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Shu Q, Liu GC, He JW, Hu P, Dong ZW, Zhao RP, Zhang HR, Li XY. RNAi efficiency is enhanced through knockdown of double-stranded RNA-degrading enzymes in butterfly Papilio xuthus. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22113. [PMID: 38628056 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The efficiency of RNA interference (RNAi) has always limited the research on the phenotype innovation of Lepidoptera insects. Previous studies have found that double-stranded RNA-degrading enzyme (dsRNase) is an important factor in RNAi efficiency, but there have been no relevant reports in butterflies (Papilionoidea). Papilio xuthus is one of the important models in butterflies with an extensive experimental application value. To explore the effect of dsRNase in the RNAi efficiency on butterflies, six dsRNase genes (PxdsRNase 1-6) were identified in P. xuthus genome, and their dsRNA-degrading activities were subsequently detected by ex vivo assays. The result shows that the dsRNA-degrading ability of gut content (<1 h) was higher than hemolymph content (>12 h). We then investigated the expression patterns of these PxdsRNase genes during different tissues and developmental stages, and related RNAi experiments were carried out. Our results show that different PxdsRNase genes had different expression levels at different developmental stages and tissues. The expression of PxdsRNase2, PxdsRNase3, and PxdsRNase6 were upregulated significantly through dsGFP injection, and PxdsRNase genes can be silenced effectively by injecting their corresponding dsRNA. RNAi-of-RNAi studies with PxEbony, which acts as a reporter gene, observed that silencing PxdsRNase genes can increase RNAi efficiency significantly. These results confirm that silencing dsRNase genes can improve RNAi efficiency in P. xuthus significantly, providing a reference for the functional study of insects such as butterflies with low RNAi efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Shu
- Yunnan Agricultural University College of Plant Protection, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Gui-Chun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jin-Wu He
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Dong
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ruo-Ping Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hong-Rui Zhang
- Yunnan Agricultural University College of Plant Protection, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xue-Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Wang L, Liu Q, Guo P, Gao Z, Chen D, Zhang T, Ning J. Evaluation of Reference Genes for Quantitative Real-Time PCR Analysis in the Bean Bug, Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae). INSECTS 2023; 14:960. [PMID: 38132633 PMCID: PMC10743553 DOI: 10.3390/insects14120960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is widely accepted as a precise and convenient method for quantitatively analyzing the expression of functional genes. The data normalization strongly depends upon stable reference genes. The bean bug, Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae), is a significant pest of leguminous crops and broadly distributed across Southeast Asia. In this study, a total of 16 candidate reference genes (RPL32, RPS23, SDHA, UBQ, UCCR, GST, TATA-box, HSP70, GAPDH, RPL7A, SOD, RPS3, Actin, α-tubulin, AK, and EF1) were carefully chosen in R. pedestris, and their expression levels were assessed across various conditions, including different developmental stages, diverse tissues, temperature treatments, adult age, molting time, and mating status. Following this, the stability of these reference genes was evaluated using four algorithms (ΔCt, GeNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper). Ultimately, the comprehensive rankings were determined using the online tool RefFinder. Our results demonstrate that the reference gene for qRT-PCR analysis in R. pedestris is contingent upon the specific experimental conditions. RPL7A and EF1 are optimal reference genes for developmental stages. Furthermore, α-tubulin and EF1 exhibit the most stable expression across various adult tissues. RPL32 and RPL7A exhibit the most stable expression for adult age. For nymph age, RPL32 and SOD display the most stable expression. For temperature conditions, RPS23 and RPL7A were identified as the most suitable for monitoring gene expression. Lastly, we verified the practicability of evaluating expression levels of odorant-binding protein 37 (RpedOBP37) and cytochrome P450 6a2 (RpedCYP6) throughout developmental stages, tissues, and temperature conditions. These findings are a significant addition to the qRT-PCR analysis studies on R. pedestris, serving as a fundamental groundwork for future investigations on stable reference genes in R. pedestris as well as other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (L.W.); (Q.L.)
| | - Qingyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (L.W.); (Q.L.)
| | - Pei Guo
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Integrated Pest Management Center of Hebei Province, Key Laboratory of IPM on Crops in Northern Region of North China, Ministry of Agriculture, Baoding 071000, China; (P.G.); (Z.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Zhanlin Gao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Integrated Pest Management Center of Hebei Province, Key Laboratory of IPM on Crops in Northern Region of North China, Ministry of Agriculture, Baoding 071000, China; (P.G.); (Z.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Dan Chen
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Integrated Pest Management Center of Hebei Province, Key Laboratory of IPM on Crops in Northern Region of North China, Ministry of Agriculture, Baoding 071000, China; (P.G.); (Z.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Tao Zhang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Integrated Pest Management Center of Hebei Province, Key Laboratory of IPM on Crops in Northern Region of North China, Ministry of Agriculture, Baoding 071000, China; (P.G.); (Z.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Jun Ning
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (L.W.); (Q.L.)
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3
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Palli SR. RNAi turns 25:contributions and challenges in insect science. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1209478. [PMID: 38469536 PMCID: PMC10926446 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1209478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1998, RNA interference (RNAi), a Nobel prize-winning technology, made significant contributions to advances in biology because of its ability to mediate the knockdown of specific target genes. RNAi applications in medicine and agriculture have been explored with mixed success. The past 25 years of research on RNAi resulted in advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of its action, target specificity, and differential efficiency among animals and plants. RNAi played a major role in advances in insect biology. Did RNAi technology fully meet insect pest and disease vector management expectations? This review will discuss recent advances in the mechanisms of RNAi and its contributions to insect science. The remaining challenges, including delivery to the target site, differential efficiency, potential resistance development and possible solutions for the widespread use of this technology in insect management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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4
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Papa G, Abbà S, Galetto L, Parise C, Marzachì C, Negri I. Distribution and prevalence of viral genomes in Italian populations of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 200:107977. [PMID: 37591337 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107977] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Halyomorpha halys (Stål), the brown marmorated stink bug, is a highly invasive insect species that causes significant agricultural losses, especially to orchard fruits, vegetables, herbaceous and ornamental plants. It is also a nuisance pest that seeks shelter in indoor spaces during the winter months. Harnessing the H. halys virome can result in new environmentally sustainable approaches to contain its populations and its relatated agricultural damages. In this study, RNA-Seq data were used to explore the virome associated to ten field populations collected in the Lombardy region in Northern Italy. We identified six complete viral genomes, three of which were previously unknown, belonging to the orders Reovirales, Articulavirales, Ghabrivirales, Durnavirales, and Picornavirales. The prevalence of the six viruses was evaluated by Real-time reverse transcription-quantitative PCR on eighty individuals. Halyomorpha halys ifla-like virus 2 turned out to be the most geographically widespread virus, as it was found in more than 50% of the analyzed insects and in nine out of the ten sampling locations. Moreover, in some individuals, this iflavirus was found in association with each of the other viruses in various combinations that involved up to four viruses. Further studies on such virus-virus interactions and their relationships with the insect host may open the possibility to exploit these naturally occurring viruses as specific and targeted biocontrol agents of H. halys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Papa
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle Piante, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Simona Abbà
- Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle Piante, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy.
| | - Luciana Galetto
- Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle Piante, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Cecilia Parise
- Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle Piante, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy; Università degli Studi di Torino, DISAFA, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Cristina Marzachì
- Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle Piante, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Ilaria Negri
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy.
