeled RMS, we confirmed that RMS can be rapidly internalized into Sf9 cells (<6 h). The rapid cellular uptake of RMS accompanied with significant RNAi efficiency through larval feeding suggests that the RCT-based RNAi system can be readily applied to study the gene functions and further developed as bio-pesticides for insect pest management. Additionally, our new RNAi system takes the advantage of the microRNA (miRNA)-mediated RNAi pathway using miRNA duplexes generated in vivo from the RMS by the target insect. The system can be used for RNAi in a wide range of insect species, including lepidopteran insects which often exhibit extremely low RNAi efficiency using other RNAi approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Linghao Kong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xinqian Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiazheng Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xuhong Qian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yangyang Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Zhiping Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506-4004, USA
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Ahmad S, Jamil M, Jaworski CC, Wu Y, Palma-Onetto V, Lyu B, Luo Y. Knockdown of the ecdysone receptor disrupts development and causes mortality in the melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 32:738-747. [PMID: 37646607 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbits are important economic plants that are attacked by numerous pests, among which the melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae is extremely problematic. New sustainable pest control strategies are necessary to replace chemical insecticides that are harmful to the environment, human health and nontarget species. The RNA interference (RNAi) technology is one of the most promising tools due to high efficiency and species specificity. We developed an RNAi strategy targeting the ecdysone receptor (ECR) of Z. cucurbitae, which plays an important role in moulting and reproduction. We identified, described and isolated the ECR gene of Z. cucurbitae and measured its expression pattern across developmental stages and tissues. ZcECR knockdown via dsZcECR ingestion caused a significant larval mortality and abnormal phenotypes in pupae and adults. About 68% of larvae fed with a dsZcECR-treated diet failed to enter the pupal stage and died. In addition, ZcECR knockdown dramatically reduced pupal weight (by 3.24 mg on average) and fecundity (by about 23%). RNAi targeting the ECR gene is therefore a promising method to control Z. cucurbitae, paving the way for the development of novel sustainable and highly specific control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakil Ahmad
- School of Plant Protection, Department of Pesticide Science, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Momana Jamil
- School of Plant Protection, Department of Pesticide Science, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | | | - Yuejie Wu
- School of Plant Protection, Department of Pesticide Science, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Valeria Palma-Onetto
- Departamento de Química Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Baoqian Lyu
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou, China
| | - Yanping Luo
- School of Plant Protection, Department of Pesticide Science, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
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25
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Zhao J, Jiang Y, Hoffmann A, Tan Y, Xiao L. SeBLOS2 knockout via CRISPR/Cas9 leads to the loss of larval integument coloration in Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 114:e22040. [PMID: 37622407 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22040] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 technology is a precise and powerful tool for functionally exploring insect genes. The present study tested CRISPR/Cas9 as a way of undertaking effective gene mutagenesis in an important agricultural pest, the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua. Based on a S. exigua transcriptome database, the entire complementary DNA sequence of SeBLOS2 encoding 140 amino acid residues was cloned. The gene was highly expressed in late larval stages (L3-L5). Using the CRISPR/Cas9 method, SeBLOS2 was knocked out by altering two sites in the coding region. This resulted in 70%-74% of the G0 generation (L4-L5) larvae displaying mosaic translucent integument. Four different mutations occurred at SeBLOS2-specific target sites, as demonstrated by further polymerase chain reaction-based genotypic analysis. Homozygote mutant L3 larvae were obtained in the G1 generation, with complete loss of white stripes and spots on their larval integument. These results demonstrate a crucial role of SeBLOS2 in integument pigmentation and suggest that the gene can act as a suitable nonlethal marker for functional research on genes in S. exigua and other Lepidopteran pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiping Jiang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Ary Hoffmann
- Faculty of Science, Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group, Bio21 Institute, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Yongan Tan
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Liubin Xiao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
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26
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Palli SR. RNAi turns 25:contributions and challenges in insect science. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1209478. [PMID: 38469536 PMCID: PMC10926446 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1209478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1998, RNA interference (RNAi), a Nobel prize-winning technology, made significant contributions to advances in biology because of its ability to mediate the knockdown of specific target genes. RNAi applications in medicine and agriculture have been explored with mixed success. The past 25 years of research on RNAi resulted in advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of its action, target specificity, and differential efficiency among animals and plants. RNAi played a major role in advances in insect biology. Did RNAi technology fully meet insect pest and disease vector management expectations? This review will discuss recent advances in the mechanisms of RNAi and its contributions to insect science. The remaining challenges, including delivery to the target site, differential efficiency, potential resistance development and possible solutions for the widespread use of this technology in insect management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Zheng W, Ma H, Liu Z, Zhou Y, Zhu H, Liu J, Zhang C, Liu Z, Zhou X. Knockout of tyramine receptor 1 results in a decrease of oviposition, mating, and sex pheromone biosynthesis in female Plutella xylostella. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:3903-3912. [PMID: 37229578 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7571] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mating and oviposition are essential and closely coordinated events in the reproduction of moths. Although tyramine, a biogenic amine, can affect insect reproduction by binding its receptors, the specific regulatory mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. RESULTS Plutella xylostella mutant with tyramine receptor 1 (TAR1) knockout (homozygous mutant with 7-bp deletion, Mut7) was developed by the CRISPR/Cas9 system to investigate the effect of TAR1 knockout on the reproduction of the moth. Compared with wild-type (WT), the egg yield of Mut7 female (Mut7F ) was significantly lower, no significant difference was observed in the egg size and hatching ratio between the groups. Further analysis showed that TAR1 knockout adversely affected ovary development, characterized by shorter ovarioles and fewer mature oocyte. Additionally, TAR1 knockout significantly reduced the occurrence of mating, resulting in a decrease in egg yield in Mut7F . The amounts of sex pheromones were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results showed that the amounts of sex pheromone released by Mut7F were significantly lower before mating. Correspondingly, the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of sex pheromone biosynthesis enzymes, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and desaturase (DES), were significantly lower in the Mut7F pheromone gland. The decreased sex pheromone biosynthesis in Mut7F , especially before re-mating, may be related to the underexpression of pheromone biosynthesis-activated neuropeptide (PBAN). CONCLUSION Overall, this study investigated the effect of PxTAR1 on oviposition and mating of P. xylostella. We report for the first time that TAR1 knockout could reduce the sex pheromone biosynthesis. These findings provide insights for developing a novel integrated pest control strategy based on mating interference. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zheng
