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Zarrabian M, Sherif SM. Silence is not always golden: A closer look at potential environmental and ecotoxicological impacts of large-scale dsRNA application. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 950:175311. [PMID: 39122031 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) technology has emerged as a pivotal strategy in sustainable pest management, offering a targeted approach that significantly mitigates the environmental and health risks associated with traditional insecticides. Originally implemented through genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to produce specific RNAi constructs, the technology has evolved in response to public and regulatory concerns over GMOs. This evolution has spurred the development of non-transgenic RNAi applications such as spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), which employs double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to silence pest genes directly without altering the plant's genetic makeup. Despite its advantages in specificity and reduced ecological footprint, SIGS faces significant obstacles, particularly the instability of dsRNA in field conditions, which limits its practical efficacy. To overcome these limitations, innovative delivery mechanisms have been developed. These include nanotechnology-based systems, minicells, and nanovesicles, which are designed to protect dsRNA from degradation and enhance its delivery to target organisms. While these advancements have improved the stability and application efficiency of dsRNA, comprehensive assessments of their environmental safety and the potential for increased exposure risks to non-target organisms remain incomplete. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the environmental fate of dsRNA and evaluate the potential risks associated with its widespread application on non-target organisms, encompassing soil microorganisms, beneficial insects, host plants, and mammals. The objective is to establish a more refined framework for RNAi risk assessment within environmental and ecotoxicological contexts, thereby fostering the development of safer, non-transgenic RNAi-based pest control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zarrabian
- Virginia Tech, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research, and Extension Center, Winchester, VA 22602, United States
| | - Sherif M Sherif
- Virginia Tech, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research, and Extension Center, Winchester, VA 22602, United States.
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2
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Saakre M, Jaiswal S, Rathinam M, Raman KV, Tilgam J, Paul K, Sreevathsa R, Pattanayak D. Host-Delivered RNA Interference for Durable Pest Resistance in Plants: Advanced Methods, Challenges, and Applications. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:1786-1805. [PMID: 37523020 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00833-9] [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: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Insect-pests infestation greatly affects global agricultural production and is projected to become more severe in upcoming years. There is concern about pesticide application being ineffective due to insect resistance and environmental toxicity. Reduced effectiveness of Bt toxins also made the scientific community shift toward alternative strategies to control devastating agricultural pests. With the advent of host-delivered RNA interference, also known as host-induced gene silencing, targeted insect genes have been suppressed through genetic engineering tools to deliver a novel insect-pest resistance strategy for combating a number of agricultural pests. This review recapitulates the possible mechanism of host-delivered RNA interference (HD-RNAi), in particular, the silencing of target genes of insect-pests. We emphasize the development of the latest strategies against evolving insect targets including designing of artificial microRNAs, vector constructs, and the benefit of using plastid transformation to transform target RNA-interfering genes. Advantages of using HD-RNAi over other small RNA delivery modes and also the supremacy of HD-RNAi over the CRISPR-Cas system particularly for insect resistance have been described. However, the broader application of this technology is restricted due to its several limitations. Using artificial miRNA designs, the host-delivered RNAi + Bt combinatorial approach and chloroplast transformation can overcome limitations of RNAi. With careful design and delivery approaches, RNAi promises to be extremely valuable and effective plant protection strategy to attain durable insect-pest resistance in crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjesh Saakre
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Sandeep Jaiswal
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
- ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya- 793103, India
| | - Maniraj Rathinam
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - K Venkat Raman
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Jyotsana Tilgam
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Krishnayan Paul
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Rohini Sreevathsa
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Debasis Pattanayak
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India.