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5
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Sandal S, Singh S, Bansal G, Kaur R, Mogilicherla K, Pandher S, Roy A, Kaur G, Rathore P, Kalia A. Nanoparticle-Shielded dsRNA Delivery for Enhancing RNAi Efficiency in Cotton Spotted Bollworm Earias vittella (Lepidoptera: Nolidae). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119161. [PMID: 37298113 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The spotted bollworm Earias vittella (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) is a polyphagous pest with enormous economic significance, primarily affecting cotton and okra. However, the lack of gene sequence information on this pest has a significant constraint on molecular investigations and the formulation of superior pest management strategies. An RNA-seq-based transcriptome study was conducted to alleviate such limitations, and de novo assembly was performed to obtain transcript sequences of this pest. Reference gene identification across E. vittella developmental stages and RNAi treatments were conducted using its sequence information, which resulted in identifying transcription elongation factor (TEF), V-type proton ATPase (V-ATPase), and Glyceraldehyde -3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as the most suitable reference genes for normalization in RT-qPCR-based gene expression studies. The present study also identified important developmental, RNAi pathway, and RNAi target genes and performed life-stage developmental expression analysis using RT-qPCR to select the optimal targets for RNAi. We found that naked dsRNA degradation in the E. vittella hemolymph is the primary reason for poor RNAi. A total of six genes including Juvenile hormone methyl transferase (JHAMT), Chitin synthase (CHS), Aminopeptidase (AMN), Cadherin (CAD), Alpha-amylase (AMY), and V-type proton ATPase (V-ATPase) were selected and knocked down significantly with three different nanoparticles encapsulated dsRNA conjugates, i.e., Chitosan-dsRNA, carbon quantum dots-dsRNA (CQD-dsRNA), and Lipofectamine-dsRNA conjugate. These results demonstrate that feeding nanoparticle-shielded dsRNA silences target genes and suggests that nanoparticle-based RNAi can efficiently manage this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelja Sandal
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala 140072, Punjab, India
| | - Satnam Singh
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Gulshan Bansal
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala 140072, Punjab, India
| | - Ramandeep Kaur
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Kanakachari Mogilicherla
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Suneet Pandher
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Amit Roy
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Gurmeet Kaur
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Pankaj Rathore
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Anu Kalia
- Electron Microscopy and Nanoscience Laboratory, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141004, Punjab, India
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6
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Finetti L, Benetti L, Leyria J, Civolani S, Bernacchia G. Topical delivery of dsRNA in two hemipteran species: Evaluation of RNAi specificity and non-target effects. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 189:105295. [PMID: 36549821 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded (ds) RNA-based technologies could provide novel and potential tool for pest management with efficiency and specificity of action. However, before applying this technique in the field, it is necessary to identify effective delivery methods and evaluate the non-target effects that may occur. In this article, we evaluated the effectiveness of dsRNA by topical delivery on a species of great agricultural interest, Halyomorpha halys. The specificity of action of the dsRNA was also investigated in Rhodnius prolixus, an insect phylogenetically close to H. halys. Of the three investigated genes (putative ATPase N2B, ATPase, serine/threonine-protein phosphatase PP1-β catalytic subunit, PP1, and IAP repeat-containing protein 7-B-like, IAP), IAP and ATPase were able to induce higher mortality in H. halys nymphs compared to the control, with specific concentrations for each gene targeted. However, when the same RNAs were topically delivered to both R. prolixus 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs, no gene silencing and mortality were observed. For this reason, to assess dsRNA application-mediated non-target effects, we injected both H. halys and R. prolixus specific dsRNA in R. prolixus 5th instar nymphs. When the dsRNA targeting H. halys IAP was microinjected into R. prolixus 5th instar nymphs, no mortality was observed, suggesting a strong RNAi specificity. Together, these data suggest that the topical delivery could be suitable for the dsRNA to control H. halys population. Furthermore, its specificity of action would allow treatments towards single harmful species with limited non-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Finetti
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
| | - Lorenzo Benetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jimena Leyria
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Stefano Civolani
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bernacchia
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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7
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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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8
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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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9
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Dhandapani RK, Gurusamy D, Palli SR. Protamine-Lipid-dsRNA Nanoparticles Improve RNAi Efficiency in the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:6634-6643. [PMID: 35612305 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c00901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Developing safe and effective double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery systems remains a major challenge for gene silencing, especially in lepidopteran insects. This study evaluated the protamine sulfate (PS)/lipid/dsRNA nanoparticle (NP) delivery system for RNA interference (RNAi) in cells and larvae of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, a major worldwide pest. A highly efficient gene delivery formulation was prepared using a cationic biopolymer, PS, and a cationic lipid, Cellfectin (CF), complexed with dsRNA. The NPs were prepared by a two-step self-assembly method. The formation of NPs was revealed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The formation of CF/dsRNA/PS NPs was spherical in shape and size, ranging from 20 to 100 nm with a positive charge (+23.3 mV). Interestingly, prepared CF/dsRNA/PS NPs could protect dsRNA (95%) from nuclease degradation and thus significantly improve the stability of dsRNA. Formulations prepared by combining EGFP DNA with CF/PS increased transfection efficiency in Sf9 cells compared to PS/EGFP and CF/EGFP NPs. Also, the PS/CF/dsRNA NPs enhanced the endosomal escape for the intracellular delivery of dsRNA. The gene knockdown efficiency was assessed in Sf9 Luciferase (Luc) stable cells after a 72 h incubation with CF/dsRNA/PS, PS/dsRNA, CF/dsRNA, or naked dsRNA. Knockdown of the Luc gene was detected in CF/dsRNA/PS (76%) and PS/dsRNA (42.4%) not CF/dsRNA (19.5%) and naked dsRNA (10.3%) in Sf9 Luc cells. Moreover, CF/dsIAP/PS (25 μg of dsRNA targeting the inhibitor of apoptosis, IAP, gene of FAW) NPs showed knockdown of the IAP gene (39.5%) and mortality (55%) in FAW larvae. These results highlight the potential application of PS/lipid/dsRNA NPs for RNA-mediated control of insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dhandapani Gurusamy
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, United States
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, United States
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10
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Zhang X, Fan Z, Wang Q, Kong X, Liu F, Fang J, Zhang S, Zhang Z. RNAi Efficiency through dsRNA Injection Is Enhanced by Knockdown of dsRNA Nucleases in the Fall Webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116182. [PMID: 35682860 PMCID: PMC9181381 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) technology is a promising approach used in pest control. The efficiency of RNAi varies considerably among different insect species, and growing evidence suggests that degradation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) prior to uptake is an important factor that limits RNAi efficiency in insects. Our recent work on fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), an important invasive pest in China, showed a relatively low silencing efficiency of RNAi through dsRNA injection, which is considered the most feasible dsRNA delivery method for inducing RNAi, and the factors involved in the mechanism remain unknown. Herein, we first detected the dsRNA-degrading activity in the hemolymph and gut content of H. cunea in ex vivo assays and observed rapid degradation of dsRNA, especially in the hemolymph, which was complete within only 10 min. To determine whether dsRNA degradation could contribute to the low effectiveness of RNAi in H. cunea, four dsRNA nuclease (dsRNase) genes, HcdsRNase1, HcdsRNase2, HcdsRNase3, and HcdsRNase4, were identified by homology searching against the H. cunea transcriptome database, and their transcript levels were subsequently investigated in different tissues, developmental stages, and after dsRNA injection. Our results show that HcdsRNases are highly expressed mainly in gut tissues and hemolymph, and the expression of HcdsRNase3 and HcdsRNase4 were significantly upregulated by dsGFP induction. RNAi-of-RNAi studies, using HcCht5 as a reporter gene, demonstrated that silencing HcdsRNase3 and HcdsRNase4 significantly increases RNAi efficacy via dsHcCht5 injection, and co-silencing these two HcdsRNase genes results in a more significant improvement in efficacy. These results confirm that the RNAi efficacy in H. cunea through dsRNA injection is certainly impaired by dsRNase activity, and that blocking HcdsRNases could potentially improve RNAi, providing a reference for related studies on insects where RNAi has low efficiency.
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11
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Wang Z, Yang F, Sun A, Song J, Shan S, Zhang Y, Wang S. Expressional and functional comparisons of five clustered odorant binding proteins in the brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 206:759-767. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.03.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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12
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Plastid Transformation of Micro-Tom Tomato with a Hemipteran Double-Stranded RNA Results in RNA Interference in Multiple Insect Species. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073918. [PMID: 35409279 PMCID: PMC8999928 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) holds great promise for insect pest control, as plants can be transformed to produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to selectively down-regulate insect genes essential for survival. For optimum potency, dsRNA can be produced in plant plastids, enabling the accumulation of unprocessed dsRNAs. However, the relative effectiveness of this strategy in inducing an RNAi response in insects using different feeding mechanisms is understudied. To investigate this, we first tested an in vitro-synthesized 189 bp dsRNA matching a highly conserved region of the v-ATPaseA gene from cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis) on three insect species from two different orders that use leaf-chewing, lacerate-and-flush, or sap-sucking mechanisms to feed, and showed that the dsRNA significantly down-regulated the target gene. We then developed transplastomic Micro-tom tomato plants to produce the dsRNA in plant plastids and showed that the dsRNA is produced in leaf, flower, green fruit, red fruit, and roots, with the highest dsRNA levels found in the leaf. The plastid-produced dsRNA induced a significant gene down-regulation in insects using leaf-chewing and lacerate-and-flush feeding mechanisms, while sap-sucking insects were unaffected. Our results suggest that plastid-produced dsRNA can be used to control leaf-chewing and lacerate-and-flush feeding insects, but may not be useful for sap-sucking insects.