- Longping Branch, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Haihao Ma
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
- Hunan Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Pesticide Biology and Precise Use Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Zhangyang Liu
- Longping Branch, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
- Hunan Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Pesticide Biology and Precise Use Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Hang Zhu
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
- Hunan Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Pesticide Biology and Precise Use Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
- Hunan Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Pesticide Biology and Precise Use Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Chengjia Zhang
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
- Hunan Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Pesticide Biology and Precise Use Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Zheming Liu
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
- Hunan Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Pesticide Biology and Precise Use Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaomao Zhou
- Longping Branch, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
- Hunan Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Pesticide Biology and Precise Use Technology, Changsha, China
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28
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Seth RK, Yadav P, Reynolds SE. Dichotomous sperm in Lepidopteran insects: a biorational target for pest management. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1198252. [PMID: 38469506 PMCID: PMC10926456 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1198252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Lepidoptera are unusual in possessing two distinct kinds of sperm, regular nucleated (eupyrene) sperm and anucleate (apyrene) sperm ('parasperm'). Sperm of both types are transferred to the female and are required for male fertility. Apyrene sperm play 'helper' roles, assisting eupyrene sperm to gain access to unfertilized eggs and influencing the reproductive behavior of mated female moths. Sperm development and behavior are promising targets for environmentally safer, target-specific biorational control strategies in lepidopteran pest insects. Sperm dimorphism provides a wide window in which to manipulate sperm functionality and dynamics, thereby impairing the reproductive fitness of pest species. Opportunities to interfere with spermatozoa are available not only while sperm are still in the male (before copulation), but also in the female (after copulation, when sperm are still in the male-provided spermatophore, or during storage in the female's spermatheca). Biomolecular technologies like RNAi, miRNAs and CRISPR-Cas9 are promising strategies to achieve lepidopteran pest control by targeting genes directly or indirectly involved in dichotomous sperm production, function, or persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh K. Seth
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Priya Yadav
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Stuart E. Reynolds
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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29
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Chen W, Amir MB, Liao Y, Yu H, He W, Lu Z. New Insights into the Plutella xylostella Detoxifying Enzymes: Sequence Evolution, Structural Similarity, Functional Diversity, and Application Prospects of Glucosinolate Sulfatases. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:10952-10969. [PMID: 37462091 PMCID: PMC10375594 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Brassica plants have glucosinolate (GLs)-myrosinase defense mechanisms to deter herbivores. However, Plutella xylostella specifically feeds on Brassica vegetables. The larvae possess three glucosinolate sulfatases (PxGSS1-3) that compete with plant myrosinase for shared GLs substrates and produce nontoxic desulfo-GLs (deGLs). Although PxGSSs are considered potential targets for pest control, the lack of a comprehensive review has hindered the development of PxGSSs-targeted pest control methods. Recent advances in integrative multi-omics analysis, substrate-enzyme kinetics, and molecular biological techniques have elucidated the evolutionary origin and functional diversity of these three PxGSSs. This review summarizes research progress on PxGSSs over the past 20 years, covering sequence properties, evolution, protein modification, enzyme activity, structural variation, substrate specificity, and interaction scenarios based on functional diversity. Finally, we discussed the potential applications of PxGSSs-targeted pest control technologies driven by artificial intelligence, including CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene drive, transgenic plant-mediated RNAi, small-molecule inhibitors, and peptide inhibitors. These technologies have the potential to overcome current management challenges and promote the development and field application of PxGSSs-targeted pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Greenhouse Vegetable, School of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Muhammad Bilal Amir
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Greenhouse Vegetable, School of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Yuan Liao
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Greenhouse Vegetable, School of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Haizhong Yu
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Greenhouse Vegetable, School of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Weiyi He
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhanjun Lu
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Greenhouse Vegetable, School of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
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30
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Chen Q, Sun M, Wang H, Liang X, Yin M, Lin T. Characterization of Chitin Synthase B Gene ( HvChsb) and the Effects on Feeding Behavior in Heortia vitessoides Moore. INSECTS 2023; 14:608. [PMID: 37504614 PMCID: PMC10380562 DOI: 10.3390/insects14070608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The chitin synthase B gene is a key enzyme in the chitin synthesis of insect peritrophic matrix (PM), which affects insects' feeding behavior. The chitin synthase B gene was cloned from the transcription library of Heortia vitessoides Moore. RT-qPCR showed that HvChsb was highly expressed in the larval stage of H. vitessoides, especially on the first day of the pre-pupal stage, as well as in the midgut of larvae and the abdomen of adults. After starvation treatment, HvChsb was found to be significantly inhibited over time. After 48 h of starvation, the feeding experiment showed that HvChsb increased with the prolongation of the re-feeding time. The experimental data showed that feeding affected the expression of HvChsb. HvChsb was effectively silenced via RNA interference; thus, its function was lost, significantly decreasing the survival rate of H. vitessoides. The survival rate from larval-to-pupal stages was only 43.33%, and this rate was accompanied by abnormal phenotypes. It can be seen that HvChsb plays a key role in the average growth and development of H. vitessoides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingling Chen
