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Goldshmidt A, Ziegler T, Zhou D, Brower‐Toland B, Preuss S, Slewinski T. Tuning of meristem maturation rate increases yield in multiple Triticum aestivum cultivars. PLANT DIRECT 2022; 6:e459. [PMID: 36447652 PMCID: PMC9694431 DOI: 10.1002/pld3.459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Breeding programs aim to improve crop yield and environmental stability for enhanced food security. The principal methodology in breeding for stable yield gain relies on the indirect selection of beneficial genetics by yield evaluation across diverse environmental conditions. This methodology requires substantial resources while delivering a slow pace of yield gain and environmental adaptation. Alternative methods are required to accelerate gain and adaptation, becoming even more imperative in a changing climate. New molecular tools and approaches can enable accelerated creation and deployment of multiple alleles of genes identified to control key traits. With the advent of tools that enable breeding by targeted allelic selection, identifying gene targets associated with an improved crop performance ideotype will become crucial. Previous studies have shown that altered photoperiod regimes increase yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum). In the current study, we have employed such treatments to study the resulting yield ideotype in five spring wheat cultivars. We found that the photoperiod treatment creates a yield ideotype arising from delayed spike establishment rates that are accompanied by increased early shoot expression of TARGET OF EAT1 (TaTOE1) genes. Genes identified in this way could be used for ideotype-based improve crop performance through targeted allele creation and selection in relevant environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Goldshmidt
- Bayer Crop ScienceChesterfieldMissouriUSA
- Present address:
The Volcani Agriculture InstituteRishon LeZionIsrael
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2
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Wise JC, Wise AG, Rakotondravelo M, Vandervoort C, Seeve C, Fabbri B. Trunk injection delivery of dsRNA for RNAi-based pest control in apple trees. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3528-3533. [PMID: 35578562 PMCID: PMC9541757 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising new approach for controlling insect pests without the use of synthetic pesticides. Trunk injection is a delivery system for woody plants that harnesses the vascular system of the tree to transport materials to the tree canopy. Full size apple trees were injected with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), and season-long leaf samples were taken to measure the vascular mobility and temporal persistence of dsRNA, using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS The qRT-PCR results revealed that the quantities of dsRNA in the apple leaves of treated trees were significantly greater than those in the leaves of untreated trees for both 2019 and 2020 studies. The peak dsRNA concentration in 2019 was 242 pg/30 mg of leaf tissue, and in 2020 was 16.4 pg/30 mg. The persistence of dsRNA in the apple tree canopy in 2019 was at least 84 days, and in 2020 was at least 141 days. CONCLUSIONS The highest mean measurement of dsRNA on a single date in 2019 was 242 pg, which is approximately equivalent to 8 ng/1 g leaf tissue. The projection using the highest replicate concentration from the same date is approximately equivalent to 27 ng/1 g leaf tissue, which may be sufficient to be considered biologically active. © 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)
- John C Wise
- Department of EntomologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
| | - Annabel G Wise
- Veterinary Diagnostic LaboratoryMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
| | | | - Christine Vandervoort
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial SciencesMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
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3
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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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Dang T, Wang J, Rucker T, Bodaghi S, Lavagi-Craddock I, Vidalakis G. QuantiGene Plex Assay: A Method for High-Throughput Multiplex Citrus Viroid Detection and Identification. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2316:243-250. [PMID: 34845700 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1464-8_21] [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] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The QuantiGene Plex assay is a molecular non-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based multiplex method adapted for citrus viroid detection and identification. Here, we describe the procedures to utilize the QuantiGene Plex assay as a high-throughput screening tool for viroids in purified or crude RNA extracts from citrus tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Dang
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jinbo Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
- United States Department of Agriculture-APHIS-Biotechnology Regulatory Service-Biotechnology Risk Assessment Program, Riverdale, MD, USA
| | - Tavia Rucker
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Sohrab Bodaghi
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Irene Lavagi-Craddock
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Georgios Vidalakis
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
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5