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3
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Osborne CJ, Cohnstaedt LW, Silver KS. Outlook on RNAi-Based Strategies for Controlling Culicoides Biting Midges. Pathogens 2023; 12:1251. [PMID: 37887767 PMCID: PMC10610143 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101251] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Culicoides are small biting midges with the capacity to transmit important livestock pathogens around much of the world, and their impacts on animal welfare are likely to expand. Hemorrhagic diseases resulting from Culicoides-vectored viruses, for example, can lead to millions of dollars in economic damages for producers. Chemical insecticides can reduce Culicoides abundance but may not suppress population numbers enough to prevent pathogen transmission. These insecticides can also cause negative effects on non-target organisms and ecosystems. RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular regulatory mechanism that degrades mRNA and suppresses gene expression. Studies have examined the utility of this mechanism for insect pest control, and with it, have described the hurdles towards producing, optimizing, and applying these RNAi-based products. These methods hold promise for being highly specific and environmentally benign when compared to chemical insecticides and are more transient than engineering transgenic insects. Given the lack of available control options for Culicoides, RNAi-based products could be an option to treat large areas with minimal environmental impact. In this study, we describe the state of current Culicoides control methods, successes and hurdles towards using RNAi for pest control, and the necessary research required to bring an RNAi-based control method to fruition for Culicoides midges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J. Osborne
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
| | - Lee W. Cohnstaedt
- Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, Agricultural Research Service, United Stated Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Kristopher S. Silver
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
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4
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Willow J, Silva AI, Taning CNT, Smagghe G, Veromann E. Towards dsRNA-integrated protection of medical Cannabis crops: considering human safety, recent- and developing RNAi methods, and research inroads. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:1267-1272. [PMID: 36514999 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7323] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the expanding industry of medical Cannabis, we discuss recent milestones in RNA interference (RNAi)-based crop protection research and development that are transferable to medical Cannabis cultivation. Recent and prospective increases in pest pressure in both indoor and outdoor Cannabis production systems, and the need for effective nonchemical pest control technologies (particularly crucial in the context of cultivating plants for medical purposes), are discussed. We support the idea that developing RNAi tactics towards protection of medical Cannabis could play a major role in maximizing success in this continuously expanding industry. However, there remain critical knowledge gaps, especially with regard to RNA pesticide biosafety from a human toxicological viewpoint, as a result of the medical context of Cannabis product use. Furthermore, efforts are needed to optimize transformation and micropropagation of Cannabis plants, examine cutting edge RNAi techniques for various Cannabis-pest scenarios, and investigate the combined application of RNAi- and biological control tactics in medical Cannabis cultivation. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Willow
- Chair of Plant Health, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ana I Silva
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eve Veromann
- Chair of Plant Health, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
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5
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Howard JD, Beghyn M, Dewulf N, De Vos Y, Philips A, Portwood D, Kilby PM, Oliver D, Maddelein W, Brown S, Dickman MJ. Chemically-modified dsRNA induces RNAi effects in insects in vitro and in vivo: A potential new tool for improving RNA-based plant protection. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102311. [PMID: 35921898 PMCID: PMC9478931 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Global agriculture loses over $100 billion of produce annually to crop pests such as insects. Many of these crop pests either are not currently controlled by artificial means or have developed resistance against chemical pesticides. Long dsRNAs are capable of inducing RNAi in insects and are emerging as novel, highly selective alternatives for sustainable insect management strategies. However, there are significant challenges associated with RNAi efficacy in insects. In this study, we synthesized a range of chemically modified long dsRNAs in an approach to improve nuclease resistance and RNAi efficacy in insects. Our results showed that dsRNAs containing phosphorothioate modifications demonstrated increased resistance to southern green stink bug saliva nucleases. Phosphorothioate-modified and 2′-fluoro-modified dsRNA also demonstrated increased resistance to degradation by soil nucleases and increased RNAi efficacy in Drosophila melanogaster cell cultures. In live insects, we found chemically modified long dsRNAs successfully resulted in mortality in both stink bug and corn rootworm. These results provide further mechanistic insight into the dependence of RNAi efficacy on nucleotide modifications in the sense or antisense strand of the dsRNA in insects and demonstrate for the first time that RNAi can successfully be triggered by chemically modified long dsRNAs in insect cells or live insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Howard
