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Le ZJ, Ma LX, Zhou YF, Xu KK, Li C, Yang WJ. Functional analysis of nuclear receptor genes in molting and metamorphosis of the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132459. [PMID: 38763254 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-regulated transcription factors that are important for the normal growth and development of insects. However, systematic function analysis of NRs in the molting process of Lasioderma serricorne has not been reported. In this study, we identified and characterized 16 NR genes from L. serricorne. Spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed that six NRs were mainly expressed in 3-d-old 4th-instar larvae; five NRs were primarily expressed in 5-d-old adults and four NRs were predominately expressed in prepupae. All the NRs were highly expressed in epidermis, fat body and foregut. RNA interference (RNAi) experiments revealed that knockdown of 15 NRs disrupted the larva-pupa-adult transitions and caused 64.44-100 % mortality. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that depletion of 12 NRs prevented the formation of new cuticle and disrupted apolysis of old cuticle. Silencing of LsHR96, LsSVP and LsE78 led to newly formed cuticle that was thinner than the controls. The 20E titer and chitin content significantly decreased by 17.67-95.12 % after 15 NR dsRNA injection and the gene expression levels of 20E synthesis genes and chitin metabolism genes were significantly reduced. These results demonstrated that 15 NR genes are essential for normal molting and metamorphosis of L. serricorne by regulating 20E synthesis and chitin metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Jun Le
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management of Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang 550005, China
| | - Li-Xin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management of Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang 550005, China
| | - Yang-Fan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management of Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang 550005, China
| | - Kang-Kang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management of Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang 550005, China
| | - Can Li
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management of Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang 550005, China
| | - Wen-Jia Yang
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management of Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang 550005, China.
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Anjum AA, Lin MJ, Jin L, Li GQ. A critical role for the nuclear protein Akirin in larval development in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38783592 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Akirin is a nuclear protein that controls development in vertebrates and invertebrates. The function of Akirin has not been assessed in any Coleopteran insects. We found that high levels of akirin transcripts in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, a serious Coleopteran potato defoliator (hereafter Hvakirin), were present at prepupal, pupal and adult stages, especially in larval foregut and fat body. RNA interference (RNAi) targeting Hvakirin impaired larval development. The Hvakirin RNAi larvae arrested development at the final larval instar stage. They remained as stunted larvae, gradually blackened and finally died. Moreover, the remodelling of gut and fat body was inhibited in the Hvakirin depleted larvae. Two layers of cuticles, old and newly formed, were noted in the dsegfp-injected animals. In contrast, only a layer of cuticle was found in the dsakirin-injected beetles, indicating the arrest of larval development. Furthermore, the expression of three transforming growth factor-β cascade genes (Hvsmox, Hvmyo and Hvbabo), a 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) receptor gene (HvEcR) and six 20E response genes (HvHR3, HvHR4, HvE75, HvBrC, HvE93 and Hvftz-f1) was significantly repressed, consistent with decreased 20E signalling. Conversely, the transcription of a juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis gene (Hvjhamt), a JH receptor gene (HvMet) and two JH response genes (HvKr-h1 and HvHairy) was greatly enhanced. Our findings suggest a critical role of Akirin in larval development in H. vigintioctopunctata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ali Anjum
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng-Jiao Lin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Wang JD, Chen YH, Zhang YX, Lin JW, Gao SJ, Tang BZ, Hou YM. Establishment of RNAi-Mediated Pest Control Method for Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:10936-10943. [PMID: 38691835 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c00654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
RNAi plays a crucial role in insect gene function research and pest control field. Nonetheless, the variable efficiency of RNAi across diverse insects and off-target effects also limited its further application. In this study, we cloned six essential housekeeping genes from Solenopsis invicta and conducted RNAi experiments by orally administering dsRNA. Then, we found that mixing with liposomes significantly enhanced the RNAi efficiency by targeting for SiV-ATPaseE. Additionally, we observed a certain lethal effect of this dsRNA on queens by our established RNAi system. Furthermore, no strict sequence-related off-target effects were detected. Finally, the RNAi effect of large-scale bacteria expressing dsRNA was successfully confirmed for controlling S. invicta. In summary, this study established an RNAi system for S. invicta and provided a research template for the future development of nucleic acid drugs based on RNAi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-da Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China
| | - Yao-Hui Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China
| | - Ya-Xin Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Wen Lin
- National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China
| | - San-Ji Gao
- National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China
| | - Bao-Zhen Tang
- National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China
| | - You-Ming Hou
- National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China