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Zheng Y, Wang L, Xu L, Li Y, Yang X, Yang Z, Li L, Ding M, Ren S, Gong F, Chang J, Cao C, Wen Y, Li L, Liu G. Triblock probe-polyA-probe electrochemical interfacial engineering for the sensitive analysis of RNAi plants. Analyst 2022; 147:2452-2459. [DOI: 10.1039/d2an00366j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is under fast development in agriculture and brings new challenge for GMO analysis. We developed a electrochemical biosensor for the analysis of GM maize samples based on a polyA-DNA capturing probe. Ultrasensitive detection of 10 fM RNA was realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Lele Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Xu
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhou Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Lanying Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Ding
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhen Ren
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiyan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinxue Chang
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengming Cao
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanli Wen
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Li
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, PR China
| | - Gang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
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6
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Xu L, Qi J, Wen Y, Liang W, Wang L, Yang Z, Yang X, Qi Y, Duan M, Zhao K, Gu J, Shen Y, Rao P, Ding M, Ren S, Li L, Liu G. A polyA DNA probe-based ultra-sensitive and structure-distinguishable electrochemical biosensor for the analysis of RNAi transgenic maize. Analyst 2021; 146:3526-3533. [PMID: 33881427 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00313e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Since the application of RNA interference (RNAi) is rapidly developing in GMO technology, accurate and sensitive detection of functional RNA molecules was urgently needed, for the safety and functional assessment of RNAi crops. In this work, we developed an electrochemical biosensor for transgene-derived long RNA based on a poly-adenine (polyA) DNA capture probe. The polyA self-assembling monolayer (SAM) provided enhanced interface stability and optimized surface density for the subsequent hybridization of the long RNA molecule. A multiple reporter probe system (MRP) containing 12 reporter probes (RPs) and 2 spacers was applied to open the complex molecular secondary structure and hybridize with the long RNA, with the critical assistance of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). By using 3 addressable RPs, structural recognition was performed among long stem-loop RNA, long dsRNA (no loop), and siRNA. Excellent selectivity was achieved when the extracted total RNA samples were directly analyzed. When reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) technology was combined, the sensitivity was improved to 10 aM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first electrochemical biosensor with the excellent capability of quantification and structural analysis of the long RNA of the RNAi GMO. Our work shows great potential in a wide range of RNAi GMO samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xu
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and testing technology, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China.
| | - Jiawei Qi
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and testing technology, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China. and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, P.R. China
| | - Yanli Wen
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and testing technology, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China.
| | - Wen Liang
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and testing technology, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China.
| | - Lele Wang
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and testing technology, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China.
| | - Zhenzhou Yang
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and testing technology, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China.
| | - Xue Yang
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and testing technology, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China.
| | - Yu Qi
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and testing technology, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China.
| | - Manlei Duan
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and testing technology, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China.
| | - Keke Zhao
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and testing technology, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China.
| | - Jie Gu
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and testing technology, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China.
| | - Yiji Shen
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and testing technology, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China.
| | - Pinhua Rao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, P.R. China
| | - Min Ding
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and testing technology, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China.
| | - Shuzhen Ren
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and testing technology, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China.
| | - Liang Li
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and testing technology, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China.
