1
|
Capriotti L, Molesini B, Pandolfini T, Jin H, Baraldi E, Cecchin M, Mezzetti B, Sabbadini S. RNA interference-based strategies to control Botrytis cinerea infection in cultivated strawberry. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2024; 43:201. [PMID: 39048858 PMCID: PMC11269516 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-024-03288-7] [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: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Gene silencing of BcDCL genes improves gray mold disease control in the cultivated strawberry. Gene silencing technology offers new opportunities to develop new formulations or new pathogen-resistant plants for reducing impacts of agricultural systems. Recent studies offered the proof of concept that the symptoms of gray mold can be reduced by downregulating Dicer-like 1 (DCL1) and 2 (DCL2) genes of Botrytis cinerea. In this study, we demonstrate that both solutions based on dsRNA topical treatment and in planta expression targeting BcDCL1 and BcDCL2 genes can be used to control the strawberry gray mold, the most harmful disease for different fruit crops. 50, 70 and 100 ng μL-1 of naked BcDCL1/2 dsRNA, sprayed on plants of Fragaria x ananassa cultivar Romina in the greenhouse, displayed significant reduction of susceptibility, compared to the negative controls, but to a lesser extent than the chemical fungicide. Three independent lines of Romina cultivar were confirmed for their stable expression of the hairpin gene construct that targets the Bc-DCL1 and 2 sequences (hp-Bc-DCL1/2), and for the production of hp construct-derived siRNAs, by qRT-PCR and Northern blot analyses. In vitro and in vivo detached leaves, and fruits from the hp-Bc-DCL1/2 lines showed significantly enhanced tolerance to this fungal pathogen compared to the control. This decreased susceptibility was correlated to the reduced fungal biomass and the downregulation of the Bc-DCL1 and 2 genes in B. cinerea. These results confirm the potential of both RNAi-based products and plants for protecting the cultivated strawberry from B. cinerea infection, reducing the impact of chemical pesticides on the environment and the health of consumers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Capriotti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara Molesini
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pandolfini
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Elena Baraldi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Science, DISTAL, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michela Cecchin
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Silvia Sabbadini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wu F, Yan L, Zhao X, Lv C, Jin W. Development of an RNA Nanostructure for Effective Botrytis cinerea Control through Spray-Induced Gene Silencing without an Extra Nanocarrier. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:483. [PMID: 39057368 PMCID: PMC11277573 DOI: 10.3390/jof10070483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Spray-induced gene silencing represents an eco-friendly approach for crop protection through the use of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to activate the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, thereby silencing crucial genes in pathogens. The major challenges associated with dsRNA are its limited stability and poor cellular uptake, necessitating repeated applications for effective crop protection. In this study, RNA nanoparticles (NPs) were proposed as effectors in plants and pathogens by inducing the RNAi pathway and silencing gene expression. RNA structural motifs, such as hairpin-loop, kissing-loop, and tetra-U motifs, were used to link multiple siRNAs into a long, single-stranded RNA (lssRNA). The lssRNA, synthesized in Escherichia coli, self-assembled into stable RNA nanostructures via local base pairing. Comparative analyses between dsRNA and RNA NPs revealed that the latter displayed superior efficacy in inhibiting spore germination and mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea. Moreover, RNA NPs had a more robust protective effect on plants against B. cinerea than did dsRNA. In addition, RNA squares are processed into expected siRNA in plants, thereby inhibiting the expression of the target gene. These findings suggest the potential of RNA NPs for use in plant disease control by providing a more efficient and specific alternative to dsRNA without requiring nanocarriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangli Wu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; (F.W.); (L.Y.); (X.Z.); (C.L.)
| | - Ling Yan
- Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; (F.W.); (L.Y.); (X.Z.); (C.L.)
- Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Shaoxing Academy of Biomedicine, Shaoxing 312366, China
| | - Xiayang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; (F.W.); (L.Y.); (X.Z.); (C.L.)
- Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Shaoxing Academy of Biomedicine, Shaoxing 312366, China
| | - Chongrun Lv
- Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; (F.W.); (L.Y.); (X.Z.); (C.L.)
- Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Shaoxing Academy of Biomedicine, Shaoxing 312366, China
| | - Weibo Jin
- Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; (F.W.); (L.Y.); (X.Z.); (C.L.)
- Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Shaoxing Academy of Biomedicine, Shaoxing 312366, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Spada M, Pugliesi C, Fambrini M, Pecchia S. Challenges and Opportunities Arising from Host- Botrytis cinerea Interactions to Outline Novel and Sustainable Control Strategies: The Key Role of RNA Interference. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6798. [PMID: 38928507 PMCID: PMC11203536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126798] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The necrotrophic plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea (Pers., 1794), the causative agent of gray mold disease, causes significant losses in agricultural production. Control of this fungal pathogen is quite difficult due to its wide host range and environmental persistence. Currently, the management of the disease is still mainly based on chemicals, which can have harmful effects not only on the environment and on human health but also because they favor the development of strains resistant to fungicides. The flexibility and plasticity of B. cinerea in challenging plant defense mechanisms and its ability to evolve strategies to escape chemicals require the development of new control strategies for successful disease management. In this review, some aspects of the host-pathogen interactions from which novel and sustainable control strategies could be developed (e.g., signaling pathways, molecules involved in plant immune mechanisms, hormones, post-transcriptional gene silencing) were analyzed. New biotechnological tools based on the use of RNA interference (RNAi) are emerging in the crop protection scenario as versatile, sustainable, effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives to the use of chemicals. RNAi-based fungicides are expected to be approved soon, although they will face several challenges before reaching the market.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Spada
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Pugliesi
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Fambrini
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Susanna Pecchia
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nien YC, Vanek A, Axtell MJ. Trans-Species Mobility of RNA Interference between Plants and Associated Organisms. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 65:694-703. [PMID: 38288670 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Trans-species RNA interference (RNAi) occurs naturally when small RNAs (sRNAs) silence genes in species different from their origin. This phenomenon has been observed between plants and various organisms including fungi, animals and other plant species. Understanding the mechanisms used in natural cases of trans-species RNAi, such as sRNA processing and movement, will enable more effective development of crop protection methods using host-induced gene silencing (HIGS). Recent progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of cell-to-cell and long-distance movement of sRNAs within individual plants. This increased understanding of endogenous plant sRNA movement may be translatable to trans-species sRNA movement. Here, we review diverse cases of natural trans-species RNAi focusing on current theories regarding intercellular and long-distance sRNA movement. We also touch on trans-species sRNA evolution, highlighting its research potential and its role in improving the efficacy of HIGS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Chi Nien
- Plant Biology Intercollege Ph.D. Program, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Allison Vanek
- Bioinformatics and Genomics Ph.D. Program, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Michael J Axtell
- Plant Biology Intercollege Ph.D. Program, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Bioinformatics and Genomics Ph.D. Program, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dalakouras A, Koidou V, Papadopoulou K. DsRNA-based pesticides: Considerations for efficiency and risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141530. [PMID: 38401868 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141530] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
In view of the ongoing climate change and the ever-growing world population, novel agricultural solutions are required to ensure sustainable food supply. Microbials, natural substances, semiochemicals and double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) are all considered potential low risk pesticides. DsRNAs function at the molecular level, targeting specific regions of specific genes of specific organisms, provided that they share a minimal sequence complementarity of approximately 20 nucleotides. Thus, dsRNAs may offer a great alternative to conventional chemicals in environmentally friendly pest control strategies. Any low-risk pesticide needs to be efficient and exhibit low toxicological potential and low environmental persistence. Having said that, in the current review, the mode of dsRNA action is explored and the parameters that need to be taken into consideration for the development of efficient dsRNA-based pesticides are highlighted. Moreover, since dsRNAs mode of action differs from those of synthetic pesticides, custom-made risk assessment schemes may be required and thus, critical issues related to the risk assessment of dsRNA pesticides are discussed here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Venetia Koidou
- ELGO-DIMITRA, Institute of Industrial and Forage Crops, Larissa, Greece; University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliope Papadopoulou
- University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang S, He B, Wu H, Cai Q, Ramírez-Sánchez O, Abreu-Goodger C, Birch PRJ, Jin H. Plant mRNAs move into a fungal pathogen via extracellular vesicles to reduce infection. Cell Host Microbe 2024; 32:93-105.e6. [PMID: 38103543 PMCID: PMC10872371 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Cross-kingdom small RNA trafficking between hosts and microbes modulates gene expression in the interacting partners during infection. However, whether other RNAs are also transferred is unclear. Here, we discover that host plant Arabidopsis thaliana delivers mRNAs via extracellular vesicles (EVs) into the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. A fluorescent RNA aptamer reporter Broccoli system reveals host mRNAs in EVs and recipient fungal cells. Using translating ribosome affinity purification profiling and polysome analysis, we observe that delivered host mRNAs are translated in fungal cells. Ectopic expression of two transferred host mRNAs in B. cinerea shows that their proteins are detrimental to infection. Arabidopsis knockout mutants of the genes corresponding to these transferred mRNAs are more susceptible. Thus, plants have a strategy to reduce infection by transporting mRNAs into fungal cells. mRNAs transferred from plants to pathogenic fungi are translated to compromise infection, providing knowledge that helps combat crop diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shumei Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Baoye He
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Huaitong Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Qiang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Obed Ramírez-Sánchez
- National Laboratory of Genomics for Biodiversity (Langebio), Cinvestav, Irapuato 36821 Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Cei Abreu-Goodger
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Paul R J Birch
- Division of Plant Sciences, School of Life Science, University of Dundee at James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK; Cell and Molecular Sciences, James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|