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Yves De Vos
- Syngenta, Ghent Innovation Center, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - David Portwood
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, United Kingdom
| | - Peter M Kilby
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Stephen Brown
- Sheffield RNAi Screening Facility, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J Dickman
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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Darlington M, Reinders JD, Sethi A, Lu AL, Ramaseshadri P, Fischer JR, Boeckman CJ, Petrick JS, Roper JM, Narva KE, Vélez AM. RNAi for Western Corn Rootworm Management: Lessons Learned, Challenges, and Future Directions. INSECTS 2022; 13:57. [PMID: 35055900 PMCID: PMC8779393 DOI: 10.3390/insects13010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is considered one of the most economically important pests of maize (Zea mays L.) in the United States (U.S.) Corn Belt with costs of management and yield losses exceeding USD ~1-2 billion annually. WCR management has proven challenging given the ability of this insect to evolve resistance to multiple management strategies including synthetic insecticides, cultural practices, and plant-incorporated protectants, generating a constant need to develop new management tools. One of the most recent developments is maize expressing double-stranded hairpin RNA structures targeting housekeeping genes, which triggers an RNA interference (RNAi) response and eventually leads to insect death. Following the first description of in planta RNAi in 2007, traits targeting multiple genes have been explored. In June 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the first in planta RNAi product against insects for commercial use. This product expresses a dsRNA targeting the WCR snf7 gene in combination with Bt proteins (Cry3Bb1 and Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1) to improve trait durability and will be introduced for commercial use in 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Darlington
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.D.); (J.D.R.)
| | - Jordan D. Reinders
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.D.); (J.D.R.)
| | - Amit Sethi
- Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA 50131, USA; (A.S.); (A.L.L.); (C.J.B.); (J.M.R.)
| | - Albert L. Lu
- Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA 50131, USA; (A.S.); (A.L.L.); (C.J.B.); (J.M.R.)
| | | | - Joshua R. Fischer
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA; (P.R.); (J.R.F.); (J.S.P.)
| | - Chad J. Boeckman
- Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA 50131, USA; (A.S.); (A.L.L.); (C.J.B.); (J.M.R.)
| | - Jay S. Petrick
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA; (P.R.); (J.R.F.); (J.S.P.)
| | - Jason M. Roper
- Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA 50131, USA; (A.S.); (A.L.L.); (C.J.B.); (J.M.R.)
| | | | - Ana M. Vélez
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.D.); (J.D.R.)
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7
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Nishide Y, Kageyama D, Tanaka Y, Yokoi K, Jouraku A, Futahashi R, Fukatsu T. Effectiveness of orally-delivered double-stranded RNA on gene silencing in the stinkbug Plautia stali. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245081. [PMID: 33444324 PMCID: PMC7808618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of a reliable method for RNA interference (RNAi) by orally-delivered double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is potentially promising for crop protection. Considering that RNAi efficiency considerably varies among different insect species, it is important to seek for the practical conditions under which dsRNA-mediated RNAi effectively works against each pest insect. Here we investigated RNAi efficiency in the brown-winged green stinkbug Plautia stali, which is notorious for infesting various fruits and crop plants. Microinjection of dsRNA into P. stali revealed high RNAi efficiency-injection of only 30 ng dsRNA into last-instar nymphs was sufficient to knockdown target genes as manifested by their phenotypes, and injection of 300 ng dsRNA suppressed the gene expression levels by 80% to 99.9%. Knockdown experiments by dsRNA injection showed that multicopper oxidase 2 (MCO2), vacuolar ATPase (vATPase), inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), and vacuolar-sorting protein Snf7 are essential for survival of P. stali, as has been demonstrated in other insects. By contrast, P. stali exhibited very low RNAi efficiency when dsRNA was orally administered. When 1000 ng/μL of dsRNA solution was orally provided to first-instar nymphs, no obvious phenotypes were observed. Consistent with this, RT-qPCR showed that the gene expression levels were not affected. A higher concentration of dsRNA (5000 ng/μL) induced mortality in some cohorts, and the gene expression levels were reduced to nearly 50%. Simultaneous oral administration of dsRNA against potential RNAi blocker genes did not improve the RNAi efficiency of the target genes. In conclusion, P. stali shows high sensitivity to RNAi with injected dsRNA but, unlike the allied pest stinkbugs Halyomorpha halys and Nezara viridula, very low sensitivity to RNAi with orally-delivered dsRNA, which highlights the varied sensitivity to RNAi across different species and limits the applicability of the molecular tool for controlling this specific insect pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudai Nishide