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7
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Fischer JR, MacQuarrie GR, Malven M, Song Z, Rogan G. Dissipation of DvSnf7 RNA from Late-Season Maize Tissue in Aquatic Microcosms. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:1032-1040. [PMID: 32077138 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The commercialization of RNA-based agricultural products requires robust ecological risk assessments. Ecological risk is operationally defined as a function of exposure and adverse effects. Information on the environmental fate of RNA-based plant-incorporated protectants is essential to define routes and duration of exposure to potentially sensitive nontarget organisms. Providing these details in problem formulation helps focus the ecological risk assessment on the relevant species of concern. Postharvest plant residue is often considered to be the most significant route of exposure for genetically modified crops to adjacent aquatic environments. Previous studies have shown that DvSnf7 RNA from SmartStax PRO maize dissipates rapidly in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Although these studies suggest that direct exposure to DvSnf7 RNA is likely to be low, little is known regarding the fate of DvSnf7 RNA produced in plants after entering an aquatic environment. This exposure scenario is relevant to detritivorous aquatic invertebrates that process conditioned maize tissues that enter aquatic environments. To assess potential exposure to shredders, dissipation of DvSnf7 RNA expressed maize tissue was evaluated following immersion in microcosms containing sediment and water. Concentrations of DvSnf7 RNA in the tissue were measured over a duration of 21 d. The DvSnf7 RNA dissipated rapidly from immersed maize tissue and was undetectable in the tissues after 3 d. Concentrations of DvSnf7 RNA found in tissue as well as calculated water column concentrations were below levels known to elicit effects in a highly sensitive surrogate species, supporting the conclusion of minimal risk to aquatic nontarget organisms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1032-1040. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Fischer
- Regulatory Sciences, Bayer CropScience, Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Marianne Malven
- Regulatory Sciences, Bayer CropScience, Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
| | - Zihong Song
- Regulatory Sciences, Bayer CropScience, Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
| | - Glennon Rogan
- Regulatory Sciences, Bayer CropScience, Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
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8
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Zhang K, Wei J, Huff Hartz KE, Lydy MJ, Moon TS, Sander M, Parker KM. Analysis of RNA Interference (RNAi) Biopesticides: Double-Stranded RNA (dsRNA) Extraction from Agricultural Soils and Quantification by RT-qPCR. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:4893-4902. [PMID: 32212649 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b07781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules are used as a novel class of biopesticides. To enable assessments of the ecological risk associated with their release to receiving environments, we developed an approach to quantify dsRNA in agricultural soils using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). To allow quantification of dsRNA adsorbed to particles, we also developed a protocol to transfer dsRNA from particles to the extraction buffer by changing particle surface charge and adding constituents to compete with dsRNA for adsorption sites. Our approach could quantify dsRNA amounts as low as 0.003 ngdsRNA/gsoil. This approach is the first available field-applicable approach able to quantify dsRNA biopesticides down to environmentally relevant concentrations. We applied this approach to investigate dsRNA dissipation (including dilution, degradation, and adsorption) in two agricultural soils. When we applied a low amount of dsRNA (1 ngdsRNA/gsoil) to the soils, we observed that a greater fraction of dsRNA was adsorbed to and extractable from soil particles in a silty clay loam soil than in a fine sandy loam soil. In both soils, dsRNA dissipated on the timescale of hours. Overall, these results demonstrate that our approach can be applied to assess the environmental fate of dsRNA biopesticides at concentrations relevant to their release to soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Jingmiao Wei
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Kara E Huff Hartz
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, United States
| | - Michael J Lydy
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, United States
| | - Tae Seok Moon
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Michael Sander
- Department of Environmental Systems Science (DUSYS), ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kimberly M Parker
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
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9