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Schvartzman C, Fresia P, Murchio S, Mujica MV, Dalla-Rizza M. RNAi in Piezodorus guildinii (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Transcriptome Assembly for the Development of Pest Control Strategies. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:804839. [PMID: 35432425 PMCID: PMC9011191 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.804839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Red-banded stink bug Piezodorus guildinii (P. guildinii) has been described as the most damaging stink bug regarding soybean crops, leading to seed injury, low germination percentages, and foliar retention, at low population densities. In recent years, RNA interference (RNAi), a conserved eukaryote silencing mechanism has been explored to develop species-selective pesticides. In this work, we evaluated RNAi in P. guildinii to develop new pest-control strategies. For this, we assembled and annotated a P. guildinii transcriptome from a pool of all developmental stages. Analysis of this transcriptome led to the identification of 56 genes related to the silencing process encompassing siRNA, miRNA, and piRNA pathways. To evaluate the functionality of RNAi machinery, P. guildinii adults were injected with 28 ng/mg of body weight of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting vATPase A. A mortality of 35 and 51.6% was observed after 7 and 14 days, respectively, and a downregulation of vATPase A gene of 84% 72 h post-injection. In addition, Dicer-2 and Argonaute-2 genes, core RNAi proteins, were upregulated 1.8-fold 48 h after injection. These findings showed for the first time that RNAi is functional in P. guildinii and the silencing of essential genes has a significant effect in adult viability. Taken together, the work reported here shows that RNAi could be an interesting approach for the development of red-banded stink bug control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Schvartzman
- Unidad de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Fresia
- Unidad Mixta Pasteur + INIA (UMPI), Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sara Murchio
- Unidad de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - María Valentina Mujica
- Unidad de Protección Vegetal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Marco Dalla-Rizza
- Unidad de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Canelones, Uruguay
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Mehlhorn S, Hunnekuhl VS, Geibel S, Nauen R, Bucher G. Establishing RNAi for basic research and pest control and identification of the most efficient target genes for pest control: a brief guide. Front Zool 2021; 18:60. [PMID: 34863212 PMCID: PMC8643023 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-021-00444-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a powerful tool for knocking-down gene function in diverse taxa including arthropods for both basic biological research and application in pest control. The conservation of the RNAi mechanism in eukaryotes suggested that it should-in principle-be applicable to most arthropods. However, practical hurdles have been limiting the application in many taxa. For instance, species differ considerably with respect to efficiency of dsRNA uptake from the hemolymph or the gut. Here, we review some of the most frequently encountered technical obstacles when establishing RNAi and suggest a robust procedure for establishing this technique in insect species with special reference to pests. Finally, we present an approach to identify the most effective target genes for the potential control of agricultural and public health pests by RNAi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Mehlhorn
- Crop Science Division, Bayer AG, R&D, Pest Control, Alfred-Nobel-Straße 50, 40789, Monheim, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute, GZMB, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vera S Hunnekuhl
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute, GZMB, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sven Geibel
- Crop Science Division, Bayer AG, R&D, Pest Control, Alfred-Nobel-Straße 50, 40789, Monheim, Germany
| | - Ralf Nauen
- Crop Science Division, Bayer AG, R&D, Pest Control, Alfred-Nobel-Straße 50, 40789, Monheim, Germany
| | - Gregor Bucher
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute, GZMB, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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Laisney J, Loczenski Rose V, Watters K, Donohue KV, Unrine JM. Delivery of short hairpin RNA in the neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros, using a composite nanomaterial. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 177:104906. [PMID: 34301367 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.104906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The response of insects to orally delivered double-stranded RNA ranges widely among taxa studied to date. Long dsRNA does elicit a response in stink bugs but the dose required to achieve an effect is relatively high compared to other insects such Colorado potato beetle or western corn rootworm. Improving the delivery of dsRNA to stink bugs will improve the likelihood of using RNA-based biocontrols for the management of these economically important pests. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) is a useful molecule with which to test improvements in the delivery of double stranded RNA in the neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros, since shRNA alone does not elicit a clear effect like that for long dsRNA. Here, we show for the first time the oral delivery of shRNA triggering RNA interference (RNAi) in E. heros using 4 nm cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) coated with diethylamioethyl dextran (Dextran-DEAE) as a carrier. We identified particle properties (coating composition and degree of substitution, hydrodynamic diameter, and zeta potential) and shRNA loading rates (Ce:shRNA mass ratio) that resulted in successful transcript reduction or RNAi. When the Z-average diameter of CeO2 Dextran-DEAE-shRNA NP complex was less than 250 nm and the zeta potential was in the 15-25 mV range (Ce:shRNA mass ratio of 0.7:1), significant mortality attributed to RNAi was observed with a shRNA concentration in feeding solution of 250 ng/μl. The degradation of the targeted troponin transcript by NP-delivered shRNA was equivalent to that observed with long dsRNA, while naked shRNA transcript reduction was not statistically significant. Elemental mapping by synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microprobe confirmed uptake and distribution of Ce throughout the body with the highest concentrations found in gut tissue. Taken together, our results suggest that a nanoparticle delivery system can improve the delivery of RNA-based biocontrols to E. heros, and therefore its attractiveness as an application in the management of this important pest in soybean production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Laisney
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Vanessa Loczenski Rose
- Formulation Technology Group, Syngenta, Jealotts Hill international Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 6EY, UK
| | - Kayla Watters
- Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, 9 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Kevin V Donohue
- Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, 9 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jason M Unrine
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA.
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Mehlhorn S, Ulrich J, Baden CU, Buer B, Maiwald F, Lueke B, Geibel S, Bucher G, Nauen R. The mustard leaf beetle, Phaedon cochleariae, as a screening model for exogenous RNAi-based control of coleopteran pests. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 176:104870. [PMID: 34119215 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.104870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising, selective pest control technology based on the silencing of targeted genes mediated by the degradation of mRNA after the ingestion of double-stranded (ds) RNA. However, the identification of the best target genes remains a challenge, because large scale screening is only feasible in lab model systems and it remains unclear, to what degree such data can be transferred to pest species. Here, we report on our efforts to transfer target genes found in a lab model to the mustard leaf beetle, Phaedon cochleariae. The mustard leaf beetle can be reared easily and resource-efficient in large quantities all year round and is an established chrysomelid pest for higher throughput screening approaches in the crop protection industry. Mustard leaf beetle transcriptome sequencing and assembly revealed genes orthologous to those previously described as highly efficient RNAi targets in the model beetle Tribolium castaneum. First, we observed mortality after injection of dsRNA targeting the respective orthologous genes in 2nd instar mustard beetle larvae. Next, we adopted a robust, automated multi-well plate foliar RNAi screening procedure with 2nd instar larvae of the mustard leaf beetle to assess those genes. Indeed, foliar application and oral uptake of dsRNA targeting the same genes resulted in larval mortality as well. The most effective target genes with a strong (lethal) phenotype - at dsRNA doses as low as 300 ng/leaf disc (equal to 9.6 g/ha) - were srp54k, rop, αSNAP, rpn7 and rpt3. Rather limited effects were observed after application of dsRNA targeting cactus, shibire and PP-α, though they had previously been shown to be highly lethal in red flour beetle. Importantly, our experiments demonstrated that the overall efficacy pattern obtained after oral dsRNA application was well correlated with the results obtained after dsRNA injection. RT-qPCR confirmed significant target gene knock-down after normalization by employing three reference genes shown to be stably expressed across life stages. In summary, several RNAi targeted genes elicited a strong lethal phenotype and significant target gene knock-down after feeding, suggesting P. cochleariae as a potential coleopteran screening model for foliarly applied exogenous RNAi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Mehlhorn
- Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institut, GZMB, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Justus von-Liebig-Weg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Bayer AG, Crop Science Division, R&D, Pest Control, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany
| | - Julia Ulrich
- Bayer AG, Crop Science Division, R&D, Pest Control, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany
| | - Christian U Baden
- Bayer AG, Crop Science Division, R&D, Pest Control, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany
| | - Benjamin Buer
- Bayer AG, Crop Science Division, R&D, Pest Control, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany
| | - Frank Maiwald
- Bayer AG, Crop Science Division, R&D, Pest Control, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany
| | - Bettina Lueke
- Bayer AG, Crop Science Division, R&D, Pest Control, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany
| | - Sven Geibel
- Bayer AG, Crop Science Division, R&D, Pest Control, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany
| | - Gregor Bucher
- Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institut, GZMB, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Justus von-Liebig-Weg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Nauen
- Bayer AG, Crop Science Division, R&D, Pest Control, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany.