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Institute of Agrobiological Sciences Ohwashi, Tsukuba, Japan
- * E-mail: (YN); (TF)
| | - Daisuke Kageyama
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Institute of Agrobiological Sciences Ohwashi, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Tanaka
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Institute of Agrobiological Sciences Ohwashi, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kakeru Yokoi
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Institute of Agrobiological Sciences Ohwashi, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Akiya Jouraku
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Institute of Agrobiological Sciences Ohwashi, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ryo Futahashi
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takema Fukatsu
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
- * E-mail: (YN); (TF)
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8
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Chen J, Peng Y, Zhang H, Wang K, Zhao C, Zhu G, Reddy Palli S, Han Z. Off-target effects of RNAi correlate with the mismatch rate between dsRNA and non-target mRNA. RNA Biol 2021; 18:1747-1759. [PMID: 33397184 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1868680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
RNAi is a potent technique for the knockdown of target genes. However, its potential off-target effects limit the widespread applications in both reverse genetic analysis and genetic manipulation. Previous efforts have uncovered rules underlying specificity of siRNA-based silencing, which has broad applications in humans, but the basis for specificity of dsRNAs, which are better suited for use as insecticides, is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the rules governing dsRNA specificity. Mutational analyses showed that dsRNAs with >80% sequence identity with target genes triggered RNAi efficiently. dsRNAs with ≥16 bp segments of perfectly matched sequence or >26 bp segments of almost perfectly matched sequence with one or two mismatches scarcely distributed (single mismatches inserted between ≥5 bp matching segments or mismatched couplets inserted between ≥8 bp matching segments) also able to trigger RNAi. Using these parameters to predict off-target risk, dsRNAs can be designed to optimize specificity and efficiency, paving the way to the widespread, rational application of RNAi in pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects/Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingchuan Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects/Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Entomology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hainan Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects/Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kangxu Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects/Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Grains and Oils Quality Control and Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunqing Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects/Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guanheng Zhu
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Zhaojun Han
- The Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects/Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Kleter GA. Food safety assessment of crops engineered with RNA interference and other methods to modulate expression of endogenous and plant pest genes. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:3333-3339. [PMID: 32515135 PMCID: PMC7540038 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Genetically modified crops have been grown commercially for more than two decades. Some of these crops have been modified with genetic constructs that induce gene silencing through RNA interference (RNAi). The targets for this silencing action are genes, either specific endogenous ones of the host plant or those of particular pests or pathogens infesting these plants. Recently emerging new genetic tools enable precise DNA edits with the same silencing effect and have also increased our knowledge and insights into the mechanisms of RNAi. For the assessment of the safety of foodstuffs from crops modified with RNAi, internationally harmonized principles for risk assessment of foods derived from genetically modified crops can be followed. Special considerations may apply to the newly expressed silencing RNA molecules, such as their possible uptake by consumers and interference with expression of host genes, which, however, would need to overcome many barriers. Bioinformatics tools aid the prediction of possible interference by a given RNA molecule with the expression of genes with homologous sequences in the host crop and in other organisms, or possible off-target edits in gene-edited crops. © 2020 The Author. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijs A Kleter