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Mingxu Sun
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hanyang Wang
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiaohan Liang
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Mingliang Yin
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Tong Lin
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Airs PM, Kudrna KE, Lubinski B, Phanse Y, Bartholomay LC. A Comparative Analysis of RNAi Trigger Uptake and Distribution in Mosquito Vectors of Disease. INSECTS 2023; 14:556. [PMID: 37367372 DOI: 10.3390/insects14060556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
In mosquitoes, the utilization of RNAi for functional genetics is widespread, usually mediated through introduced double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) with sequence identity to a gene of interest. However, RNAi in mosquitoes is often hampered by inconsistencies in target gene knockdown between experimental setups. While the core RNAi pathway is known to function in most mosquito strains, the uptake and biodistribution of dsRNAs across different mosquito species and life stages have yet to be extensively explored as a source of variation in RNAi experiments. To better understand mosquito-RNAi dynamics, the biodistribution of a dsRNA to a heterologous gene, LacZ (iLacZ), was tracked following various routes of exposure in the larval and adult stages of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae, and Culex pipiens. iLacZ was largely limited to the gut lumen when exposed per os, or to the cuticle when topically applied, but spread through the hemocoel when injected. Uptake of dsRNA was noted in a subset of cells including: hemocytes, pericardial cells of the dorsal vessel, ovarian follicles, and ganglia of the ventral nerve cord. These cell types are all known to undergo phagocytosis, pinocytosis, or both, and as such may actively take up RNAi triggers. In Ae. aegypti, iLacZ was detected for up to one week post exposure by Northern blotting, but uptake and degradation drastically differed across tissues. The results presented here reveal that the uptake of RNAi triggers is distinct and specific to the cell type in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Airs
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Katherine E Kudrna
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Bailey Lubinski
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Yashdeep Phanse
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Lyric C Bartholomay
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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32
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Zeng B, Chen FR, Sun H, Liu Y, Wu SF, Bass C, Gao CF. Molecular and functional analysis of chitin synthase genes in Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:661-676. [PMID: 36269029 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis, has developed a high level of resistance to many of the compounds currently used for control. There is therefore an urgent need to develop novel control methods for C. suppressalis. Insect chitin synthases (CHS) have attracted interest as a potential target for insect pest management. However, to date, CHS have not been characterized in C. suppressalis. Two CHS genes (CsCHS1 and CsCHS2) were identified and cloned from C. suppressalis. Two transcript variants were identified for CsCHS1, CsCHS1a and CsCHS1b. Spatiotemporal expression profiling showed that both transcripts of CsCHS1 are most highly expressed on the last day of each larval instar stage and show the highest expression levels in the integument. In contrast, CsCHS2 is predominantly expressed during the larval feeding stages and shows the highest expression levels in the midgut. Knockdown of CsCHS1 by RNA interference significantly inhibited the molting and pupation of C. suppressalis, and knockdown of CsCHS2 significantly affected growth during the larval stage, but had no significant effect on the pupation. Moreover, knockout of CsCHS1 by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing severely lowered the hatching rate, larval survivorship, pupation rate, and eclosion rate, but only larval survivorship at the G0 generation was lowered after the knockout of CsCHS2. These results demonstrate that CsCHS1 and CsCHS2 play vital roles in the growth and development of C. suppressalis, and so have potential as insecticidal targets for the control of this highly damaging pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zeng
- State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application/College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Fu-Rong Chen
- State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application/College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Sun
- State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application/College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Liu
- State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application/College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shun-Fan Wu
- State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application/College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chris Bass
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Cong-Fen Gao
- State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application/College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Tu C, Zhang Y, Zhu P, Sun L, Xu P, Wang T, Luo J, Yu J, Xu L. Enhanced toxicity of entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana with bacteria expressing immune suppressive dsRNA in a leaf beetle. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 193:105431. [PMID: 37248009 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The entomopathogenic fungus is recognized as an ideal alternative to chemical pesticides, nonetheless, its efficacy is often limited by insect's innate immune system. The suppression of the host immunity may overcome the obstacle and promote the toxicity of the fungi. Here, by using an entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana and immune genes dsRNA-expressing bacteria, we explored the potentially synergistic toxicity of the two agents on a leaf beetle Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). We first determined the susceptibilities of P. versicolora to a B. bassiana 476 strain (hereafter referred to Bb476). And the immune genes were identified based on the transcriptome of Bb476 challenged beetles. Subsequently, five immune genes (PGRP1, Toll1, Domeless,SPN1,and Lysozyme) were targeted by feeding dsRNA-expressing bacteria, which produced a 71.4, 39.0, 72.0, 49.0, and 68.7% gene silencing effect, respectively. Furthermore, we found a significantly increased mortality of P. versicolora when combined the Bb476 and the immune suppressive dsRNAs. Taking together, this study highlights the importance of insect immunity in the defense of entomopathogens and also paves the way toward the development of a more efficient pest management strategy that integrates both entomopathogens and immune suppressive dsRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjie Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Peipei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Liuwei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Pei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Tianjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Jing Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Jingya Yu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Wuhan Institute of Landscape Architecture, Wuhan, China.