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Bachman P, Fischer J, Song Z, Urbanczyk-Wochniak E, Watson G. Environmental Fate and Dissipation of Applied dsRNA in Soil, Aquatic Systems, and Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:21. [PMID: 32117368 PMCID: PMC7016216 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Two primary use patterns exist for dsRNA-based products for crop protection: in planta produced dsRNA such as in a genetically engineered (GE) crop; and topically applied dsRNA such as a spray application. To enable effective environmental risk assessments for these products, dsRNA must be successfully measured in relevant environmental compartments (soil, sediment, surface water) to provide information on potential exposure. This perspective reviews results from numerous environmental fate and degradation studies with topically applied unformulated dsRNAs to demonstrate the high lability of these molecules and low potential for persistence in the environment. Additionally, we report on results of a pilot study of topically applied dsRNA on soybean plants demonstrating similar rapid degradation under field conditions. Microbial degradation of nucleic acids in environmental compartments has been shown to be a key driver for this lack of persistence. In fact, the instability of dsRNA in the environment has posed a challenge for the development of commercial topically-applied products. Formulations or other approaches that mitigate environmental degradation may lead to development of commercially successful products but may change the known degradation kinetics of dsRNAs. The formulation of these products and the resultant impacts on the stability of the dsRNA in environmental compartments will need to be addressed using problem formulation and product formulation testing may be required on a case by case basis to ensure an effective risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Bachman
- Science Organization, The Climate Corporation, Creve Coeur, MO, United States
- Regulatory Science, Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO, United States
| | - Joshua Fischer
- Regulatory Science, Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO, United States
| | - Zihong Song
- Regulatory Science, Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO, United States
| | | | - Greg Watson
- Regulatory Science, Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO, United States
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10
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Chen W, Wang P. Molecular Analysis for Characterizing Transgenic Events. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1864:397-410. [PMID: 30415348 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8778-8_24] [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] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
To develop a commercial trait product, a large number of transgenic events are often produced to obtain the event with desired level of expression. It is crucial to develop efficient and sensitive molecular characterization methods to advance events with stable transgene expression, free of vector backbone sequences and without major changes to the native genome caused by transgene insertion. Here, we discuss a variety of analytical tools, including quantitative PCR (qPCR), Southern blot analysis, and various sequencing technologies, which have been widely used to determine the insert copy number, presence/absence of vector backbone sequences, integrity of the T-DNA, and genomic location of the T-DNA insertion. Moreover, since the discovery of RNA interference in 1998 (Fire et al., Nature 391:806-811, 1998), RNAi has emerged as another powerful tool in in the development of a new transgenic trait for insect control. RNAi creates a double-stranded RNA duplex as the active molecule which forms a strong secondary structure, resulting in challenges for detection. In addition to molecular analysis at the DNA level, this chapter describes detection methods of the active molecules (i.e., double-stranded RNA) for RNAi-based traits.
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MESH Headings
- Biotechnology/instrumentation
- Biotechnology/methods
- Blotting, Southern
- Commerce
- Crops, Agricultural/genetics
- DNA, Bacterial/genetics
- DNA, Plant/analysis
- DNA, Plant/genetics
- Genome, Plant/genetics
- Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Quantitative Trait Loci/genetics
- RNA Interference
- RNA, Double-Stranded/analysis
- RNA, Double-Stranded/genetics
- RNA, Plant/analysis
- RNA, Plant/genetics
- Transformation, Genetic
- Transgenes/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™, Johnston, IA, USA.
| | - PoHao Wang
- Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™, Johnston, IA, USA
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11
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Khajuria C, Ivashuta S, Wiggins E, Flagel L, Moar W, Pleau M, Miller K, Zhang Y, Ramaseshadri P, Jiang C, Hodge T, Jensen P, Chen M, Gowda A, McNulty B, Vazquez C, Bolognesi R, Haas J, Head G, Clark T. Development and characterization of the first dsRNA-resistant insect population from western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197059. [PMID: 29758046 PMCID: PMC5951553 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of dsRNA to control insect pests via the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway is being explored by researchers globally. However, with every new class of insect control compounds, the evolution of insect resistance needs to be considered, and understanding resistance mechanisms is essential in designing durable technologies and effective resistance management strategies. To gain insight into insect resistance to dsRNA, a field screen with subsequent laboratory selection was used to establish a population of DvSnf7 dsRNA-resistant western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, a major maize insect pest. WCR resistant to ingested DvSnf7 dsRNA had impaired luminal uptake and resistance was not DvSnf7 dsRNA-specific, as indicated by cross resistance to all other dsRNAs tested. No resistance to the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Bb1 protein was observed. DvSnf7 dsRNA resistance was inherited recessively, located on a single locus, and autosomal. Together these findings will provide insights for dsRNA deployment for insect pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitvan Khajuria
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Sergey Ivashuta
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Wiggins
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Lex Flagel
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - William Moar
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Michael Pleau
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Kaylee Miller