- Wageningen Food Safety ResearchWageningen University and ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
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10
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Papadopoulou N, Devos Y, Álvarez-Alfageme F, Lanzoni A, Waigmann E. Risk Assessment Considerations for Genetically Modified RNAi Plants: EFSA's Activities and Perspective. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:445. [PMID: 32373145 PMCID: PMC7186845 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Genetically modified plants (GMPs) intended for market release can be designed to induce "gene silencing" through RNA interference (RNAi). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other international risk assessment bodies/regulatory agencies have taken several actions to determine whether the existing risk assessment approaches for GMPs are appropriate for the risk assessment of RNAi-based GMPs or require complementary or alternative approaches. To our knowledge, at the international level, no dedicated guidelines have been developed for the risk assessment and regulation of RNAi-based GMPs, confirming that existing science-based risk assessment approaches for GMPs are generally considered suitable for RNAi-based GMPs. However, some specificities have been identified for the risk assessment of RNAi-based GMPs. Here, we report on some of these specificities as identified and addressed by the EFSA GMO Panel for the molecular characterisation, food/feed safety assessment and environmental risk assessment of RNAi-based GMPs, using the DvSnf7 dsRNA-expressing maize MON87411 as a case study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikoletta Papadopoulou
- Genetically Modified Organisms Unit, Department of Scientific Evaluation of Regulated Products Development, European Food Safety Authority, Parma, Italy
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11
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Rodrigues TB, Petrick JS. Safety Considerations for Humans and Other Vertebrates Regarding Agricultural Uses of Externally Applied RNA Molecules. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:407. [PMID: 32391029 PMCID: PMC7191066 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The potential of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) for use as topical biopesticides in agriculture was recently discussed during an OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Conference on RNA interference (RNAi)-based pesticides. Several topics were presented and these covered different aspects of RNAi technology, its application, and its potential effects on target and non-target organisms (including both mammals and non-mammals). This review presents information relating to RNAi mechanisms in vertebrates, the history of safe RNA consumption, the biological barriers that contribute to the safety of its consumption, and effects related to humans and other vertebrates as discussed during the conference. We also review literature related to vertebrates exposed to RNA molecules and further consider human health safety assessments of RNAi-based biopesticides. This includes possible routes of exposure other than the ingestion of potential residual material in food and water (such as dermal and inhalation exposures during application in the field), the implications of different types of formulations and RNA structures, and the possibility of non-specific effects such as the activation of the innate immune system or saturation of the RNAi machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jay S. Petrick
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Jay S. Petrick,
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12
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Raybould A, Burns A. Problem Formulation for Off-Target Effects of Externally Applied Double-Stranded RNA-Based Products for Pest Control. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:424. [PMID: 32373142 PMCID: PMC7179753 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Externally applied dsRNA-based biocontrol products may lead to off-target degradation of messenger RNA in target and non-target organisms. For the purposes of regulatory risk assessment of such products, producing a comprehensive catalog of any off-target effects using profiling methods is unnecessary and would be ineffective in supporting decision-making. Instead, problem formulation should derive criteria that indicate acceptable risk and devise a plan to test the hypothesis that the product meets those criteria. The key to effective risk assessment of dsRNA-based biocontrols is determining whether their properties indicate acceptable or unacceptable risk, not whether they arise from on- or off-target effects of dsRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Raybould
- Science, Technology and Innovation Studies, Old Surgeons’ Hall, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Alan Raybould,
| | - Andrea Burns
- Product Safety, Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, Durham, NC, United States
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13