| | - Letian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
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Sandal S, Singh S, Bansal G, Kaur R, Mogilicherla K, Pandher S, Roy A, Kaur G, Rathore P, Kalia A. Nanoparticle-Shielded dsRNA Delivery for Enhancing RNAi Efficiency in Cotton Spotted Bollworm Earias vittella (Lepidoptera: Nolidae). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119161. [PMID: 37298113 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The spotted bollworm Earias vittella (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) is a polyphagous pest with enormous economic significance, primarily affecting cotton and okra. However, the lack of gene sequence information on this pest has a significant constraint on molecular investigations and the formulation of superior pest management strategies. An RNA-seq-based transcriptome study was conducted to alleviate such limitations, and de novo assembly was performed to obtain transcript sequences of this pest. Reference gene identification across E. vittella developmental stages and RNAi treatments were conducted using its sequence information, which resulted in identifying transcription elongation factor (TEF), V-type proton ATPase (V-ATPase), and Glyceraldehyde -3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as the most suitable reference genes for normalization in RT-qPCR-based gene expression studies. The present study also identified important developmental, RNAi pathway, and RNAi target genes and performed life-stage developmental expression analysis using RT-qPCR to select the optimal targets for RNAi. We found that naked dsRNA degradation in the E. vittella hemolymph is the primary reason for poor RNAi. A total of six genes including Juvenile hormone methyl transferase (JHAMT), Chitin synthase (CHS), Aminopeptidase (AMN), Cadherin (CAD), Alpha-amylase (AMY), and V-type proton ATPase (V-ATPase) were selected and knocked down significantly with three different nanoparticles encapsulated dsRNA conjugates, i.e., Chitosan-dsRNA, carbon quantum dots-dsRNA (CQD-dsRNA), and Lipofectamine-dsRNA conjugate. These results demonstrate that feeding nanoparticle-shielded dsRNA silences target genes and suggests that nanoparticle-based RNAi can efficiently manage this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelja Sandal
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala 140072, Punjab, India
| | - Satnam Singh
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Gulshan Bansal
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala 140072, Punjab, India
| | - Ramandeep Kaur
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Kanakachari Mogilicherla
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Suneet Pandher
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Amit Roy
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Gurmeet Kaur
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Pankaj Rathore
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Anu Kalia
- Electron Microscopy and Nanoscience Laboratory, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141004, Punjab, India
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35
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Suzuki R, Masuoka Y, Suzuki RH, Maekawa K. Efficient RNA interference method during caste differentiation with hormone treatment in the termite Reticulitermes speratus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1188343. [PMID: 38469474 PMCID: PMC10926471 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1188343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Unveiling the proximate mechanism of caste differentiation is crucial for understanding insect social evolution, and gene function analysis is an important tool in this endeavor. The RNA interference (RNAi) technique is useful in termites, but its knockdown effects may differ among species. One of the most important model species in the field of termite sociogenomics is Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Presoldier and worker differentiation of this species can be artificially induced by juvenile hormone and 20-hydroxyecdysone application, respectively. However, appropriate RNAi technique of genes expressed during caste differentiation has never been considered. To clarify this issue, first, we injected nine different volumes of nuclease-free water (NFW, 0-404.8 nL) into workers and found that survival and caste differentiation rates were strongly reduced by the application of the top three largest volumes. Second, we injected double-stranded (ds) RNA of ecdysone receptor homolog (RsEcR) (2.0 µg/151.8 nL NFW) into workers with hormone treatments. The expression levels of RsEcR were significantly reduced at 9 days after dsRNA injection. RsEcR RNAi strongly affected both molting events during presoldier and worker differentiation induced by hormone treatments. The present results highlight the need for caution regarding injection volumes for RNAi experiments using hormone treatments. We suggest that the injection of dsRNA solution (2 µg; approximately 100-200 nL) is suitable for RNAi experiments during caste differentiation induced by hormone application in R. speratus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryutaro Suzuki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Ishikawa Insect Museum, Hakusan, Japan
| | - Yudai Masuoka
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ryohei H. Suzuki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Research and Development Headquarters, Earth Corporation, Ltd. Ako, Japan
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36
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Shirai Y, Ono H, Daimon T. Redundant actions of neuropeptides encoded by the dh-pban gene for larval color pattern formation in the oriental armyworm Mythimnaseparata. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 157:103955. [PMID: 37146697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The pyrokinin (PK)/pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide (PBAN) family, which is defined by a conserved C-terminal pentapeptide (FXPRLamide), is involved in many physiological processes in insects. In the oriental armyworm Mythimna separata, the larvae exhibit a variety of color patterns in response to changes in population density, which are caused by melanization and a reddish coloration hormone (MRCH), which is a member of the FXPRLamide neuropeptides. Interestingly, in some lepidopteran insects, MRCH is known as a PBAN, which activates the pheromone gland to produce sex pheromones. PBAN is encoded by a single gene, dh-pban, which encodes additional FXPRLamide neuropeptides, such as the diapause hormone (DH) and subesophageal ganglion neuropeptides (SGNPs). To determine the roles of the dh-pban gene, which produces multiple types of FXPRLamide neuropeptides after post-transcriptional cleavage of the precursor protein, we performed CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis in M. separata. We demonstrated that knockout armyworm larvae lost density-dependent cuticular melanization and retained yellow body color, even when reared under crowded conditions. Moreover, our rescue experiments using the synthetic peptides showed that not only PBAN but also β- and γ-SGNPs significantly induce the cuticular melanization in a dose dependent manner. Taken together, our results provide genetic evidence that neuropeptides encoded by the single dh-pban gene act redundantly to control density-dependent color pattern formation in M. separata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shirai
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hajime Ono
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Takaaki Daimon
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
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Das J, Kumar R, Shah V, Raghavendra KP, Sharma AK. Identification and functional characterisation of N-acetylglucosamine kinase from Helicoverpa armigera divulge its potential role in growth and development via UDP-GlcNAc salvage pathway. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124674. [PMID: 37137348 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
N-acetylglucosamine kinase (NAGK), a major enzyme of sugar-kinase/Hsp70/actin superfamily, catalyses the conversion of N-acetylglucosamine to GlcNAc-6-phosphate, the first step leading to the salvage synthesis of uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine. Here, we present the first report on identification, cloning, recombinant expression and functional characterisation of NAGK from Helicoverpa armigera (HaNAGK). The purified soluble HaNAGK exhibited a molecular mass of ~39 kDa with monomeric conformation. It catalysed the sequential transformation of GlcNAc into UDP-GlcNAc, indicating its role as the initiator of UDP-GlcNAc salvage pathway. HaNAGK exhibited ubiquitous expressions across all the developmental stages and major tissues of H. armigera. The gene was significantly upregulated (80 %; p < 0.01) by the moulting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone and significantly downregulated (89 %; p < 0.001) by the chitin synthesis inhibitor novaluron, indicating its involvement in ecdysis and chitin metabolism. Furthermore, RNAi of HaNAGK caused poor weight gain, deformed insect bodies, aberrant metamorphosis and pronounced wing abnormalities in >55 % of surviving adults, while recording 7.79 ± 1.52 % and 24.25 ± 7.21 % mortality during larval and pupal stages, respectively. Altogether, the present findings suggest that HaNAGK plays a crucial role in the growth and development of H. armigera and thus, could be considered as a compelling gene of interest while formulating novel pest management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Das
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India; ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India; ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vivek Shah
- ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - K P Raghavendra
- ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ashwani Kumar Sharma
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India.