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Cedden D, Güney G, Scholten S, Rostás M. Lethal and sublethal effects of orally delivered double-stranded RNA on the cabbage stem flea beetle, Psylliodes chrysocephala. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2282-2293. [PMID: 37020381 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala) is one of the most important insect pests of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in northern Europe. The emergence of insecticide-resistant populations and the ban on neonicotinoid seed treatments have made the management of this pest challenging and research is needed to develop alternative strategies such as RNA interference (RNAi). We investigated lethal and sublethal effects of orally delivered double-stranded (ds)RNAs targeting P. chrysocephala orthologs of Sec23 and vacuolar adenosine triphosphatase subunit G (VatpG), which are involved in endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi transport and organelle acidification, respectively. RESULTS Feeding bioassays on P. chrysocephala adults showed that the highest concentration (200 ng/leaf disk) of dsSec23 caused mortalities of 76% and 56% in pre-aestivating and post-aestivating beetles, respectively, while the same concentration of dsVatpG led to mortality rates of ~34% in both stages. Moreover, sublethal effects, such as decreased feeding rates and attenuated locomotion were observed. Small RNA sequencing and gene expression measurements following the delivery of dsRNAs demonstrated the generation of ~21 nucleotide-long small interfering RNAs and a systemic RNAi response in P. chrysocephala. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that P. chrysocephala is a promising candidate for developing RNAi-based pest management strategies. Further research is necessary to identify more effective target genes and to assess potential non-target effects. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doga Cedden
- Agricultural Entomology, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute, GZMB, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gözde Güney
- Agricultural Entomology, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Scholten
- Division of Crop Plant Genetics, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Rostás
- Agricultural Entomology, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Zhang YX, Tan Q, Jin L, Li GQ. Molecular characterization of the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP18A1 in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22111. [PMID: 38628055 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22111] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
In insects, the expression of 20E response genes that initiate metamorphosis is triggered by a pulse of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). The 20E pulse is generated through two processes: synthesis, which increases its level, and inactivation, which decreases its titer. CYP18A1 functions as an ecdysteroid 26-hydroxylase and plays a role in 20E removal in several representative insects. However, applying 20E degradation activity of CYP18A1 to other insects remains a significant challenge. In this study, we discovered high levels of Hvcyp18a1 during the larval and late pupal stages, particularly in the larval epidermis and fat body of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, a damaging Coleopteran pest of potatoes. RNA interference (RNAi) targeting Hvcyp18a1 disrupted the pupation. Approximately 75% of the Hvcyp18a1 RNAi larvae experienced developmental arrest and remained as stunted prepupae. Subsequently, they gradually turned black and eventually died. Among the Hvcyp18a1-depleted animals that successfully pupated, around half became malformed pupae with swollen elytra and hindwings. The emerged adults from these deformed pupae appeared misshapen, with shriveled elytra and hindwings, and were wrapped in the pupal exuviae. Furthermore, RNAi of Hvcyp18a1 increased the expression of a 20E receptor gene (HvEcR) and four 20E response transcripts (HvE75, HvHR3, HvBrC, and HvαFTZ-F1), while decreased the transcription of HvβFTZ-F1. Our findings confirm the vital role of CYP18A1 in the pupation, potentially involved in the degradation of 20E in H. vigintioctopunctata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xing Zhang
- Department of Entomology, Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiao Tan
- Department of Entomology, Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Department of Entomology, Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Department of Entomology, Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Cao Z, Bakumenko O, Vlasenko V, Li W, Cao J. Molecular characterization and functional analysis of the ecdysone receptor isoform (EcR) from the oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22110. [PMID: 38605666 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22110] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) plays a vital role in a series of biological processes, via the nuclear receptors, EcR/USP by activating the ecdysone regulatory cascade. To clarify the role of EcR during the development of Grapholita molesta, the complementary DNA of ecdysone receptor isoform B1 (GmEcR-B1) was obtained from the transcriptome of G. molesta and verified by PCR. Alignment analysis revealed that the deduced protein sequence of GmEcR-B1 was highly homologous to EcR proteins identified in other lepidopteran species, especially the EcR-B1 isoform in Spodoptera litura. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that GmEcRs was expressed at all test developmental stages, and the expression level of GmEcRs was relatively higher during the period of the 3rd day of fifth instar larvae to 2nd of pupa than those in other stages. Moreover, the messenger RNA of GmEcRs was much more strongly expressed in the Malpighian tubule and epidermis than those in other tissues, which suggests that this gene may function in a tissue-specific manner during larval development. Silencing of GmEcRs could significantly downregulate the transcriptional level of ecdysone-inducible genes and result in increased mortality during metamorphosis and prolonged prepupal duration. Taken together, the present results indicate that GmEcRs may directly or indirectly affect the development of G. molesta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhishan Cao
- Department of Plant Protection, International Joint Laboratory of Taxonomy and Systematic Evolution of Insecta, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Department of Plant Protection, Sumy National Agrarian University, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - Olha Bakumenko
- Department of Plant Protection, Sumy National Agrarian University, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - Volodymyr Vlasenko
- Department of Plant Protection, Sumy National Agrarian University, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - Weihai Li
- Department of Plant Protection, International Joint Laboratory of Taxonomy and Systematic Evolution of Insecta, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Jinjun Cao