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Zhao C, Miao S, Yin Y, Zhu Y, Nabity P, Bansal R, Liu C. Tripartite parasitic and symbiotic interactions as a possible mechanism of horizontal gene transfer. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:7018-7028. [PMID: 34141272 PMCID: PMC8207144 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbivory is a highly sophisticated feeding behavior that requires abilities of plant defense suppression, phytochemical detoxification, and plant macromolecule digestion. For plant-sucking insects, salivary glands (SGs) play important roles in herbivory by secreting and injecting proteins into plant tissues to facilitate feeding. Little is known on how insects evolved secretory SG proteins for such specialized functions. Here, we investigated the composition and evolution of secretory SG proteins in the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) and identified a group of secretory SG phospholipase C (PLC) genes with highest sequence similarity to the bacterial homologs. Further analyses demonstrated that they were most closely related to PLCs of Xenorhabdus, a genus of Gammaproteobacteria living in symbiosis with insect-parasitizing nematodes. These suggested that H. halys might acquire these PLCs from Xenorhabdus through the mechanism of horizontal gene transfer (HGT), likely mediated by a nematode during its parasitizing an insect host. We also showed that the original HGT event was followed by gene duplication and expansion, leading to functional diversification of the bacterial-origin PLC genes in H. halys. Thus, this study suggested that an herbivore might enhance adaptation through gaining genes from an endosymbiont of its parasite in the tripartite parasitic and symbiotic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyang Zhao
- Department of Botany and Plant SciencesUniversity of California RiversideRiversideCAUSA
| | - Shaoming Miao
- Sino‐American Biological Control LaboratoryInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yanfang Yin
- Sino‐American Biological Control LaboratoryInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yanjuan Zhu
- Sino‐American Biological Control LaboratoryInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Paul Nabity
- Department of Botany and Plant SciencesUniversity of California RiversideRiversideCAUSA
| | - Raman Bansal
- USDA‐ARSSan Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences CenterParlierCAUSA
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Sino‐American Biological Control LaboratoryInstitute of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
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Shao E, Song Y, Wang Y, Liao Y, Luo Y, Liu S, Guan X, Huang Z. Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of putative digestive proteases in the salivary gland and gut of Empoasca (Matsumurasca) onukii Matsuda. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:271. [PMID: 33858340 PMCID: PMC8048321 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07578-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infestation by tea green leafhoppers (Empoasca (Matsumurasca) onukii) can cause a series of biochemical changes in tea leaves. As a typical cell-rupture feeder, E. onukii secretes proteases while using its stylet to probe the tender shoots of tea plants (Camellia sinensis). This study identified and analyzed proteases expressed specifically in the salivary gland (SG) and gut of E. onukii through enzymatic activity assays complemented with an integrated analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic data. Results In total, 129 contigs representing seven types of putative proteases were identified. Transcript abundance of digestive proteases and enzymatic activity assays showed that cathepsin B-like protease, cathepsin L-like protease, and serine proteases (trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like protease) were highly abundant in the gut but moderately abundant in the SG. The abundance pattern of digestive proteases in the SG and gut of E. onukii differed from that of other hemipterans, including Nilaparvata lugens, Laodelphax striatellus, Acyrthosiphum pisum, Halyomorpha halys and Nephotettix cincticeps. Phylogenetic analysis showed that aminopeptidase N-like proteins and serine proteases abundant in the SG or gut of hemipterans formed two distinct clusters. Conclusions Altogether, this study provides insightful information on the digestive system of E. onukii. Compared to five other hemipteran species, we observed different patterns of proteases abundant in the SG and gut of E. onukii. These results will be beneficial in understanding the interaction between tea plants and E. onukii. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07578-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ensi Shao
- China National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO Technology, School of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Yujuan Song
- China National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO Technology, School of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Yaomin Wang
- China National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO Technology, School of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Yichen Liao
- China National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO Technology, School of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Yufei Luo
- China National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO Technology, School of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Sijun Liu
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, 50011-3222 Ames, Iowa, USA.
| | - Xiong Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops & Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Zhipeng Huang
- China National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO Technology, School of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China.
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Finetti L, Pezzi M, Civolani S, Calò G, Scapoli C, Bernacchia G. Characterization of Halyomorpha halys TAR1 reveals its involvement in (E)-2-decenal pheromone perception. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:239726. [PMID: 33914035 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.238816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In insects, tyramine receptor 1 (TAR1) has been shown to control several physiological functions, including olfaction. We investigated the molecular and functional profile of the Halyomorpha halys type 1 tyramine receptor gene (HhTAR1) and its role in olfactory functions of this pest. Molecular and pharmacological analyses confirmed that the HhTAR1 gene codes for a true TAR1. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that HhTAR1 is expressed mostly in adult brain and antennae as well as in early development stages (eggs, 1st and 2nd instar nymphs). In particular, among the antennomeres that compose a typical H. halys antenna, HhTAR1 was more expressed in flagellomeres. Scanning electron microscopy investigation revealed the type and distribution of sensilla on adult H. halys antennae: both flagellomeres appear rich in trichoid and grooved sensilla, known to be associated with olfactory functions. Through an RNAi approach, topically delivered HhTAR1 dsRNA induced a 50% downregulation in gene expression after 24 h in H. halys 2nd instar nymphs. An innovative behavioural assay revealed that HhTAR1 RNAi-silenced 2nd instar nymphs were less susceptible to the alarm pheromone component (E)-2 decenal as compared with controls. These results provide critical information concerning the role of TAR1 in olfaction regulation, especially alarm pheromone reception, in H. halys. Furthermore, considering the emerging role of TAR1 as target of biopesticides, this work opens the way for further investigation on innovative methods for controlling H. halys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Finetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Pezzi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Civolani
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.,InnovaRicerca s.r.l. Monestirolo, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bernacchia
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Sharma R, Christiaens O, Taning CN, Smagghe G. RNAi-mediated mortality in southern green stinkbug Nezara viridula by oral delivery of dsRNA. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:77-84. [PMID: 32696565 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The southern green stinkbug, Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an important emerging polyphagous pest infesting soybean in the United States, Brazil and Argentina. The indiscriminate use of synthetic insecticides to control stinkbugs has limited the effectiveness of current management strategies. Alternatively, RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a novel mode of action to control pests in an eco-friendly manner. RESULTS Here, we assessed the potential of RNAi technology by oral delivery of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for the control of N. viridula. Initially, ten candidate genes were tested by microinjection assay to select the best target genes for oral delivery. Seven genes resulted in more than 90% mortality after microinjection. To evaluate RNAi efficacy by oral delivery of dsRNA, five genes were tested by feeding the insects on gene-specific dsRNA mixed with an artificial diet. Significant mortality of 43% and 45% was observed after 14 days of treatment with dsαCop and dsvATPase A, respectively. To elucidate the lower RNAi efficacy via oral delivery of dsRNA, ex vivo dsRNA degradation in the saliva and the midgut juice was performed, which indicated that the reduced RNAi efficacy is accompanied by a rapid degradation of dsRNA by digestive secretions. CONCLUSION This study proves that RNAi can be triggered by orally delivered dsRNA in N. viridula and can be exploited to control this economically important pest. The reduced stability of dsRNA in saliva and midgut that was observed indicates a need to further improve RNAi efficacy, for example by use of specific formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Sharma
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Clauvis Nt 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
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Angelotti-Mendonça J, Bassan MM, Marques JPR, Yamamoto PT, Figueira A, Piedade SMDS, Mourão Filho FAA. Knockdown of calreticulin, laccase, and Snf7 Genes Through RNAi Is Not Effective to Control the Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Livideae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 113:2931-2940. [PMID: 33111946 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toaa240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, transmits the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter associated with huanglongbing (HLB), a devastating disease of the citrus industry. The use of genetically modified plants is an alternative to control this vector. Conversely, technology based on RNA interference (RNAi) for silencing specific genes of a target insect could be attempted. This work evaluated the knockdown effect of the target genes calreticulin (DcCRT), laccase (DcLAC), and Snf7 (DcSnf7) by RNAi through feeding D. citri in Murraya paniculata leaves after the uptake of an aqueous solution with dsRNA homologous to each vector target gene. Confocal microscopy revealed the uptake of the fluorescent-labeled dsRNA by detached leaves and the symplastic movement, allowing the ingestion by the feeding insect. A reduction in the survival rate was observed only 144 h after the beginning of feeding with dsRNA targeting DcSnf7; however, no reduction in transcript accumulation. The knockdown of the DcCRT and DcLAC genes was detected only 12 and 96 h after insect feeding, respectively. Additionally, a reduction in amino acid excretion from insects fed with dsRNA targets to DcCRT and DcLAC was observed 120 h after the beginning of feeding. However, the effects of the dsRNAs tested here appear to be minimal, both at the transcriptional and phenotype levels. For most concentrations and time points, no effects were observed. Therefore, the knockdown of genes DcCRT, DcLAC, and DcSnf7 do not appear to have the potential to control of D. citri through RNAi-mediated gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssika Angelotti-Mendonça