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Khan F, Kim M, Kim Y. Greenhouse test of spraying dsRNA to control the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, infesting hot peppers. BMC Biotechnol 2023; 23:10. [PMID: 37016358 PMCID: PMC10074877 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-023-00780-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis is an insect pest that damages various crops, including hot peppers. It is a vector of a plant pathogen, tomato spotted wilt virus. To control this pest, chemical insecticides have been used in the past, but the control efficacy is unsatisfactory owing to rapid resistance development by F. occidentalis. METHODOLOGY This study reports a novel control technology against this insect pest using RNA interference (RNAi) of the vacuolar-type ATPase (vATPase) expression. Eight subunit genes (vATPase-A ∼ vATPase-H) of vATPase were obtained from the F. occidentalis genome and confirmed for their expressions at all developmental stages. RESULTS Double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) specific to the eight subunit genes were fed to larvae and adults, which significantly suppressed the corresponding gene expressions after 24-h feeding treatment. These RNAi treatments resulted in significant mortalities, in which the dsRNA treatments at ∼2,000 ppm specific to vATPase-A or vATPase-B allowed complete control efficacy near 100% mortality in 7 days after treatment. To prevent dsRNA degradation by the digestive proteases during oral feeding, dsRNAs were formulated in a liposome and led to an enhanced mortality of the larvae and adults of F. occidentalis. The dsRNAs were then sprayed at 2,000 ppm on F. occidentalis infesting hot peppers in a greenhouse, which resulted in 53.5-55.9% control efficacy in 7 days after treatment. Even though the vATPases are conserved in different organisms, the dsRNA treatment was relatively safe for non-target insects owing to the presence of mismatch sequences compared to the dsRNA region of F. occidentalis. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate the practical feasibility of spraying dsRNA to control F. occidentalis infesting crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falguni Khan
- Department of Plant Medicals, College of Life Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, 36729, Korea
| | | | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Plant Medicals, College of Life Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, 36729, Korea.
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39
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Yang J, Chen S, Xu X, Lin S, Wu J, Lin G, Bai J, Song Q, You M, Xie M. Novel miR-108 and miR-234 target juvenile hormone esterase to regulate the response of Plutella xylostella to Cry1Ac protoxin. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 254:114761. [PMID: 36907089 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Insect hormones, such as juvenile hormone (JH), precisely regulate insect life-history traits. The regulation of JH is tightly associated with the tolerance or resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). JH esterase (JHE) is a primary JH-specific metabolic enzyme which plays a key role in regulating JH titer. Here, we characterized a JHE gene from Plutella xylostella (PxJHE), and found it was differentially expressed in the Bt Cry1Ac resistant and susceptible strains. Suppression of PxJHE expression with RNAi increased the tolerance of P. xylostella to Cry1Ac protoxin. To investigate the regulatory mechanism of PxJHE, two target site prediction algorithms were applied to predict the putative miRNAs targeting PxJHE, and the resulting putative miRNAs were subsequently verified for their function targeting PxJHE using luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. MiR-108 or miR-234 agomir delivery dramatically reduced PxJHE expression in vivo, whilst only miR-108 overexpression consequently increased the tolerance of P. xylostella larvae to Cry1Ac protoxin. By contrast, reduction of miR-108 or miR-234 dramatically increased PxJHE expression, accompanied by the decreased tolerance to Cry1Ac protoxin. Furthermore, injection of miR-108 or miR-234 led to developmental defects in P. xylostella, whilst injection of antagomir did not cause any obvious abnormal phenotypes. Our results indicated that miR-108 or miR-234 can be applied as potential molecular targets to combat P. xylostella and perhaps other lepidopteran pests, providing novel insights into miRNA-based integrated pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shiyao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xuejiao Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Sujie Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jiaqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Guifang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jianlin Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Miao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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Li PR, Shi Y, Ju D, Liu YX, Wang W, He YS, Zhang YY, Yang XQ. Metabolic functional redundancy of the CYP9A subfamily members leads to P450-mediated lambda-cyhalothrin resistance in Cydia pomonella. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:1452-1466. [PMID: 36519662 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evolution of insect resistance to pesticides poses a continuing threat to sustainable pest management. While much is known about the molecular mechanisms that confer resistance in model insects and few agricultural pests, far less is known about fruit pests. Field-evolved resistance to synthetic insecticides such as lambda-cyhalothrin has been widely documented in Cydia pomonella, a major invasive pest of pome fruit worldwide, and the increased production of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) has been linked to resistance in field-evolved resistant populations. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of P450-mediated insecticide resistance remain largely unknown. RESULTS Here we found that functional redundancy and preference of metabolism by P450s genes in the CYP9A subfamily confer resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin in Cydia pomonella. A total of four CYP9A genes, including CYP9A61, CYP9A120, CYP9A121, and CYP9A122, were identified from Cydia pomonella. Among these, CYP9A120, CYP9A121, and CYP9A122 were predominantly expressed in the midgut of larvae. The expression levels of these P450 genes were significantly induced by a lethal dose that would kill 10% (LD10 ) of lambda-cyhalothrin and were overexpressed in a field-evolved lambda-cyhalothrin resistant population. Knockdown of CYP9A120 and CYP9A121 by RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) increased the susceptibility of larvae to lambda-cyhalothrin. In vitro assays demonstrated that recombinant P450s expressed in Sf9 cells can metabolize lambda-cyhalothrin, but with functional redundancy and divergence through regioselectivity of metabolism. CYP9A121 preferred to convert lambda-cyhalothrin to 2'-hydroxy-lambda-cyhalothrin, whereas CYP9A122 only generated 4'-hydroxy metabolite of lambda-cyhalothrin. Although possesses a relatively low metabolic capability, CYP9A120 balanced catalytic competence to generate both 2'- and 4'-metabolites. CONCLUSION Collectively, these results reveal that metabolic functional redundancy of three members of the CYP9A subfamily leads to P450-mediated lambda-cyhalothrin resistance in Cydia pomonella, thus representing a potential adaptive evolutionary strategy during its worldwide expansion. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Rong Li
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Economical and Applied Entomology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Shi
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity and College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Di Ju