- Department of Plant Protection, International Joint Laboratory of Taxonomy and Systematic Evolution of Insecta, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, China
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Anjum AA, Lin MJ, Jin L, Li GQ. Twist is required for muscle development of the adult legs in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22063. [PMID: 37920138 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Although muscle development has been widely studied in Drosophila melanogaster, it was a great challenge to apply to developmental processes of other insect muscles. This study was focused on the functional characterization of a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor gene twist in an herbivorous ladybird Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. Its transcript (Hvtwist) levels were detected in all developmental stages. RNA interference (RNAi)-aided knockdown of Hvtwist at the penultimate larval instar stage impaired pupation, and caused a deformed adult in the legs. The tarsi were malformed and did not support the bodies in an upright position. The climbing ability was impaired. Moreover, around 50% of the impaired adults had a malformed elytrum. In addition, they consumed less foliage and did not lay eggs. A hematoxylin-eosin staining of the leg demonstrated that the tibial extensor (TE) and the tibial flexor (TF) muscles were originated from the femurs while levator and depressor muscles of the tarsus (TL and TD) were located in the tibia in the control adults, in which tarsal segments were devoid of muscles. RNAi treatment specific to Hvtwist expression markedly impaired TE and TF muscles in the femurs, and prevented the development of TL and TD muscles in the tibia. Therefore, our findings demonstrate Twist plays a vital role in the myogenesis in H. vigintioctopunctata adult legs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ali Anjum
- Department of Entomology, Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng-Jiao Lin
- Department of Entomology, Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Department of Entomology, Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Department of Entomology, Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Ahmad S, Jamil M, Jaworski CC, Wu Y, Palma-Onetto V, Lyu B, Luo Y. Knockdown of the ecdysone receptor disrupts development and causes mortality in the melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 32:738-747. [PMID: 37646607 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbits are important economic plants that are attacked by numerous pests, among which the melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae is extremely problematic. New sustainable pest control strategies are necessary to replace chemical insecticides that are harmful to the environment, human health and nontarget species. The RNA interference (RNAi) technology is one of the most promising tools due to high efficiency and species specificity. We developed an RNAi strategy targeting the ecdysone receptor (ECR) of Z. cucurbitae, which plays an important role in moulting and reproduction. We identified, described and isolated the ECR gene of Z. cucurbitae and measured its expression pattern across developmental stages and tissues. ZcECR knockdown via dsZcECR ingestion caused a significant larval mortality and abnormal phenotypes in pupae and adults. About 68% of larvae fed with a dsZcECR-treated diet failed to enter the pupal stage and died. In addition, ZcECR knockdown dramatically reduced pupal weight (by 3.24 mg on average) and fecundity (by about 23%). RNAi targeting the ECR gene is therefore a promising method to control Z. cucurbitae, paving the way for the development of novel sustainable and highly specific control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakil Ahmad
- School of Plant Protection, Department of Pesticide Science, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Momana Jamil
- School of Plant Protection, Department of Pesticide Science, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | | | - Yuejie Wu
- School of Plant Protection, Department of Pesticide Science, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Valeria Palma-Onetto
- Departamento de Química Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Baoqian Lyu
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou, China
| | - Yanping Luo
- School of Plant Protection, Department of Pesticide Science, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
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Zhang C, Wan B, Jin MR, Wang X, Wei YJ, Zhong L, Xia B. Inhibition of ecdysone receptor (DcEcR) and ultraspiracle (DcUSP) expression in Diaphorina citri increased susceptibility to pesticides. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:105518. [PMID: 37532332 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is of great concern because of its ability to transmit devastating citrus greening illness (Huanglongbing). One strategy for controlling HLB may involve limiting the spread of D. citri. Insecticides using dsRNA target genes may be a useful option to control D. citri. The ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP) are crucial for the growth and reproduction of insects. This study identified the genes for D. citri ecdysone receptor (DcEcR) and ultraspiracle (DcUSP). According to the qPCR data, DcUSP peaked at the 5th-instar nymph stage, while DcEcR peaked at the adult stage. Females expressed DcEcR and DcUSP at much higher levels than males. RNAi was used to examine DcEcR and DcUSP function. The findings demonstrated that inhibition of DcEcR and DcUSP delayed nymph development and decreased survival and eclosion rates. dsEcR caused adults to develop deformed wings, and dsUSP caused nymphs to wither and die. Female adult ovaries developed slowly, and the females laid fewer eggs. Additionally, DcEcR and DcUSP were inhibited, increasing D. citri susceptibility to pesticides. These findings suggest that DcEcR and DcUSP are critical for D. citri development, growth, and reproduction and may serve as potential targets for D. citri management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bin Wan
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Meng-Ru Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Development & Service Center for Agriculture and Rural Industry of Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yu-Jing Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ling Zhong
- Development & Service Center for Agriculture and Rural Industry of Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Bin Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, Jiangxi, China.