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Yuanji Zhang
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | | | - Changjian Jiang
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Tracey Hodge
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Peter Jensen
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Mao Chen
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Anilkumar Gowda
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Brian McNulty
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Cara Vazquez
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Renata Bolognesi
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Haas
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Graham Head
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Thomas Clark
- Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
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Wang PH, Schulenberg G, Whitlock S, Worden A, Zhou N, Novak S, Chen W. RNase I f -treated quantitative PCR for dsRNA quantitation of RNAi trait in genetically modified crops. BMC Biotechnol 2018; 18:3. [PMID: 29343265 PMCID: PMC5773123 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-018-0413-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background RNA interference (RNAi) technology has been widely used to knockdown target genes via post-transcriptional silencing. In plants, RNAi is used as an effective tool with diverse applications being developed such as resistance against insects, fungi, viruses, and metabolism manipulation. To develop genetically modified (GM) RNAi traits for insect control, a transgene is created and composed of an inversely-repeated sequence of the target gene with a spacer region inserted between the repeats. The transgene design is subject to form a self-complementary hairpin RNA (hpRNA) and the active molecules are > 60 bp doubled-stranded RNA (dsRNA) derived from the hpRNA. However, in some cases, an undesirable intermediate such as single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) may be formed, which is not an active molecule. The aforementioned characteristics of RNAi traits lead to increase the challenges for RNAi-derived dsRNA quantitation. Results To quantify the dsRNA and distinguish it from the ssRNA in transgenic maize, an analytical tool is required to be able to effectively quantify dsRNA which contains a strong secondary structure. Herein, we develop a modified qRT-PCR method (abbreviated as RNase If -qPCR) coupled with a ssRNA preferred endonuclease (i.e., RNase If). This method enables the precise measurement of the active molecules (i.e., dsRNA) derived from RNAi traits of GM crops and separately quantifies the dsRNA from ssRNA. Notably, we also demonstrate that the RNase If -qPCR is comparable to a hybridization-based method (Quantigene Plex 2.0). Conclusions To our best knowledge, this is the first report of a method combining RNase If with modified qRT-PCR protocol. The method represents a reliable analytical tool to quantify dsRNA for GM RNAi crops. It provides a cost-effective and feasible analytical tool for general molecular laboratory without using additional equipment for other methods. The RNase If -qPCR method demonstrates high sensitivity (to 0.001 pg/ μL of dsRNA), precision and accuracy. In this report, we demonstrated the deployment of this method to characterize the RNAi events carrying v-ATPase C in maize during trait development process. The method can be utilized in any application which requires the dsRNA quantification such as double-stranded RNA virus or sprayable dsRNA as herbicide. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12896-018-0413-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Hao Wang
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA.
| | - Greg Schulenberg
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA
| | - Shannon Whitlock
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA
| | - Andrew Worden
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA
| | - Ning Zhou
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA
| | - Stephen Novak
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46268, USA
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13
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Parker KM, Sander M. Environmental Fate of Insecticidal Plant-Incorporated Protectants from Genetically Modified Crops: Knowledge Gaps and Research Opportunities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:12049-12057. [PMID: 28968072 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b03456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) are biopesticides expressed in genetically modified (GM) crops and are typically macromolecular in nature. First-generation insecticidal PIPs were Cry proteins expressed in GM crops containing transgenes from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis; next-generation double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) PIPs have been recently approved. Like conventional synthetic pesticides, the use of either Cry protein or dsRNA PIPs results in their release to receiving environments. However, as opposed to conventional low molecular weight pesticides, the environmental fate of macromolecular PIPs remains less studied and is poorly understood. This Feature highlights the knowledge gaps and challenges that have emerged while investigating the environmental fate of Cry protein PIPs and suggests new avenues to advance the state of the research necessary for the ongoing environmental fate assessment of dsRNA PIPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M Parker
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich , 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University , St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Michael Sander
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich , 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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14