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Economical and Applied Entomology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu-Xi Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Economical and Applied Entomology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Economical and Applied Entomology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying-Shi He
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity and College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Yun Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity and College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue-Qing Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Economical and Applied Entomology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
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41
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Adeyinka OS, Nasir IA, Tabassum B. Host-induced silencing of the CpCHI gene resulted in developmental abnormalities and mortality in maize stem borer (Chilo partellus). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280963. [PMID: 36745624 PMCID: PMC9901779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNAi-based insecticides for crop protection have witnessed rapid improvement over the years. However, their potential to efficiently control maize stem borer (Chilo partellus) pests has remained underexplored. In this study, double-stranded C. partellus chitinase (dsCHI) toxicity was investigated in C. partellus larvae. Furthermore, we developed transgenic maize lines expressing dsRNA targeted against C. partellus chitinase transcripts and performed detached leaf insect feeding bioassays. Our results revealed that C. partellus chitinase transcript expression was significantly downregulated by 57% and 82% in the larvae. Larvae exhibited various phenotypic distortion levels across developmental stages, and 53% mortality occurred in transgenic fed larvae compared to those fed on nontransgenic leaves. In conclusion, we have identified the C. partellus chitinase gene as a potential target for RNAi-mediated control and demonstrated that oral delivery via bacteria and plant-mediated delivery are viable means of achieving C. partellus RNAi-mediated control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olawale Samuel Adeyinka
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Sciences Jackson state University, Jackson, MS, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Idrees Ahmad Nasir
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Tabassum
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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42
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Liang Y, Wang T, Yang W, Chen Z, Li Q, Swevers L, Liu J. Silencing of the immune gene BmPGRP-L4 in the midgut affects the growth of silkworm (Bombyx mori) larvae. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 36705338 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are one of the receptors in insects' immune pathways, essential for insects to recognize the exogenous pathogens in order to activate the Toll and immune deficiency (IMD) pathway. In the silkworm Bombyx mori, previous studies focused on the short PGRPs and less is known about the long PGRPs. In this study, a long PGRP in silkworm BmPGRP-L4 was cloned and its expression and function were analysed. The results showed that BmPGRP-L4 contains a transmembrane region, a conserved PGRP domain, and an amidase-2 domain. The expression profile demonstrated that BmPGRP-L4 existed in diverse tissues including epidermis, fat body, midgut, and silk glands, with remarkably high expression in the midgut in the 5th instar. Oral infection with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus significantly induced BmPGRP-L4 in the midgut and epidermis, as well as in the fat body and silk glands. Peptidoglycan also induced the expression of BmPGRP-L4 in midgut tissue ex vivo and BmN4 cells in vitro. RNAi of BmPGRP-L4 was effective in the midgut and epidermis, while the efficiency in the fat body was transient. RNAi-mediated knock-down of BmPGRP-L4 reduced the weight and growth of the silkworm, possibly due to its participation in the immune response and the regulation of the microbiota in the midgut lumen of the silkworm larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yebin Liang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiyi Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zemin Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingrong Li
- The Sericulture and Agri-Food Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luc Swevers
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos, Athens, Greece
| | - Jisheng Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
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43
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Bai Y, He Y, Shen CZ, Li K, Li DL, He ZQ. CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated genomic knock out of tyrosine hydroxylase and yellow genes in cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284124. [PMID: 37036877 PMCID: PMC10085040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gryllus bimaculatus is an emerging model organism in various fields of biology such as behavior, neurology, physiology and genetics. Recently, application of reverse genetics provides an opportunity of understanding the functional genomics and manipulating gene regulation networks with specific physiological response in G. bimaculatus. By using CRISPR/Cas9 system in G. bimaculatus, we present an efficient knockdown of Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and yellow-y, which are involved in insect melanin and catecholamine-biosynthesis pathway. As an enzyme catalyzing the conversion of tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, TH confines the first step reaction in the pathway. Yellow protein (dopachrome conversion enzyme, DCE) is also involved in the melanin biosynthetic pathway. The regulation system and molecular mechanism of melanin biogenesis in the pigmentation and their physiological functions in G. bimaculatus hasn't been well defined by far for lacking of in vivo models. Deletion and insertion of nucleotides in target sites of both TH and Yellow are detected in both F0 individuals and the inheritable F1 progenies. We confirm that TH and yellow-y are down-regulated in mutants by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Compared with the control group, mutations of TH and yellow-y genes result in defects in pigmentation. Most F0 nymphs with mutations of TH gene die by the first instar, and the only adult had significant defects in the wings and legs. However, we could not get any homozygotes of TH mutants for all the F2 die by the first instar. Therefore, TH gene is very important for the growth and development of G. bimaculatus. When the yellow-y gene is knocked out, 71.43% of G. bimaculatus are light brown, with a slight mosaic on the abdomen. The yellow-y gene can be inherited stably through hybridization experiment with no obvious phenotype except lighter cuticular color. The present loss of function study indicates the essential roles of TH and yellow in pigmentation, and TH possesses profound and extensive effects of dopamine synthesis in embryonic development in G. bimaculatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Bai
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan He
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chu-Ze Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Liang Li
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu-Qing He