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10
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Zhang Y, Tan Q, Lin M, Shen C, Jin L, Li G. Dusky-like Is Critical for Morphogenesis of the Cellular Protuberances and Formation of the Cuticle in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:866. [PMID: 37372150 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Dusky-like (Dyl) is a transmembrane protein containing a zona pellucida domain. Its physiological roles during metamorphosis have been well explored in Drosophila melanogaster and have also been documented in Tribolium castaneum. However, Dyl has undergone a functional shift between Diptera and Coleoptera insects. Further investigation of Dyl in other insects will be helpful to further clarify its function in insect growth and development. Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is an important Coleoptera that causes enormous economic losses in agriculture in China. In this study, we found that the expression of Hvdyl was detectable in embryos, larvae, prepupae, pupae, and adults. We knocked down Hvdyl in third- and fourth-instar larvae and pupae with RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi of Hvdyl mainly caused two phenotypic defects. Firstly, the growth of epidermal cellular protuberances was suppressed. Injection of dsdyl (double-stranded dusky-like RNA) at the third-instar larval stage truncated the scoli throughout the thorax and abdomen and shortened the setae on the head capsules and mouthparts of the fourth-instar larvae. Introduction of dsdyl at the third- and fourth-instar stages led to misshapen pupal setae. The setae were shortened or became black nodules. Treatment with dsdyl at the larval and pupal stages resulted in deformed adults with completely suppressed wing hairs. Moreover, the knockdown of Hvdyl at the third-instar stage caused deformed larval mouthparts at the fourth-instar period. As a result, foliage consumption was inhibited, and larval growth was slowed. The results indicate that Dyl is associated with the growth of cellular protuberances throughout development and with the formation of the cuticle in H. vigintioctopunctata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Zhang
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Qiao Tan
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Mengjiao Lin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chenhui Shen
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Guoqing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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11
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Koeppe S, Kawchuk L, Kalischuk M. RNA Interference Past and Future Applications in Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119755. [PMID: 37298705 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense RNA was observed to elicit plant disease resistance and post-translational gene silencing (PTGS). The universal mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi) was shown to be induced by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), an intermediate produced during virus replication. Plant viruses with a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome have been instrumental in the discovery and characterization of systemic RNA silencing and suppression. An increasing number of applications for RNA silencing have emerged involving the exogenous application of dsRNA through spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) that provides specificity and environmentally friendly options for crop protection and improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Koeppe
- Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E., Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Lawrence Kawchuk
- Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 5403 1 Ave S., Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Melanie Kalischuk
- Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E., Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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Chen S, Luo X, Nanda S, Yang C, Li Z, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Pan H. RNAi-Based Biopesticides Against 28-Spotted Ladybeetle Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata Does Not Harm the Insect Predator Propylea japonica. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:3373-3384. [PMID: 36762732 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated control of the notorious pest Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is an emerging environment friendly research area. However, the characterization of key target genes in H. vigintioctopunctata is crucial for this. Additionally, assessing the risk of RNAi to nontarget organisms (NTOs) is necessary for environmental safety. In this study, the potential of RNAi technology in controlling H. vigintioctopunctata infestation has been investigated by the oral delivery of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The results revealed that the silencing of six genes, including HvABCH1, HvHel25E, HvProsbeta5, HvProsalpha6, HvProsbeta6, and HvSrp54k, was highly lethal to H. vigintioctopunctata. The LC50 values of the dsRNAs used to silence these six genes were found to be less than 13 ng/μL. Moreover, the use of the bacterially expressed dsRNAs caused high mortality in the lab and field populations of H. vigintioctopunctata. Further, administration of HvHel25E and HvSrp54k dsRNAs in the predatory lady beetle Propylea japonica confirmed no transcriptional or organismal levels effects. This risk-assessment result ensured no off-target RNAi effects on the NTOs. Overall, the findings of the study suggested that HvABCH1, HvHel25E, HvProsbeta5, HvProsalpha6, HvProsbeta6, and HvSrp54k can be novel promising molecular targets with high specificity for H. vigintioctopunctata management with negligible effects on the NTOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xuming Luo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Satyabrata Nanda
- MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi 761200, India