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Gampala SS, Fast BJ, Richey KA, Gao Z, Hill R, Wulfkuhle B, Shan G, Bradfisch GA, Herman RA. Single-Event Transgene Product Levels Predict Levels in Genetically Modified Breeding Stacks. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2017; 65:7885-7892. [PMID: 28825812 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b03098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The concentration of transgene products (proteins and double-stranded RNA) in genetically modified (GM) crop tissues is measured to support food, feed, and environmental risk assessments. Measurement of transgene product concentrations in breeding stacks of previously assessed and approved GM events is required by many regulatory authorities to evaluate unexpected transgene interactions that might affect expression. Research was conducted to determine how well concentrations of transgene products in single GM events predict levels in breeding stacks composed of these events. The concentrations of transgene products were compared between GM maize, soybean, and cotton breeding stacks (MON-87427 × MON-89034 × DAS-Ø15Ø7-1 × MON-87411 × DAS-59122-7 × DAS-40278-9 corn, DAS-81419-2 × DAS-44406-6 soybean, and DAS-21023-5 × DAS-24236-5 × SYN-IR102-7 × MON-88913-8 × DAS-81910-7 cotton) and their component single events (MON-87427, MON-89034, DAS-Ø15Ø7-1, MON-87411, DAS-59122-7, and DAS-40278-9 corn, DAS-81419-2, and DAS-44406-6 soybean, and DAS-21023-5, DAS-24236-5, SYN-IR102-7, MON-88913-8, and DAS-81910-7 cotton). Comparisons were made within a crop and transgene product across plant tissue types and were also made across transgene products in each breeding stack for grain/seed. Scatter plots were generated comparing expression in the stacks to their component events, and the percent of variability accounted for by the line of identity (y = x) was calculated (coefficient of identity, I2). Results support transgene concentrations in single events predicting similar concentrations in breeding stacks containing the single events. Therefore, food, feed, and environmental risk assessments based on concentrations of transgene products in single GM events are generally applicable to breeding stacks composed of these events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brandon J Fast
- Dow AgroSciences , Building 312, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
| | - Kimberly A Richey
- Dow AgroSciences , Building 312, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
| | - Zhifang Gao
- Dow AgroSciences , Building 312, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
| | - Ryan Hill
- Dow AgroSciences , Building 312, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
| | - Bryant Wulfkuhle
- Dow AgroSciences , Building 312, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
| | - Guomin Shan
- Dow AgroSciences , Building 312, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
| | - Greg A Bradfisch
- Dow AgroSciences , Building 312, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
| | - Rod A Herman
- Dow AgroSciences , Building 312, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, United States
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15
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Zhang J, Khan SA, Heckel DG, Bock R. Next-Generation Insect-Resistant Plants: RNAi-Mediated Crop Protection. Trends Biotechnol 2017; 35:871-882. [PMID: 28822479 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Plant-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) shows great potential in crop protection. It relies on plants stably expressing double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) that target essential genes in pest insects. Practical application of this strategy is challenging because producing sufficient amounts of stable dsRNA in plants has proven to be difficult to achieve with conventional transgenesis. In addition, many insects do not respond to exogenously applied dsRNAs, either degrading them or failing to import them into the cytoplasm. We summarize recent progress in RNAi-mediated insect pest control and discuss factors determining its efficacy. Expressing dsRNA in chloroplasts overcomes many of the difficulties previously encountered. We also highlight remaining challenges and discuss the environmental and biosafety issues involved in the use of this technology in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Zhang
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Sher Afzal Khan
- Max-Planck-Institut für Chemische Ökologie, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 8, 07745 Jena, Germany; Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - David G Heckel
- Max-Planck-Institut für Chemische Ökologie, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 8, 07745 Jena, Germany.
| | - Ralph Bock
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
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16
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Fischer JR, Zapata F, Dubelman S, Mueller GM, Jensen PD, Levine SL. Characterizing a novel and sensitive method to measure dsRNA in soil. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 161:319-324. [PMID: 27441991 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Performing environmental assessments for double-stranded RNA-based agricultural products require the development of sensitive and selective methods to measure biodegradation rates of dsRNAs. We developed and characterized a novel analytical procedure that uses a molecular hybridization assay (QuantiGene(®)) to accurately measure dsRNA extracted from diverse soils. In this report, we utilize this method to demonstrate that two dsRNAs with distinct size, structure, and sequence degrade rapidly in soil with indistinguishable kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Fischer
- Regulatory Sciences, Monsanto Company, 800 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63167, USA.