- Departamento de Produção Vegetal, Universidade de São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz', Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Meire M Bassan
- Departamento de Produção Vegetal, Universidade de São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz', Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Paulo R Marques
- Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo. Avenida Centenário, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro T Yamamoto
- Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz', Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio Figueira
- Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo. Avenida Centenário, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sônia Maria De S Piedade
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Universidade de São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz', Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco A A Mourão Filho
- Departamento de Produção Vegetal, Universidade de São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz', Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
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Cooper AMW, Yu Z, Biondi M, Song H, Silver K, Zhang J, Zhu KY. Stability of double-stranded RNA in gut contents and hemolymph of Ostrinia nubilalis larvae. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 169:104672. [PMID: 32828377 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2020.104672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a revolutionary technique for silencing gene expression, but the success of this technique is dependent upon the stability of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules. In many insects, especially lepidopteran species, RNAi efficiency is limited by high instability of dsRNA in the gut and/or hemolymph, preventing the development of RNAi-based strategies for many serious pests. Previous attempts to perform RNAi on Ostrinia nubilalis (ECB, Lepidoptera: Crambidae) indicate low RNAi efficiency with both dsRNA injection and feeding. To investigate the contribution of dsRNA instability to low RNAi efficiency in ECB, a serious of ex vivo incubation experiments were performed where dsRNA integrity was assessed following incubation in larval gut continents and hemolymph using gel electrophoresis or RT-qPCR. DsRNA was less stable in the gut contents from ECB than in gut contents from Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, a coleopteran exhibiting high RNAi efficiency. Furthermore, characterization of dsRNA stability in ECB gut contents and hemolymph revealed that dsRNA was rapidly degraded under physiologically relevant conditions as a result of enzymatic activity that was neither size- nor sequence-dependent. These findings suggest that instability of dsRNA in ECB tissues is a contributing factor to the poor efficiency of RNAi in this pest. This work advances our understanding of mechanisms impacting RNAi efficiency in ECB and related lepidopteran insects for which novel pest management strategies are needed, and may facilitate the development of strategies for enhancing dsRNA stability in ECB tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia M W Cooper
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Zhitao Yu
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Marie Biondi
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Huifang Song
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Kristopher Silver
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
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23
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Chereddy SCRR, Gurusamy D, Howell JL, Palli SR. Double-stranded RNAs targeting inhibitor of apoptosis gene show no significant cross-species activity. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 104:e21683. [PMID: 32350930 PMCID: PMC9987616 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has become an integral part of mainstream research due to its versatility and ease of use. However, the potential nontarget effects associated with double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) are poorly understood. To explore this, we used dsRNAs targeting the inhibitor of apoptosis (iap) gene from nine insect species and assayed their possible nontarget effects. For each assay, we used a control (dsRNA targeting the gene coding for green fluorescent protein, GFP) and a species-specific dsRNA targeting nine iap genes in insect species to evaluate target gene knockdown efficiency, apoptosis phenotype in cells and mortality in insects. Our results revealed that dsIAP efficiently knocks down iap gene expression and induces apoptosis phenotype and mortality in target insect species. In contrast, no significant knockdown of the iap gene expression, apoptosis phenotypes, or mortality were detected in cell lines developed from nontarget insects or nontarget insects treated with dsIAPs. Interestingly, even among closely related insects such as stink bugs, Nezara viridula, Halyomorpha halys, and Murgantia histrionica, with substantial sequence similarity among iap genes from these insects, no significant nontarget effects of dsIAP were observed under the conditions tested. These data demonstrate no significant nontarget effects for dsIAPs and suggest that the threat of nontarget effects of RNAi technology may not be substantial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeffrey L Howell
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Subba R Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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24
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Koo J, Chereddy SCRR, Palli SR. RNA interference-mediated control of cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 104:e21680. [PMID: 32346914 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21680] [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: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The cigarette beetle (CB; Lasioderma serricorne) is a pest on many stored products including tobacco. Fumigation is the common control method currently used. However, the options for controlling this pest are limited, due to resistance issues and phasing out of currently used chemical insecticides. Here, we evaluated RNA interference (RNAi) as a potential method for controlling the CB. RNA isolated from different stages was sequenced and assembled into a transcriptome. The CB RNA sequences showed the highest homology with those in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Orthologs of proteins known to function in RNAi pathway were identified in the CB transcriptome, suggesting that RNAi may work well in this insect. Also, 32 P-labeled double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) injected into CB larvae and adults was processed to small interference RNAs. We selected 12 genes that were shown to be the effective RNAi targets in T. castaneum and other insects and identified orthologs of them in the CB by searching its transcriptome. Injection of dsRNA targeting genes coding for GAWKY, Kinesin, Sec23, SNF7, and 26S proteasome subunit 6B into the CB larvae caused 100% mortality. Feeding dsRNA targeting SNF7 and 26S proteasome subunit 6B by sucrose droplet assay induced more than 90% mortality, which is 1.8 times higher than the mortality induced by dsGFP control (53%). These data demonstrate an efficient RNAi response in CB, suggesting that RNAi could be developed as an efficient method to control this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmo Koo
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Shankar C R R Chereddy
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Subba R Palli
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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25
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Máximo WPF, Howell JL, Mogilicherla K, Basij M, Chereddy SCRR, Palli SR. Inhibitor of apoptosis is an effective target gene for RNAi-mediated control of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 104:e21685. [PMID: 32350927 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The Colorado potato beetle (CPB; Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is one of the most notorious and difficult to control pests of potato and other solanaceous crops in North America. This insect has evolved a remarkable ability to detoxify both plant and synthetic toxins, allowing it to feed on solanaceous plants containing toxic alkaloids and to develop resistance to synthetic chemicals used for its control. RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural mechanism that evolved as an immune response to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses where dsRNA triggers silencing of target gene expression. RNAi is being developed as a method to control CPB. Here, we evaluated four CPB-specific genes to identify targets for RNAi-mediated control of this insect. Out of the four dsRNAs evaluated in CPB larvae and adults, dsIAP (dsRNA targeting inhibitor of apoptosis, iap gene) performed better than dsActin, dsHSP70, and dsDynamin in inducing larval mortality. However, in adults, the mortality induced by dsActin is significantly higher than the mortality induced by dsIAP, dsHSP70, and dsDynamin. Interestingly, a combination of dsIAP and dsActin performed better than either dsIAP or dsActin alone by inducing feeding inhibition in 24 hr and mortality in 48 hr in larvae. When the dsIAP and dsActin were expressed in the Escherichia coli HT115 strain and applied as a heat-killed bacterial spray on potato plants, it protected the plants from CPB damage. These studies show that the combination of dsIAP and dsActin shows promise as an insecticide to control CPB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley P F Máximo
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Jeffrey L Howell
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | | | - Moslem Basij
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | | | - Subba R Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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26