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Finetti L, Benetti L, Leyria J, Civolani S, Bernacchia G. Topical delivery of dsRNA in two hemipteran species: Evaluation of RNAi specificity and non-target effects. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 189:105295. [PMID: 36549821 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105295] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded (ds) RNA-based technologies could provide novel and potential tool for pest management with efficiency and specificity of action. However, before applying this technique in the field, it is necessary to identify effective delivery methods and evaluate the non-target effects that may occur. In this article, we evaluated the effectiveness of dsRNA by topical delivery on a species of great agricultural interest, Halyomorpha halys. The specificity of action of the dsRNA was also investigated in Rhodnius prolixus, an insect phylogenetically close to H. halys. Of the three investigated genes (putative ATPase N2B, ATPase, serine/threonine-protein phosphatase PP1-β catalytic subunit, PP1, and IAP repeat-containing protein 7-B-like, IAP), IAP and ATPase were able to induce higher mortality in H. halys nymphs compared to the control, with specific concentrations for each gene targeted. However, when the same RNAs were topically delivered to both R. prolixus 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs, no gene silencing and mortality were observed. For this reason, to assess dsRNA application-mediated non-target effects, we injected both H. halys and R. prolixus specific dsRNA in R. prolixus 5th instar nymphs. When the dsRNA targeting H. halys IAP was microinjected into R. prolixus 5th instar nymphs, no mortality was observed, suggesting a strong RNAi specificity. Together, these data suggest that the topical delivery could be suitable for the dsRNA to control H. halys population. Furthermore, its specificity of action would allow treatments towards single harmful species with limited non-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Finetti
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
| | - Lorenzo Benetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jimena Leyria
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Stefano Civolani
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bernacchia
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Two P450 genes, CYP6SN3 and CYP306A1, involved in the growth and development of Chilo suppressalis and the lethal effect caused by vetiver grass. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 223:860-869. [PMID: 36372110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.11.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Chilo suppressalis is a widely distributed pest occurring in nearly all paddy fields, which has developed high level resistance to different classes of insecticides. Vetiver grass has been identified as a dead-end trap plant for the alternative control of C. suppressalis. In this study, two cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) genes, CsCYP6SN3 and CsCYP306A1, were identified and characterized, which are expressed at all developmental stages, with the highest expression in the midguts and fat bodies of 3rd instar larvae. Vetiver significantly inhibited the expression levels of CsCYP6SN3 and CsCYP306A1 in 3rd larvae after feeding. RNA interference showed that silencing CsCYP6SN3 and CsCYP306A1 genes dramatically reduced the pupation rate and pupa weight. Feeding on vetiver after silencing CsCYP6SN3 and CsCYP306A1 led to higher mortality compared with feeding on rice. In conclusion, these findings indicated that the expression levels of CsCYP6SN3 and CsCYP306A1 were associated with the lethal effect of vetiver against C. suppressalis larvae and functional knowledge about these two detoxification genes could provide new targets for agricultural pest control.
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46
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Wang Z, Luo J, Feng K, Zhou Y, Tang F. Prophenoloxidase of Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) (Blattodea: Termitidae) Is a Key Gene in Melanization and Has a Defensive Role during Bacterial Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010406. [PMID: 36613850 PMCID: PMC9820534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanization mediated by the prophenoloxidase (PPO)-activating system is an important innate immunity to fight pathogens in insects. In this study, the in vitro time-dependent increase in the intensity of melanization and phenoloxidase (PO) activity from the hemolymph of Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) challenged by pathogenic bacteria was detected. PPO is one of the key genes in melanization pathway, whereas the molecular characteristics and functions of O. formosanus PPO are unclear. The OfPPO gene was cloned and characterized. The open reading frame of OfPPO is 2085 bp in length and encodes a 79.497 kDa protein with 694 amino acids. A BLASTx search and phylogenetic analyses revealed that OfPPO shares a high degree of homology to the Blattodea PPOs. Moreover, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR analysis showed that OfPPO is ubiquitously expressed in all castes and tissues examined, with the highest expression in workers and variable expression patterns in tissues of different termite castes. Furthermore, the expression of OfPPO was significantly induced in O. formosanus infected by pathogenic bacteria. Intriguingly, in combination with silencing of OfPPO expression, pathogenic bacteria challenge caused greatly increased mortality of O. formosanus. These results suggest that OfPPO plays a role in defense against bacteria and highlight the novel termite control strategy combining pathogenic bacteria application with termite PPO silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Jian Luo
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Kai Feng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yujingyun Zhou
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Fang Tang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-138-1396-6269
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Chen L, Tian Z, Hu J, Wang XY, Wang MQ, Lu W, Wang XP, Zheng XL. Molecular Characterization and Expression Patterns of Two Pheromone-Binding Proteins from the Diurnal Moth Phauda flammans (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Phaudidae). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010385. [PMID: 36613830 PMCID: PMC9820377 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) play an important role in sex pheromone recognition in Lepidoptera. However, the mechanisms of chemical communication mediating the response to sex pheromones remain unclear in the diurnal moths of the superfamily Zygaenoidea. In this study, Phauda flammans (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Phaudidae) was used as a model insect to explore the molecular mechanism of sex pheromone perception in the superfamily Zygaenoidea. Two novel pheromone-binding proteins (PflaPBP1 and PflaPBP2) from P. flammans were identified. The two pheromone-binding proteins were predominantly expressed in the antennae of P. flammans male and female moths, in which PflaPBP1 had stronger binding affinity to the female sex pheromones Z-9-hexadecenal and (Z, Z, Z)-9, 12, 15-octadecatrienal, PflaPBP2 had stronger binding affinity only for (Z, Z, Z)-9, 12, 15-octadecatrienal, and no apparent binding affinity to Z-9-hexadecenal. The molecular docking results indicated that Ile 170 and Leu 169 are predicted to be important in the binding of the sex pheromone to PflaPBP1 and PflaPBP2. We concluded that PflaPBP1 and PflaPBP2 may be responsible for the recognition of two sex pheromone components and may function differently in female and male P. flammans. These results provide a foundation for the development of pest control by exploring sex pheromone blocking agents and the application of sex pheromones and their analogs for insect pests in the superfamily Zygaenoidea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Xianning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xianning 437000, China
| | - Zhong Tian
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jin Hu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Man-Qun Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wen Lu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xia-Lin Zheng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +86-0771-3235-612