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Hou Q, Xu L, Liu G, Pang X, Wang X, Zhang Y, You M, Ni Z, Zhao Z, Liang R. Plant-mediated gene silencing of an essential olfactory-related Gqα gene enhances resistance to grain aphid in common wheat in greenhouse and field. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:1718-1725. [PMID: 30525312 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Grain aphid (Sitobion avenae F.) is a dominant pest that limits cereal crop production around the globe. Gq proteins have important roles in signal transduction in insect olfaction. Plant-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) has been widely studied in insect control, but its application for the control wheat aphid in the field requires further study. Here, we used double-stranded (ds)RNA feeding to verify the potential of selected Gqα fragments for host-mediated RNAi, and then evaluated the effect of RNAi on aphid olfaction in transgenic wheat in the greenhouse and field. RESULTS Gqα gene was expressed in the aphid life cycle, and a 540 bp fragment shared 98.1% similarity with the reported sequence. dsGqα feeding reduced the expression of Gqα, and both reproduction and molting in the grain aphid. Feeding transgenic lines in the greenhouse downregulated expression of aphid Gqα, and significantly reduced reproduction and molting numbers. Furthermore, our field results indicate that transgenic lines have lower aphid numbers and higher 1000-grain weight than an unsprayed wild-type control. CONCLUSION Plant-mediated silencing of an essential olfactory-related Gqα gene could enhance resistance to grain aphid in common wheat in both the greenhouse and the field. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiling Hou
- Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lanjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Pang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yufeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingshan You
- Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongfu Ni
- Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhangwu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Rongqi Liang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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14
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Gene silencing in Tribolium castaneum as a tool for the targeted identification of candidate RNAi targets in crop pests. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2061. [PMID: 29391456 PMCID: PMC5794766 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20416-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
RNAi shows potential as an agricultural technology for insect control, yet, a relatively low number of robust lethal RNAi targets have been demonstrated to control insects of agricultural interest. In the current study, a selection of lethal RNAi target genes from the iBeetle (Tribolium castaneum) screen were used to demonstrate efficacy of orthologous targets in the economically important coleopteran pests Diabrotica virgifera virgifera and Meligethes aeneus. Transcript orthologs of 50 selected genes were analyzed in D. v. virgifera diet-based RNAi bioassays; 21 of these RNAi targets showed mortality and 36 showed growth inhibition. Low dose injection- and diet-based dsRNA assays in T. castaneum and D. v. virgifera, respectively, enabled the identification of the four highly potent RNAi target genes: Rop, dre4, ncm, and RpII140. Maize was genetically engineered to express dsRNA directed against these prioritized candidate target genes. T0 plants expressing Rop, dre4, or RpII140 RNA hairpins showed protection from D. v. virgifera larval feeding damage. dsRNA targeting Rop, dre4, ncm, and RpII140 in M. aeneus also caused high levels of mortality both by injection and feeding. In summary, high throughput systems for model organisms can be successfully used to identify potent RNA targets for difficult-to-work with agricultural insect pests.
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15
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Delaney B, Goodman RE, Ladics GS. Food and Feed Safety of Genetically Engineered Food Crops. Toxicol Sci 2017; 162:361-371. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Delaney
- DuPont Pioneer, International, Inc, 8325 N 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
| | - Richard E Goodman
- Food Science & Technology, University of Nebraska, 1901 North 21St Street, Lincoln Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Gregory S Ladics
- DuPont Haskell Laboratory, 1090 Elkton Road, Newark, DE, 19711, USA
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16