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhaoyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, United States
| | - Huipeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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13
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Ze LJ, Xu P, Wu JJ, Jin L, Ali Anjum A, Li GQ. Disruption of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) biosynthesis pathway affects cuticle pigmentation in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 144:104457. [PMID: 36427533 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2022.104457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is produced from guanosine triphosphate (GTP) under catalyzation of GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH), 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) and sepiapterin reductase (SR), among others. In Drosophila melanogaster, BH4 and other pteridines are required for cuticle tanning and eye pigmentation. In this study, two Hvgtpch (Hvgtpch-a and Hvgtpch-b), an Hvptps and an Hvsr transcripts were identified in a serious defoliator Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. Hvgtpch-a and Hvgtpch-b were highly expressed just before and/or right after the molt, in contrast to Hvptps and Hvsr. RNA interference (RNAi) by injection of a dsgtpch targeting the common fragment of Hvgtpch-a and Hvgtpch-b into the third instar larvae caused albino fourth-instar larvae and pupae. Around 80% of the Hvgtpch RNAi larvae failed to pupate. The remaining 20% of Hvgtpch RNAi pupated beetles did not completely remove the larval/pupal exuviae after emerged as adults and eventually died. Depletion of Hvgtpch at the fourth instar stage resulted in under-pigmented pupae and adults, with significantly low pupation and emergence rates. The Hvgtpch RNAi adults rarely moved and fed on plant leaves; they died within a week after emergence. Silence of Hvptps or Hvsr at the third- and fourth-instar stages led to similar but less serious phenotypes, with lowest influence in the Hvsr RNAi ladybirds. Moreover, RNAi of Hvgtpch, Hvptps or Hvsr did not affect coloration of the larval ocelli and pupal/adult compound eyes. Therefore, our results demonstrated that pteridines are involved in melanin formation but not in eye pigmentation in H. vigintioctopunctata. Moreover, our findings will enable the development of a dsgtpch-based pesticide to control H. vigintioctopunctata larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Ji Ze
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Ping Xu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Jian-Jian Wu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Lin Jin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Ahmad Ali Anjum
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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He L, Huang Y, Tang X. RNAi-based pest control: Production, application and the fate of dsRNA. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1080576. [PMID: 36524052 PMCID: PMC9744970 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1080576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The limitations of conventional pesticides have raised the demand for innovative and sustainable solutions for plant protection. RNA Interference (RNAi) triggered by dsRNA has evolved as a promising strategy to control insects in a species-specific manner. In this context, we review the methods for mass production of dsRNA, the approaches of exogenous application of dsRNA in the field, and the fate of dsRNA after application. Additionally, we describe the opportunities and challenges of using nanoparticles as dsRNA carriers to control insects. Furthermore, we provide future directions to improve pest management efficiency by utilizing the synergistic effects of multiple target genes. Meanwhile, the establishment of a standardized framework for assessment and regulatory consensus is critical to the commercialization of RNA pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li He
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanna Huang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueming Tang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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Knockdown of Ecdysone-Induced Protein 93F Causes Abnormal Pupae and Adults in the Eggplant Lady Beetle. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11111640. [DOI: 10.3390/biology11111640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Ecdysone-induced protein 93F (E93) plays triple roles during post-embryonic development in insects whose juvenile instars are more than four. However, it only acts as a specifier of adult structures in Drosophila flies whose larval instars are fixed at three. In this study, we determined the functions of E93 in the eggplant lady beetle (Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata), which has four larval instars. We uncovered that E93 was abundantly expressed at the prepupal and pupal stages. A precocious inhibition of the juvenile hormone signal by RNA interference (RNAi) of HvKr-h1 or HvHairy, two vital downstream developmental effectors, at the penultimate instar larval stage increased the expression of E93, Conversely, ingestion of JH by the third-instar larvae stimulated the expression of HvKr-h1 but repressed the transcription of either HvE93X1 or HvE93X2. However, disturbance of the JH signal neither drove premature metamorphosis nor caused supernumerary instars. In contrast, depletion of E93 at the third- and fourth-instar larval and prepupal stages severely impaired pupation and caused a larval-pupal mixed phenotype: pupal spines and larval scoli were simultaneously presented on the cuticle. RNAi of E93 at the pupal stage affected adult eclosion. When the beetles had suffered from a dsE93 injection at the fourth-instar larval and pupal stages, a few resultant adults emerged, with separated elytra, abnormally folded hindwings, a small body size and short appendages. Taken together, our results suggest the larval instars are fixed in H. vigintioctopunctata; E93 serves as a repressor of larval characters and a specifier of adult structures during the larval–pupal–adult transition.