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Sarkar S, Kalia VK. Silencing of juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase gene in Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by oral delivery of double-stranded RNA. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01150-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Lucena-Leandro VS, Abreu EFA, Vidal LA, Torres CR, Junqueira CICVF, Dantas J, Albuquerque ÉVS. Current Scenario of Exogenously Induced RNAi for Lepidopteran Agricultural Pest Control: From dsRNA Design to Topical Application. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415836. [PMID: 36555476 PMCID: PMC9785151 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive insects cost the global economy around USD 70 billion per year. Moreover, increasing agricultural insect pests raise concerns about global food security constraining and infestation rising after climate changes. Current agricultural pest management largely relies on plant breeding-with or without transgenes-and chemical pesticides. Both approaches face serious technological obsolescence in the field due to plant resistance breakdown or development of insecticide resistance. The need for new modes of action (MoA) for managing crop health is growing each year, driven by market demands to reduce economic losses and by consumer demand for phytosanitary measures. The disabling of pest genes through sequence-specific expression silencing is a promising tool in the development of environmentally-friendly and safe biopesticides. The specificity conferred by long dsRNA-base solutions helps minimize effects on off-target genes in the insect pest genome and the target gene in non-target organisms (NTOs). In this review, we summarize the status of gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) for agricultural control. More specifically, we focus on the engineering, development and application of gene silencing to control Lepidoptera through non-transforming dsRNA technologies. Despite some delivery and stability drawbacks of topical applications, we reviewed works showing convincing proof-of-concept results that point to innovative solutions. Considerations about the regulation of the ongoing research on dsRNA-based pesticides to produce commercialized products for exogenous application are discussed. Academic and industry initiatives have revealed a worthy effort to control Lepidoptera pests with this new mode of action, which provides more sustainable and reliable technologies for field management. New data on the genomics of this taxon may contribute to a future customized target gene portfolio. As a case study, we illustrate how dsRNA and associated methodologies could be applied to control an important lepidopteran coffee pest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leonardo A. Vidal
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília—UnB, Brasília 70910-9002, DF, Brazil
| | - Caroline R. Torres
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- Department of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília—UnB, Brasília 70910-9002, DF, Brazil
| | - Camila I. C. V. F. Junqueira
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- Department of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília—UnB, Brasília 70910-9002, DF, Brazil
| | - Juliana Dantas
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
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Oberemok VV, Useinov RZ, Skorokhod OA, Gal’chinsky NV, Novikov IA, Makalish TP, Yatskova EV, Sharmagiy AK, Golovkin IO, Gninenko YI, Puzanova YV, Andreeva OA, Alieva EE, Eken E, Laikova KV, Plugatar YV. Oligonucleotide Insecticides for Green Agriculture: Regulatory Role of Contact DNA in Plant-Insect Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415681. [PMID: 36555325 PMCID: PMC9779641 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects vastly outnumber us in terms of species and total biomass, and are among the most efficient and voracious consumers of plants on the planet. As a result, to preserve crops, one of the primary tasks in agriculture has always been the need to control and reduce the number of insect pests. The current use of chemical insecticides leads to the accumulation of xenobiotics in ecosystems and a decreased number of species in those ecosystems, including insects. Sustainable development of human society is impossible without useful insects, so the control of insect pests must be effective and selective at the same time. In this article, we show for the first time a natural way to regulate the number of insect pests based on the use of extracellular double-stranded DNA secreted by the plant Pittosporum tobira. Using a principle similar to one found in nature, we show that the topical application of artificially synthesized short antisense oligonucleotide insecticides (olinscides, DNA insecticides) is an effective and selective way to control the insect Coccus hesperidum. Using contact oligonucleotide insecticide Coccus-11 at a concentration of 100 ng/μL on C. hesperidum larvae resulted in a mortality of 95.59 ± 1.63% within 12 days. Green oligonucleotide insecticides, created by nature and later discovered by humans, demonstrate a new method to control insect pests that is beneficial and safe for macromolecular insect pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volodymyr V. Oberemok
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, Institute of Biochemical Technologies, Ecology and Pharmacy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Crimea
- Laboratory of Entomology and Phytopathology, Dendrology and Landscape Architecture, Nikita Botanical Gardens—National Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yalta 298648, Crimea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(978)-814-68-66
| | - Refat Z. Useinov
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, Institute of Biochemical Technologies, Ecology and Pharmacy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Crimea
| | - Oleksii A. Skorokhod
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Nikita V. Gal’chinsky
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, Institute of Biochemical Technologies, Ecology and Pharmacy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Crimea
| | - Ilya A. Novikov
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, Institute of Biochemical Technologies, Ecology and Pharmacy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Crimea
| | - Tatyana P. Makalish
- S.I. Georgievsky Medical Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295015, Crimea
| | - Ekaterina V. Yatskova
- Laboratory of Entomology and Phytopathology, Dendrology and Landscape Architecture, Nikita Botanical Gardens—National Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yalta 298648, Crimea
| | - Alexander K. Sharmagiy
- Laboratory of Entomology and Phytopathology, Dendrology and Landscape Architecture, Nikita Botanical Gardens—National Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yalta 298648, Crimea
| | - Ilya O. Golovkin
- S.I. Georgievsky Medical Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295015, Crimea
| | - Yuri I. Gninenko
- All-Russian Research Institute for Silviculture and Mechanization of Forestry, Pushkino 141200, Russia
| | - Yelizaveta V. Puzanova
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, Institute of Biochemical Technologies, Ecology and Pharmacy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Crimea
| | - Oksana A. Andreeva
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, Institute of Biochemical Technologies, Ecology and Pharmacy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Crimea
| | - Edie E. Alieva
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, Institute of Biochemical Technologies, Ecology and Pharmacy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Crimea
| | - Emre Eken
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, Institute of Biochemical Technologies, Ecology and Pharmacy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Crimea
| | - Kateryna V. Laikova
- S.I. Georgievsky Medical Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295015, Crimea
| | - Yuri V. Plugatar
- Department of Natural Ecosystems, Nikita Botanical Garden—National Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yalta 298648, Crimea
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