| | - Fatima Zapata
- Regulatory Sciences, Monsanto Company, 800 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63167, USA
| | - Samuel Dubelman
- Regulatory Sciences, Monsanto Company, 800 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63167, USA
| | - Geoffrey M Mueller
- Regulatory Sciences, Monsanto Company, 800 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63167, USA
| | - Peter D Jensen
- Regulatory Sciences, Monsanto Company, 800 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63167, USA
| | - Steven L Levine
- Regulatory Sciences, Monsanto Company, 800 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63167, USA
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17
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Fishilevich E, Vélez AM, Storer NP, Li H, Bowling AJ, Rangasamy M, Worden SE, Narva KE, Siegfried BD. RNAi as a management tool for the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2016; 72:1652-1663. [PMID: 27218412 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is the most important pest of corn in the US Corn Belt. Economic estimates indicate that costs of control and yield loss associated with WCR damage exceed $US 1 billion annually. Historically, corn rootworm management has been extremely difficult because of its ability to evolve resistance to both chemical insecticides and cultural control practices. Since 2003, the only novel commercialized developments in rootworm management have been transgenic plants expressing Bt insecticidal proteins. Four transgenic insecticidal proteins are currently registered for rootworm management, and field resistance to proteins from the Cry3 family highlights the importance of developing traits with new modes of action. One of the newest approaches for controlling rootworm pests involves RNA interference (RNAi). This review describes the current understanding of the RNAi mechanisms in WCR and the use of this technology for WCR management. Further, the review addresses ecological risk assessment of RNAi and insect resistance management of RNAi for corn rootworm. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana M Vélez
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Blair D Siegfried
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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18
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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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19
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Tan J, Levine SL, Bachman PM, Jensen PD, Mueller GM, Uffman JP, Meng C, Song Z, Richards KB, Beevers MH. No impact of DvSnf7 RNA on honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) adults and larvae in dietary feeding tests. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2016; 35:287-94. [PMID: 26011006 PMCID: PMC4744748 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) is the most important managed pollinator species worldwide and plays a critical role in the pollination of a diverse range of economically important crops. This species is important to agriculture and historically has been used as a surrogate species for pollinators to evaluate the potential adverse effects for conventional, biological, and microbial pesticides, as well as for genetically engineered plants that produce pesticidal products. As part of the ecological risk assessment of MON 87411 maize, which expresses a double-stranded RNA targeting the Snf7 ortholog (DvSnf7) in western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera), dietary feeding studies with honey bee larvae and adults were conducted. Based on the mode of action of the DvSnf7 RNA in western corn rootworm, the present studies were designed to be of sufficient duration to evaluate the potential for adverse effects on larval survival and development through emergence and adult survival to a significant portion of the adult stage. Testing was conducted at concentrations of DvSnf7 RNA that greatly exceeded environmentally relevant exposure levels based on expression levels in maize pollen. No adverse effects were observed in either larval or adult honey bees at these high exposure levels, providing a large margin of safety between environmental exposure levels and no-observed-adverse-effect levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Tan
- Regulatory Sciences, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Steven L Levine
- Regulatory Sciences, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Peter D Jensen
- Regulatory Sciences, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Joshua P Uffman
- Regulatory Sciences, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Chen Meng
- Regulatory Sciences, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Zihong Song
- Regulatory Sciences, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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20