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Chan SY, Snow JW. Formidable challenges to the notion of biologically important roles for dietary small RNAs in ingesting mammals. GENES AND NUTRITION 2017; 12:13. [PMID: 29308096 PMCID: PMC5753850 DOI: 10.1186/s12263-017-0561-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The notion of uptake of active diet-derived small RNAs (sRNAs) in recipient organisms could have significant implications for our understanding of oral therapeutics and nutrition, for the safe use of RNA interference (RNAi) in agricultural biotechnology, and for ecological relationships. Yet, the transfer and subsequent regulation of gene activity by diet-derived sRNAs in ingesting mammals are still heavily debated. Here, we synthesize current information based on multiple independent studies of mammals, invertebrates, and plants. Rigorous assessment of these data emphasize that uptake of active dietary sRNAs is neither a robust nor a prevalent mechanism to maintain steady-state levels in higher organisms. While disagreement still continues regarding whether such transfer may occur in specialized contexts, concerns about technical difficulties and a lack of consensus on appropriate methods have led to questions regarding the reproducibility and biologic significance of some seemingly positive results. For any continuing investigations, concerted efforts should be made to establish a strong mechanistic basis for potential effects of dietary sRNAs and to agree on methodological guidelines for realizing such proof. Such processes would ensure proper interpretation of studies aiming to prove dietary sRNA activity in mammals and inform potential for application in therapeutics and agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Y Chan
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, BST 1704.2, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Jonathan W Snow
- Department of Biology, Barnard College, New York, NY 10027 USA
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17
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Tsatsakis AM, Nawaz MA, Tutelyan VA, Golokhvast KS, Kalantzi OI, Chung DH, Kang SJ, Coleman MD, Tyshko N, Yang SH, Chung G. Impact on environment, ecosystem, diversity and health from culturing and using GMOs as feed and food. Food Chem Toxicol 2017. [PMID: 28645870 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Modern agriculture provides the potential for sustainable feeding of the world's increasing population. Up to the present moment, genetically modified (GM) products have enabled increased yields and reduced pesticide usage. Nevertheless, GM products are controversial amongst policy makers, scientists and the consumers, regarding their possible environmental, ecological, and health risks. Scientific-and-political debates can even influence legislation and prospective risk assessment procedure. Currently, the scientifically-assessed direct hazardous impacts of GM food and feed on fauna and flora are conflicting; indeed, a review of literature available data provides some evidence of GM environmental and health risks. Although the consequences of gene flow and risks to biodiversity are debatable. Risks to the environment and ecosystems can exist, such as the evolution of weed herbicide resistance during GM cultivation. A matter of high importance is to provide precise knowledge and adequate current information to regulatory agencies, governments, policy makers, researchers, and commercial GMO-releasing companies to enable them to thoroughly investigate the possible risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristidis M Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Muhammad Amjad Nawaz
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, Chonnam, 59626, Republic of Korea
| | - Victor A Tutelyan
- Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Kirill S Golokhvast
- Educational Scientific Center of Nanotechnology, Engineering School, Far Eastern Federal Univeristy, 37 Pushkinskaya Street, 690950, Vladivostok, Russian Federation
| | | | - Duck Hwa Chung
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Food Science and Technology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Jo Kang
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Geyongnam 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Michael D Coleman
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nadia Tyshko
- Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Seung Hwan Yang
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, Chonnam, 59626, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyuhwa Chung
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, Chonnam, 59626, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Parameters for Successful Parental RNAi as An Insect Pest Management Tool in Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. Genes (Basel) 2016; 8:genes8010007. [PMID: 28029123 PMCID: PMC5295002 DOI: 10.3390/genes8010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Revised: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Parental RNAi (pRNAi) is an RNA interference response where the gene knockdown phenotype is observed in the progeny of the treated organism. pRNAi has been demonstrated in female western corn rootworms (WCR) via diet applications and has been described as a potential approach for rootworm pest management. However, it is not clear if plant-expressed pRNAi can provide effective control of next generation WCR larvae in the field. In this study, we evaluated parameters required to generate a successful pRNAi response in WCR for the genes brahma and hunchback. The parameters tested included a concentration response, duration of the dsRNA exposure, timing of the dsRNA exposure with respect to the mating status in WCR females, and the effects of pRNAi on males. Results indicate that all of the above parameters affect the strength of pRNAi phenotype in females. Results are interpreted in terms of how this technology will perform in the field and the potential role for pRNAi in pest and resistance management strategies. More broadly, the described approaches enable examination of the dynamics of RNAi response in insects beyond pRNAi and crop pests.