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Gurusamy D, Howell JL, Chereddy SCRR, Koo J, Palli SR. Transport of orally delivered dsRNA in southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 104:e21692. [PMID: 32441400 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The southern green stink bug (SGSB, Nezara viridula) is an emerging polyphagous pest in many regions of the world. RNA interference (RNAi) is a valuable method for understanding gene function and holds great potential for pest management. However, RNAi efficiency is variable among insects and the differences in transport of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) are one of the major factors that contribute to this variability. In this study, Cy3 labeled dsRNA was used to track the transport of dsRNA in SGSB tissues. Cy3_dsRNA was detected in the hemocytes, fat body (FB), epidermis, and midgut tissues at 24-72 hr after injection. Orally delivered Cy3_dsRNA or Cypher-5E labeled dsRNA was mostly detected in the midgut and a few signals were detected in parts of the FB and epidermis. Both injected and fed Cy3_dsRNA showed stronger signals in SGSB tissues when compared to Cy3_siRNA (small interfering RNA) or Cy3_shRNA (short hairpin RNA). dsRNA targeting the gene for a vacuolar-sorting protein, SNF7, induced higher knockdown of the target gene and greater SGSB mortality compared to siRNA or shRNA targeting this gene. 32 P-labeled dsRNA injected into SGSB was processed into siRNA, but fed 32 P-labeled dsRNA was not efficiently processed into siRNA. These data suggest that transport of orally delivered dsRNA across the midgut epithelium is not efficient in SGSB which may contribute to variable RNAi efficiency. Targeting genes expressed in the midgut rather than other tissues and using dsRNA instead of siRNA or shRNA would be more effective for RNAi-mediated control of this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhandapani Gurusamy
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
- Department of Botany, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jeffrey L Howell
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | | | - Jinmo Koo
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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27
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Yoon JS, Koo J, George S, Palli SR. Evaluation of inhibitor of apoptosis genes as targets for RNAi-mediated control of insect pests. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 104:e21689. [PMID: 32394607 PMCID: PMC9945918 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis has been widely studied from mammals to insects. Inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein is a negative regulator of apoptosis. Recent studies suggest that iap genes could be excellent targets for RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated control of insect pests. However, not much is known about iap genes in one of the well-known insect model species, Tribolium castaneum. The orthologues of five iap genes were identified in T. castaneum by searching its genome at NCBI (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and UniProt (https://www.uniprot.org/) databases using Drosophila melanogaster and Aedes aegypti IAP protein sequences as queries. RNAi assays were performed in T. castaneum cell line (TcA) and larvae. The knockdown of iap1 gene induced a distinct apoptotic phenotype in TcA cells and induced 91% mortality in T. castaneum larvae. Whereas, knockdown of iap5 resulted in a decrease in cell proliferation in TcA cells and developmental defects in T. castaneum larvae which led to 100% mortality. Knockdown of the other three iap genes identified did not cause a significant effect on cells or insects. These data increase our understanding of iap genes in insects and provide opportunities for developing iap1 and iap5 as targets for RNAi-based insect pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- June-Sun Yoon
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Jinmo Koo
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Smitha George
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Subba R Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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28
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Howell JL, Mogilicherla K, Gurusamy D, Palli SR. Development of RNAi methods to control the harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 104:e21690. [PMID: 32394499 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The harlequin bug (HB), Murgantia histrionica, is a major pest of cabbage family plants throughout its range in the United States. RNA interference (RNAi) is a posttranscriptional gene silencing mechanism that is showing promise as a biopesticide due to the ability to target species-specific genes necessary for growth and/or survival with synthetic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). In the present study, dsRNA stability assays revealed that nucleases present in the saliva of harlequin bugs did not rapidly degrade dsRNA. We tracked the movement and localization of radioactively labeled dsRNA in both mustard plant seedlings and harlequin bug nymphs that fed on treated host plants. Movement of 32 P-labeled-dsRNA from soil to plant and plant to insect was detected. The efficacy of RNAi in inducing mortality in harlequin bug adults and nymphs injected or fed with dsRNA targeting inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), ATPase N2B (ATPase), serine/threonine-protein phosphatase PP1-β catalytic subunit (PP1), signal recognition particle 54 kDa protein (SRP), and G protein-coupled receptor 161-like (GPCR) genes was evaluated. Injection of dsRNA targeting candidate genes into adults caused between 40% and 75% mortality and induced significant knockdown of target gene expression. Feeding dsRNA targeting the IAP gene to nymphs by plant-mediated and droplet feeding methods induced knockdown of the target gene and caused 40-55% mortality. These findings suggest that RNAi may be a viable approach for managing this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Howell
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | | | | | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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29
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Pinheiro DH, Moreira RO, Leite NA, Redoan AC, Xavier ADS, Barros BDA, Carneiro NP. Suitable reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis in Dichelops melacanthus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:4989-5000. [PMID: 32594344 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05550-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The relative quantification of gene expression is mainly realized through reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). However, the accuracy of this technique is deeply influenced by the expression stability of the reference genes used for data normalization. Therefore, the selection of suitable reference genes for a given experimental condition is a prerequisite in gene expression studies. Dichelops melacanthus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an important phloem sap-sucking insect pest of soybean, wheat, and maize in Brazil. Most of the genetic and molecular biology studies require gene expression analysis. Nevertheless, there are no reports about reference genes for RT-qPCR data normalization in D. melacanthus. In this study, we evaluated the expression stability of nine candidate reference genes (nadh, sdhb, gapdh, fau, ef1a, rpl9, ube4a, gus and rps23) in different developmental stages, body parts, sex, starvation-induced stress and dsRNA exposure by RefFinder software that integrates the statistical algorithms geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and ΔCt method. Our results showed that ef1a and nadh are the most stable reference genes for developmental stages, fau and rps23 for sex, ube4a and rps23 for body parts, rpl9 and fau for starvation stress, and nadh and sdhb for dsRNA exposure treatment. The reference genes selected in this work will be useful for further RT-qPCR analyses on D. melacanthus, facilitating future gene expression studies that can provide a better understanding of the developmental, physiological, and molecular processes of this important insect pest. Moreover, the knowledge gained from these studies can be helpful to design effective and sustainable pest management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Heloísa Pinheiro
- Nucleus of Applied Biology, Embrapa Maize and Sorghum, Sete Lagoas, MG, 35701-970, Brazil.,Laboratory of Plant-Pest Molecular Interaction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Raquel Oliveira Moreira
- Nucleus of Applied Biology, Embrapa Maize and Sorghum, Sete Lagoas, MG, 35701-970, Brazil.,School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Natália Alves Leite
- Nucleus of Applied Biology, Embrapa Maize and Sorghum, Sete Lagoas, MG, 35701-970, Brazil.,Department of Crop Protection, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-00, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Redoan
- Nucleus of Applied Biology, Embrapa Maize and Sorghum, Sete Lagoas, MG, 35701-970, Brazil
| | - André da Silva Xavier
- Nucleus of Applied Biology, Embrapa Maize and Sorghum, Sete Lagoas, MG, 35701-970, Brazil.,Department of Agronomy, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, ES, 29500-000, Brazil
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30
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Mehlhorn SG, Geibel S, Bucher G, Nauen R. Profiling of RNAi sensitivity after foliar dsRNA exposure in different European populations of Colorado potato beetle reveals a robust response with minor variability. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 166:104569. [PMID: 32448424 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2020.104569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, substantial effort was spent on the exploration and implementation of RNAi technology using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for pest management purposes. However, only few studies investigated the geographical variation in RNAi sensitivity present in field-collected populations of the targeted insect pest. In this baseline study, 2nd instar larvae of 14 different European populations of Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata, collected from nine different countries were exposed to a foliarly applied diagnostic dose of dsactin (dsact) to test for possible variations in RNAi response. Only minor variability in RNAi sensitivity was observed between populations. However, the time necessary to trigger a dsRNA-mediated phenotypic response varied significantly among populations, indicated by significant differences in mortality figures obtained five days after treatment. An inbred German laboratory reference strain D01 and a Spanish field strain E02 showed almost 100% mortality after foliar exposure to 30 ng dsactin (equal to 0.96 g/ha), whereas another Spanish strain E01 was least responsive and showed only 30% mortality. Calculated LD50-values for foliarly applied dsact against strains D01 (most sensitive) and E01 (least sensitive) were 9.22 and 68.7 ng/leaf disc, respectively. The variability was not based on target gene sequence divergence or knock-down efficiency. Variability in expression of the core RNAi machinery genes dicer (dcr2a) and argonaute (ago2a) was observed but did not correlate with sensitivity. Interestingly, RT-qPCR data collected for all strains revealed a strong correlation between the expression level of dcr2a and ago2a (r 0.93) as well as ago2a and stauC (r 0.94), a recently described dsRNA binding protein in Coleopterans. Overall, this study demonstrates that sensitivity of CPB to sprayable RNAi slightly varies between strains but also shows that foliar RNAi as a control method works against all tested CPB populations collected across a broad geographic range in Europe. Thus, underpinning the potential of RNAi-based CPB control as a promising component in integrated pest management (IPM) and resistance management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja G Mehlhorn
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Bayer AG, Crop Science Division, R&D, Pest Control, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany
| | - Sven Geibel
- Bayer AG, Crop Science Division, R&D, Pest Control, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany
| | - Gregor Bucher
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Nauen
- Bayer AG, Crop Science Division, R&D, Pest Control, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany.