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Stabilized Double-Stranded RNA Strategy Improves Cotton Resistance to CBW ( Anthonomus grandis). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213713. [PMID: 36430188 PMCID: PMC9691246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213713] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cotton is the most important crop for fiber production worldwide. However, the cotton boll weevil (CBW) is an insect pest that causes significant economic losses in infested areas. Current control methods are costly, inefficient, and environmentally hazardous. Herein, we generated transgenic cotton lines expressing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules to trigger RNA interference-mediated gene silencing in CBW. Thus, we targeted three essential genes coding for chitin synthase 2, vitellogenin, and ecdysis-triggering hormone receptor. The stability of expressed dsRNAs was improved by designing a structured RNA based on a viroid genome architecture. We transformed cotton embryos by inserting a promoter-driven expression cassette that overexpressed the dsRNA into flower buds. The transgenic cotton plants were characterized, and positive PCR transformed events were detected with an average heritability of 80%. Expression of dsRNAs was confirmed in floral buds by RT-qPCR, and the T1 cotton plant generation was challenged with fertilized CBW females. After 30 days, data showed high mortality (around 70%) in oviposited yolks. In adult insects fed on transgenic lines, chitin synthase II and vitellogenin showed reduced expression in larvae and adults, respectively. Developmental delays and abnormalities were also observed in these individuals. Our data remark on the potential of transgenic cotton based on a viroid-structured dsRNA to control CBW.
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Chen S, Nanda S, Guo M, Kong L, Yang C, Liu Z, Gao R, Qiu B, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Pan H. Tyrosine hydroxylase involved in cuticle tanning and reproduction in the 28-spotted potato ladybeetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3859-3870. [PMID: 35524967 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a melanin synthesis pathway enzyme hydroxylating tyrosine into 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, is involved in the pigmentation and sclerotization of insect cuticles. However, the role of TH in 28-spotted potato ladybeetle (Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata), an emerging pest of the solanaceous crops has been explored to a limited extent. In this study, we integrated dietary RNA interference (RNAi) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining with various bioassays to analyze the role of tyrosine hydroxylase (HvTH) throughout the developmental processes of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. RESULTS The results revealed that ingestion of dsHvTH led to cuticle tanning impairment, arrested larval feeding in the first and second instars of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, and subsequently resulted in 100% mortality. The H&E staining assays revealed that dsHvTH prevented new abdominal cuticle formation. A pharmacological study using 3-iodo-tyrosine (3-IT), a HvTH inhibitor, disrupted larval-larval-pupal cuticle tanning during the third-fourth instar larval development and eventually failed to pupate. Similarly, dsHvTH fed to fourth instars hindered larval-pupal-adult cuticle tanning, and the eclose adults were 100% malformed. Ingestion of dsHvTH or 3-IT significantly down-regulated HvTH, HvDDC, Hvebony, and Hvlaccase2 expression and reduced dopamine levels. Finally, HvTH silencing in adult females substantially reduced the offspring hatching rates. CONCLUSIONS The collective results of the study suggested that HvTH plays conserved roles in larval-pupal-adult cuticle melanization and sclerotization while exhibiting a novel function in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata reproduction. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Satyabrata Nanda
- MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, India
| | - Mujuan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan Kong
- Department of Computer Science, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY, USA
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuoqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ran Gao
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoli Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Huipeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Jiang LH, Mu LL, Jin L, Anjum AA, Li GQ. Silencing uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase gene impairs larval development in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3894-3902. [PMID: 34523212 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uridine diphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) diphosphorylase (UAP) catalyzes the formation of UDP-GlcNAc, the precursor for the production of chitin in ectodermally derived epidermal cells and midgut, for GlcNAcylation of proteins and for generation of glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol anchors in all tissues in Drosophila melanogaster. RESULTS Here, we identified a putative HvUAP gene in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. Knockdown of HvUAP at the second-, third- and fourth-instar stages impaired larval development. Most resultant HvUAP hypomorphs showed arrested development at the third-, fourth-instar larval or prepupal stages, and became paralyzed, depending on the age when treated. Some HvUAP-silenced larvae had weak and soft scoli. A portion of HvUAP-depleted beetles formed misshapen pupae. No HvUAP RNA interference pupae successfully emerged as adults. Dissection and microscopic observation revealed that knockdown of HvUAP affected gut growth and food ingestion, reduced cuticle thickness, and negatively affected the formation of newly generated cuticle layers during ecdysis. Furthermore, HvUAP deficiency inhibited development of the tracheal respiratory system and thinned tracheal taenidia. CONCLUSION The phenotypical defects in HvUAP hypomorphs suggest that HvUAP is involved in the production of chitin. Moreover, our findings will enable the development of a double-stranded RNA-based pesticide to control H. vigintioctopunctata. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Hong Jiang