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Coles AH, Osborn MF, Alterman JF, Turanov AA, Godinho BMDC, Kennington L, Chase K, Aronin N, Khvorova A. A High-Throughput Method for Direct Detection of Therapeutic Oligonucleotide-Induced Gene Silencing In Vivo. Nucleic Acid Ther 2015; 26:86-92. [PMID: 26595721 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2015.0578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical development of RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics requires a rapid, accurate, and robust method of simultaneously quantifying mRNA knockdown in hundreds of samples. The most well-established method to achieve this is quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), a labor-intensive methodology that requires sample purification, which increases the potential to introduce additional bias. Here, we describe that the QuantiGene(®) branched DNA (bDNA) assay linked to a 96-well Qiagen TissueLyser II is a quick and reproducible alternative to qRT-PCR for quantitative analysis of mRNA expression in vivo directly from tissue biopsies. The bDNA assay is a high-throughput, plate-based, luminescence technique, capable of directly measuring mRNA levels from tissue lysates derived from various biological samples. We have performed a systematic evaluation of this technique for in vivo detection of RNAi-based silencing. We show that similar quality data is obtained from purified RNA and tissue lysates. In general, we observe low intra- and inter-animal variability (around 10% for control samples), and high intermediate precision. This allows minimization of sample size for evaluation of oligonucleotide efficacy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Coles
- 1 RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Maire F Osborn
- 1 RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Julia F Alterman
- 1 RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Anton A Turanov
- 1 RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Bruno M D C Godinho
- 1 RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Lori Kennington
- 1 RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,3 Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Kathryn Chase
- 1 RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,3 Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Neil Aronin
- 1 RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,3 Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- 1 RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
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21
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Li Y, Xiong T, Wu H, Yang Y. Visual DNA microarray coupled with multiplex-PCR for the rapid detection of twelve genetically modified maize. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-016-0106-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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22
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Urquhart W, Mueller GM, Carleton S, Song Z, Perez T, Uffman JP, Jensen PD, Levine SL, Ward J. A novel method of demonstrating the molecular and functional equivalence between in vitro and plant-produced double-stranded RNA. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 73:607-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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23
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Dubelman S, Fischer J, Zapata F, Huizinga K, Jiang C, Uffman J, Levine S, Carson D. Environmental fate of double-stranded RNA in agricultural soils. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93155. [PMID: 24676387 PMCID: PMC3968063 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A laboratory soil degradation study was conducted to determine the biodegradation potential of a DvSnf7 dsRNA transcript derived from a Monsanto genetically modified (GM) maize product that confers resistance to corn rootworm (CRW; Diabrotica spp.). This study provides new information to improve the environmental assessment of dsRNAs that become pesticidal through an RNAi process. Three agricultural soils differing in their physicochemical characteristics were obtained from the U.S., Illinois (IL; silt loam), Missouri (MO; loamy sand) and North Dakota (ND; clay loam), and exposed to the target dsRNA by incorporating insect-protected maize biomass and purified (in vitro-transcribed) DvSnf7 RNA into soil. The GM and control (non-GM maize) materials were added to each soil and incubated at ca. 22°C for 48 hours (h). Samples were collected at 12 time intervals during the incubation period, extracted, and analyzed using QuantiGene molecular analysis and insect bioassay methods. The DT50 (half-life) values for DvSnf7 RNA in IL, MO, and ND soils were 19, 28, and 15 h based on QuantiGene, and 18, 29, and 14 h based on insect bioassay, respectively. Furthermore, the DT90 (time to 90% degradation) values for DvSnf7 RNA in all three soils were <35 h. These results indicate that DvSnf7 RNA was degraded and biological activity was undetectable within approximately 2 days after application to soil, regardless of texture, pH, clay content and other soil differences. Furthermore, soil-incorporated DvSnf7 RNA was non-detectable in soil after 48 h, as measured by QuantiGene, at levels ranging more than two orders of magnitude (0.3, 1.5, 7.5 and 37.5 µg RNA/g soil). Results from this study indicate that the DvSnf7 dsRNA is unlikely to persist or accumulate in the environment. Furthermore, the rapid degradation of DvSnf7 dsRNA provides a basis to define relevant exposure scenarios for future RNA-based agricultural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Dubelman
- Regulatory Division, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Joshua Fischer
- Regulatory Division, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Fatima Zapata
- Regulatory Division, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Kristin Huizinga
- Regulatory Division, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Changjian Jiang
- Regulatory Division, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Joshua Uffman
- Regulatory Division, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Steven Levine
- Regulatory Division, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - David Carson
- Regulatory Division, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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