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31
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Cagliari D, Dias NP, Dos Santos EÁ, Rickes LN, Kremer FS, Farias JR, Lenz G, Galdeano DM, Garcia FRM, Smagghe G, Zotti MJ. First transcriptome of the Neotropical pest Euschistus heros (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) with dissection of its siRNA machinery. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4856. [PMID: 32184426 PMCID: PMC7078254 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60078-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, the use of RNA interference (RNAi) for insect pest management has attracted considerable interest in academia and industry as a pest-specific and environment-friendly strategy for pest control. For the success of this technique, the presence of core RNAi genes and a functional silencing machinery is essential. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test whether the Neotropical brown stinkbug Euschistus heros has the main RNAi core genes and whether the supply of dsRNA could generate an efficient gene silencing response. To do this, total mRNA of all developmental stages was sequenced on an Illumina platform, followed by a de novo assembly, gene annotation and RNAi-related gene identification. Once RNAi-related genes were identified, nuclease activities in hemolymph were investigated through an ex vivo assay. To test the functionality of the siRNA machinery, E. heros adults were microinjected with ~28 ng per mg of insect of a dsRNA targeting the V-ATPase-A gene. Mortality, relative transcript levels of V-ATPase-A, and the expression of the genes involved in the siRNA machinery, Dicer-2 (DCR-2) and Argonaute 2 (AGO-2), were analyzed. Transcriptome sequencing generated more than 126 million sequenced reads, and these were annotated in approximately 80,000 contigs. The search of RNAi-related genes resulted in 47 genes involved in the three major RNAi pathways, with the absence of sid-like homologous. Although ex vivo incubation of dsRNA in E. heros hemolymph showed rapid degradation, there was 35% mortality at 4 days after treatment and a significant reduction in V-ATPase-A gene expression. These results indicated that although sid-like genes are lacking, the dsRNA uptake mechanism was very efficient. Also, 2-fold and 4-fold overexpression of DCR-2 and AGO-2, respectively, after dsRNA supply indicated the activation of the siRNA machinery. Consequently, E. heros has proven to be sensitive to RNAi upon injection of dsRNA into its hemocoel. We believe that this finding together with a publically available transcriptome and the validation of a responsive RNAi machinery provide a starting point for future field applications against one of the most important soybean pests in South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deise Cagliari
- Department of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Naymã Pinto Dias
- Department of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Ericmar Ávila Dos Santos
- Department of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Leticia Neutzling Rickes
- Department of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Frederico Schmitt Kremer
- Center for Technological Development, Bioinformatics and Proteomics Laboratory, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Juliano Ricardo Farias
- Department of Crop Protection, Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai, Santo Ângelo, Brazil
| | - Giuvan Lenz
- Agricultural Research and Development Center, UPL, Pereiras, Brazil
| | - Diogo Manzano Galdeano
- Sylvio Moreira Citrus Center, Agronomic Institute of Campinas, Cordeirópolis, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Moisés João Zotti
- Department of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
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32
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Pinheiro DH, Taylor CE, Wu K, Siegfried BD. Delivery of gene-specific dsRNA by microinjection and feeding induces RNAi response in Sri Lanka weevil, Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus Marshall. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:936-943. [PMID: 31461216 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi) is widely used in entomological research for functional analysis of genes and is being considered as a new tool for insect pest management. Sri Lanka weevil (SLW) is a highly polyphagous pest of agronomically important plants, but currently only a few control methods are available for this insect. RESULTS In the present study, we evaluated the stability of candidate reference genes β-ACT, α-TUB, EF1-α, RPL12 and GAPDH, and identified EF1-α as the most reliable for gene expression normalization. Four target genes involved in different cellular processes, including Prosα2, RPS13, Snf7 and V-ATPase A were selected to evaluate whether RNAi response in SLW adults can be triggered by microinjection and oral feeding of their double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). Three days after injection of the dsRNAs for the target genes, their transcript levels were significantly reduced (up to 91.4%) when compared to the control. Additionally, weevils fed with the target dsRNAs showed significant decreases in gene transcript levels and significant mortality was observed in insects treated with Prosα2 and Snf7 dsRNAs (78.6 to 92.7%). CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that microinjection and feeding of dsRNA produce a strong RNAi response in SLW, indicating that RNAi-based strategies could be explored to develop a selective and environmentally safe control method against SLW. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele H Pinheiro
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Caitlin E Taylor
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ke Wu
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Blair D Siegfried
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Dias NP, Cagliari D, Dos Santos EA, Smagghe G, Jurat-Fuentes JL, Mishra S, Nava DE, Zotti MJ. Insecticidal Gene Silencing by RNAi in the Neotropical Region. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 49:1-11. [PMID: 31749122 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-019-00722-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Insecticidal gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) involves a post-transcriptional mechanism with great potential for insect control. Here, we aim to summarize the progress on RNAi research toward control of insect pests in the Neotropical region and discuss factors determining its efficacy and prospects for pest management. We include an overview of the available RNAi information for Neotropical pests in the Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, and Hemiptera orders. Emphasis is put on significant findings in the use of RNAi against relevant Neotropical pests, including diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.), Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama), and the cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis Boheman). We also examine the main factors involved in insecticidal RNAi efficiency and major advances to improve screening of lethal genes, formulation, and delivery. Few studies detail resistance mechanisms to RNAi, demonstrating a need for more research. Advances in formulation, delivery, and resistance management tools for insecticidal RNAi in the Neotropics can provide a basis for efficient field application.