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li-Li Mu
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ahmad A Anjum
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Belavilas-Trovas A, Gregoriou ME, Tastsoglou S, Soukia O, Giakountis A, Mathiopoulos K. A species-specific lncRNA modulates the reproductive ability of the asian tiger mosquito. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:885767. [PMID: 36091452 PMCID: PMC9448860 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.885767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) research has emerged as an independent scientific field in recent years. Despite their association with critical cellular and metabolic processes in plenty of organisms, lncRNAs are still a largely unexplored area in mosquito research. We propose that they could serve as exceptional tools for pest management due to unique features they possess. These include low inter-species sequence conservation and high tissue specificity. In the present study, we investigated the role of ovary-specific lncRNAs in the reproductive ability of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. Through the analysis of transcriptomic data, we identified several lncRNAs that were differentially expressed upon blood feeding; we called these genes Norma (NOn-coding RNA in Mosquito ovAries). We observed that silencing some of these Normas resulted in significant impact on mosquito fecundity and fertility. We further focused on Norma3 whose silencing resulted in 43% oviposition reduction, in smaller ovaries and 53% hatching reduction of the laid eggs, compared to anti-GFP controls. Moreover, a significant downregulation of 2 mucins withing a neighboring (∼100 Kb) mucin cluster was observed in smaller anti-Norma3 ovaries, indicating a potential mechanism of in-cis regulation between Norma3 and the mucins. Our work constitutes the first experimental proof-of-evidence connecting lncRNAs with mosquito reproduction and opens a novel path for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Belavilas-Trovas
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleni Gregoriou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Spyros Tastsoglou
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, Lamia, Greece
- Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Olga Soukia
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Antonis Giakountis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kostas Mathiopoulos
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
- *Correspondence: Kostas Mathiopoulos,
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20
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Du JL, Chen F, Wu JJ, Jin L, Li GQ. Smad on X is vital for larval-pupal transition in a herbivorous ladybird beetle. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 139:104387. [PMID: 35367434 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2022.104387] [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: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Insect development is regulated by a combination of juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Production of both JH and 20E is regulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling. TGFβ can be classified into two branches, the Activin and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathways. In Drosophila melanogaster, BMP signaling is critical for JH synthesis, whereas Activin signal is required to generate the large pulse of 20E necessary for entering metamorphosis. However, to which extent the roles of these signals are conserved remains unknown. Here we studied the role of an Activin component Smad on X (Smox) in post-embryonic development in a defoliating ladybird Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. RNA interference (RNAi)-aided knockdown of Hvsmox inhibited larval growth, and impaired larval development. All Hvmyo RNAi larvae arrested at the fourth-instar larval stage. Moreover, knockdown of Hvsmox delayed gut and Malpighian tubules remodeling. Furthermore, the expression of a JH biosynthesis gene (Hvjhamt), a JH receptor gene HvMet and a JH response gene HvKr-h1 was greatly enhanced. Conversely, the expression levels of an ecdysteroidogenesis gene (Hvspo), a 20E receptor gene (HvEcR) and six 20E response genes (HvBrC, HvE74, HvE75, HvE93, HvHR3 and HvHR4) were significantly lowered. Knockdown of HvMet partially restored the negative phenotypes in the Hvsmox RNAi beetles. Our results suggest that Smox exerts regulative roles in JH production, ecdysteroidogenesis and organ remodeling, thus contributing to modulate the larva-pupa-adult transformation in H. vigintioctopunctata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Li Du
- College of Agriculture, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, Anhui 233100, China; Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/ State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Feng Chen