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19
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Petrick JS, Frierdich GE, Carleton SM, Kessenich CR, Silvanovich A, Zhang Y, Koch MS. Corrigendum to "Corn rootworm-active RNA DvSnf7: Repeat dose oral toxicology assessment in support of human and mammalian safety" [Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 81 (2016) 57-68]. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2016; 82:191. [PMID: 27614135 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J S Petrick
- Monsanto Company, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, Creve Coeur, MO 63167, USA.
| | - G E Frierdich
- Monsanto Company, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, Creve Coeur, MO 63167, USA
| | - S M Carleton
- Monsanto Company, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, Creve Coeur, MO 63167, USA
| | - C R Kessenich
- Monsanto Company, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, Creve Coeur, MO 63167, USA
| | - A Silvanovich
- Monsanto Company, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, Creve Coeur, MO 63167, USA
| | - Y Zhang
- Monsanto Company, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, Creve Coeur, MO 63167, USA
| | - M S Koch
- Monsanto Company, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, Creve Coeur, MO 63167, USA
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20
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Ecological risk assessment for DvSnf7 RNA: A plant-incorporated protectant with targeted activity against western corn rootworm. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2016; 81:77-88. [PMID: 27494948 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
MON 87411 maize, which expresses DvSnf7 RNA, was developed to provide an additional mode of action to confer protection against corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.). A critical step in the registration of a genetically engineered crop with an insecticidal trait is performing an ecological risk assessment to evaluate the potential for adverse ecological effects. For MON 87411, an assessment plan was developed that met specific protection goals by characterizing the routes and levels of exposure, and testing representative functional taxa that would be directly or indirectly exposed in the environment. The potential for toxicity of DvSnf7 RNA was evaluated with a harmonized battery of non-target organisms (NTOs) that included invertebrate predators, parasitoids, pollinators, soil biota as well as aquatic and terrestrial vertebrate species. Laboratory tests evaluated ecologically relevant endpoints such as survival, growth, development, and reproduction and were of sufficient duration to assess the potential for adverse effects. No adverse effects were observed with any species tested at, or above, the maximum expected environmental concentration (MEEC). All margins of exposure for NTOs were >10-fold the MEEC. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that exposure to DvSnf7 RNA, both directly and indirectly, is safe for NTOs at the expected field exposure levels.
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21
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Yang C, Preisser EL, Zhang H, Liu Y, Dai L, Pan H, Zhou X. Selection of Reference Genes for RT-qPCR Analysis in Coccinella septempunctata to Assess Un-intended Effects of RNAi Transgenic Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 7:1672. [PMID: 27877186 PMCID: PMC5099537 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.01672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The development of genetically engineered plants that employ RNA interference (RNAi) to suppress invertebrate pests opens up new avenues for insect control. While this biotechnology shows tremendous promise, the potential for both non-target and off-target impacts, which likely manifest via altered mRNA expression in the exposed organisms, remains a major concern. One powerful tool for the analysis of these un-intended effects is reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, a technique for quantifying gene expression using a suite of reference genes for normalization. The seven-spotted ladybeetle Coccinella septempunctata, a commonly used predator in both classical and augmentative biological controls, is a model surrogate species used in the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of plant incorporated protectants (PIPs). Here, we assessed the suitability of eight reference gene candidates for the normalization and analysis of C. septempunctata v-ATPase A gene expression under both biotic and abiotic conditions. Five computational tools with distinct algorisms, geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper, the ΔCt method, and RefFinder, were used to evaluate the stability of these candidates. As a result, unique sets of reference genes were recommended, respectively, for experiments involving different developmental stages, tissues, and ingested dsRNAs. By providing a foundation for standardized RT-qPCR analysis in C. septempunctata, our work improves the accuracy and replicability of the ERA of PIPs involving RNAi transgenic plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural UniversityHunan, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural SciencesHunan, China
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, LexingtonKY, USA
| | - Evan L. Preisser
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, KingstonRI, USA
| | - Hongjun Zhang
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, LexingtonKY, USA
- Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of AgricultureBeijing, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural SciencesHunan, China
| | - Liangying Dai
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural UniversityHunan, China
| | - Huipeng Pan
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, LexingtonKY, USA
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong ProvinceGuangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xuguo Zhou, Huipeng Pan,
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, LexingtonKY, USA
- *Correspondence: Xuguo Zhou, Huipeng Pan,
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