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Affiliation(s)
- N P Dias
- Dept of Crop Protection, Federal Univ of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
| | - D Cagliari
- Dept of Crop Protection, Federal Univ of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - E A Dos Santos
- Dept of Crop Protection, Federal Univ of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - G Smagghe
- Dept of Plants and Crops, Ghent Univ, Ghent, Belgium
| | - J L Jurat-Fuentes
- Dept of Entomology and Plant Pathology, The Univ of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
| | - S Mishra
- Dept of Entomology and Plant Pathology, The Univ of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
| | - D E Nava
- Entomology Lab, EmbrapaClima Temperado, Pelotas, Brasil
| | - M J Zotti
- Dept of Crop Protection, Federal Univ of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
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Abstract
The RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by short/small interfering RNA (siRNA) was discovered in nematodes and found to function in most living organisms. RNAi has been widely used as a research tool to study gene functions and has shown great potential for the development of novel pest management strategies. RNAi is highly efficient and systemic in coleopterans but highly variable or inefficient in many other insects. Differences in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) degradation, cellular uptake, inter- and intracellular transports, processing of dsRNA to siRNA, and RNA-induced silencing complex formation influence RNAi efficiency. The basic dsRNA delivery methods include microinjection, feeding, and soaking. To improve dsRNA delivery, various new technologies, including cationic liposome-assisted, nanoparticle-enabled, symbiont-mediated, and plant-mediated deliveries, have been developed. Major challenges to widespread use of RNAi in insect pest management include variable RNAi efficiency among insects, lack of reliable dsRNA delivery methods, off-target and nontarget effects, and potential development of resistance in insect populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA;
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, USA;
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Kunte N, McGraw E, Bell S, Held D, Avila LA. Prospects, challenges and current status of RNAi through insect feeding. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:26-41. [PMID: 31419022 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference is a phenomenon in which the introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into cells triggers the degradation of the complementary messenger RNA in a sequence-specific manner. Suppressing expression of vital genes could lead to insect death, therefore this technology has been considered as a potential strategy for insect pest control. There are three main routes of dsRNA administration into insects: (i) injections to the hemolymph, (ii) topical, and (iii) feeding. In this review, we focus on dsRNA administration through feeding. We summarize novel strategies that have been developed to improve the efficacy of this method, such as the use of nano-based formulations, engineered microorganisms, and transgenic plants. We also expose the hurdles that have to be overcome in order to use this technique as a reliable pest management method. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitish Kunte
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Erin McGraw
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Sydney Bell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - David Held
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Luz-Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
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36
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Singh S, Gupta M, Pandher S, Kaur G, Goel N, Rathore P. Using de novo transcriptome assembly and analysis to study RNAi in Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Sci Rep 2019; 9:13710. [PMID: 31548628 PMCID: PMC6757040 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49997-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenacoccus solenopsis is one of the major polyphagous crop pests in India. Inadequate genomic or transcriptomic resources have limited the molecular studies in this insect despite its huge economic importance. The existing molecular sequence resources of this insect were supplemented through RNA sequencing, de novo transcriptome assembly and analysis, which generated 12, 925 CDS from 23,643 contigs with an average size of 1077.5 bp per CDS and 85.1% positive BLAST hits with NCBI Non redundant (nr) database. Twenty three genes involved in RNAi machinery identified through BLASTx search against NCBI nr database suggested the existence of robust RNAi in mealybug. RNAi in P. solenopsis was demonstrated through knockdown of IAP (Inhibitor of Apoptosis), AQP (Aquaporin), CAL (Calcitonin), VATPase (V-type proton ATPase subunit F 1), bursicon, chitin synthase, SNF7 and α-amylase by injecting sequence specific dsRNA of respective genes in adult female. Additionally, feeding RNAi has been demonstrated in 2nd instar nymph through dsRNA uptake in plant. The knockdown of core RNAi machinery genes such as Dicer, Argonaute and Staufen significantly hampered RNAi efficiency in this insect. However, downregulation of dsRNases improved RNAi efficiency. Sequential studies for understanding RNAi in P. solenopsis using transcriptome sequences have also been reported. The present study provides a base for future research on developing RNAi as strategy for management of this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satnam Singh
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab, India.
| | - Mridula Gupta
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Suneet Pandher
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Gurmeet Kaur
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Neha Goel
- Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttaranchal, India
| | - Pankaj Rathore
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab, India
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Dhandapani RK, Gurusamy D, Howell JL, Palli SR. Development of CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticles to enhance RNAi efficiency in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8775. [PMID: 31217512 PMCID: PMC6584730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45019-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases are a major threat to human health and are responsible for millions of deaths globally each year. Vector control is one of the most important approaches used in reducing the incidence of these diseases. However, increasing mosquito resistance to chemical insecticides presents challenges to this approach. Therefore, new strategies are necessary to develop the next generation vector control methods. Because of the target specificity of dsRNA, RNAi-based control measures are an attractive alternative to current insecticides used to control disease vectors. In this study, Chitosan (CS) was cross-linked to sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) to produce nano-sized polyelectrolyte complexes with dsRNA. CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method. The encapsulation efficiency, protection of dsRNA from nucleases, cellular uptake, in vivo biodistribution, larval mortality and gene knockdown efficiency of CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticles were determined. The results showed that at a 5:1 weight ratio of CS-TPP to dsRNA, nanoparticles of less than 200 nm mean diameter and a positive surface charge were formed. Confocal microscopy revealed the distribution of the fed CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticles in midgut, fat body and epidermis of yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti larvae. Bioassays showed significant mortality of larvae fed on CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticles. These assays also showed knockdown of a target gene in CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticle fed larvae. These data suggest that CS-TPP nanoparticles may be used for delivery of dsRNA to mosquito larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dhandapani Gurusamy
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40546, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Howell
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40546, USA
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40546, USA.
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Castellanos NL, Smagghe G, Sharma R, Oliveira EE, Christiaens O. Liposome encapsulation and EDTA formulation of dsRNA targeting essential genes increase oral RNAi-caused mortality in the Neotropical stink bug Euschistus heros. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:537-548. [PMID: 30094917 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Neotropical stink bug Euschistus heros is a major pest in soybean fields. Development of highly species-specific pesticides based on RNA interference (RNAi) could provide a new sustainable and environmentally friendly control strategy. RESULTS Here, the potential of RNAi as a pest control tool against E. heros was assessed. First, target gene selection using a microinjection approach was performed. Seven of the 15 candidate genes tested exhibited > 95% mortality after hemolymph injection of 27.5 ng dsRNA. Subsequently, dsRNA was administered orally using different formulations: naked dsRNA, liposome-encapsulated-dsRNA and dsRNA formulated with EDTA. Liposome-encapsulated dsRNA targeting vATPase A and muscle actin led to significant mortality after 14 days (45% and 42%, respectively), whereas EDTA-formulated dsRNA did so for only one of the target genes. Ex vivo analysis of the dsRNA stability in collected saliva indicated a strong dsRNA-degrading capacity by E. heros saliva, which could explain the need for dsRNA formulations. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that continuous ingestion of dsRNA with EDTA or liposome-encapsulated dsRNA can prevent dsRNA from being degraded enzymatically and suggest great potential for using these formulations in dsRNA delivery to use RNAi as a functional genomics tool or for pest management of stink bugs. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaly L Castellanos
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eugênio E Oliveira
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Zhong YZ, Tang R, Zhang JP, Yang SY, Chen GH, He KL, Wang ZY, Zhang F. Behavioral Evidence and Olfactory Reception of a Single Alarm Pheromone Component in Halyomorpha halys. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1610. [PMID: 30483157 PMCID: PMC6243750 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Halyomorpha halys is a major herbivore insect in the fruit orchards of China that has become a devastating invasive pest in North America and Europe since its accidental introductions in the 1990s and 2000s, respectively. Like other hemipteran insects, H. halys releases defensive chemicals against natural enemies, including (E)-2-decenal, which is an aldehyde associated with alarm pheromones. In this study, a series of electrophysiological and behavioral tests were conducted to characterize the alarm functions of (E)-2-decenal among H. halys adults and nymphs. An antennal transcriptome was obtained from a Chinese H. halys population, and 44 odorant-binding protein (OBP) genes were annotated. Among them, five putative alarm pheromone-binding proteins were screened and were extremely consistent with their homologs from US populations. These five OBPs were later expressed in a heterologous expression system, harvested, and then challenged with (E)-2-decenal in a binding assay. All five OBPs showed high binding activities to (E)-2-decenal, which demonstrated its behavioral significance as a defensive component in H. halys, as well as being the first report of its olfactory reception. These findings will help develop behavioral-mediating tools as part of integrated pest management approaches to control this invasive pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Zhi Zhong
- MARA-CABI Joint Laboratory for Bio-safety, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Rui Tang
- MARA-CABI Joint Laboratory for Bio-safety, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) East Asia, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Ping Zhang
- MARA-CABI Joint Laboratory for Bio-safety, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) East Asia, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Yong Yang
- Life Science College, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Guo-Hua Chen
- College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Kang-Lai He
- MARA-CABI Joint Laboratory for Bio-safety, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen-Ying Wang
- MARA-CABI Joint Laboratory for Bio-safety, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- MARA-CABI Joint Laboratory for Bio-safety, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) East Asia, Beijing, China
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