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/ State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Jian-Jian Wu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/ State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/ State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/ State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Li G, Liu XY, Smagghe G, Niu JZ, Wang JJ. Molting process revealed by the detailed expression profiles of RXR1/RXR2 and mining the associated genes in a spider mite, Panonychus citri. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:430-442. [PMID: 34015180 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Spider mites have one ecdysone receptor (EcR) and multiple retinoid X receptors (RXRs). However, the function of these RXRs in spider mite development is unknown. Here, we screened the expression dynamics of two PcRXR isoforms at 4 h intervals in the deutonymphal stage of Panonychus citri. The results showed that PcEcR had an expression pattern similar to that of PcRXR2. For PcRXR1, its expression remained at a certain high level, when there was a decrease of both PcEcR and PcRXR2. In situ hybridization showed that PcRXR2 was detected in the central nervous mass, while the ecdysteroid biosynthesis gene PcSpo was mainly expressed at the edge of the central nervous mass. RNAi-based silencing of PcRXR1 or PcRXR2 showed the same phenotype as in mites with that of silencing PcEcR. Furthermore, RNA-seq was used to mine the genes associated with the expression dynamics of PcRXR1 or PcRXR2, which revealed that the heterodimer of EcR-RXR2 in spider mites might be linked with the cell autophagy and tissue remodeling during apolysis, and RXR1 might be linked with new epicuticle and exocuticle secretion during ecdysis. Taken together, these results increase our understanding of the regulation mechanism of ecdysteroid signal pathway in spider mite development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Li
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection; International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xun-Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection; International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection; International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jin-Zhi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection; International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection; International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Zeng J, Kang WN, Jin L, Anjum AA, Li GQ. Vacuolar ATPase subunit F is critical for larval survival in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:177-189. [PMID: 34787941 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12749] [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: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Vacuolar ATPase (vATPase) is an important proton pump in insect tissues including gut and Malpighian tubule. Subunit F, one of the 16 subunits of the vATPase holoenzyme, is not well characterized. Here, we found that two HvvATPaseF isoforms were highly expressed in the hindgut and Malpighian tubules (MT) in the 28-spotted lady-beetle Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, an agricultural pest that feeds on Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae. Knockdown of both HvvATPaseF variants by RNA interference (RNAi) delayed larval growth and negatively affected ecdysis and adult emergence. In the midgut, RNAi treatment resulted in the disappearance of peritrophic membrane, the reduction in the size and the impaired integrity of the gut, which was associated with sparse principle cells and an increase in TUNEL- and EdU-positive cells. Whereas the MT were opaque and the tubule lumens were full of urine in dsegfp-fed larvae, the tubules were clear and the tubule lumens were empty in the dsvATPaseF-fed larvae. HvvATPaseF knockdown was also associated with a decrease in the abundance of the fat body and the levels of glucose, trehalose, triglyceride, total soluble amino acids and proteins, and an increase in glycogen. Consistent with the known effects of sugars on chitin formation, both the expression level of a chitin biosynthesis gene and the thickness of the head capsule cuticle were reduced in the HvvATPaseF-depleted beetles. Our results demonstrated that subunit F plays an essential role in H. vigintioctopunctata development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zeng
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China/State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei-Nan Kang
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China/State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China/State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ahmad Ali Anjum
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China/State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China/State and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Liu Z, Nanda S, Yang C, Chen S, Guo M, Khan MM, Qiu B, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Pan H. RNAi suppression of the nuclear receptor FTZ-F1 impaired ecdysis, pupation, and reproduction in the 28-spotted potato ladybeetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 182:105029. [PMID: 35249644 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.105029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fushi-tarazu factor 1 (FTZF1) is an ecdysone-inducible transcription factor that plays a vital role during the metamorphosis in insects. In this study, we functionally characterized HvFTZ-F1 in H. vigintioctopunctata, a dreadful solanaceous crop pest, by using a dietary RNA interference technique. The HvFTZ-F1 expression levels were elevated in the 1st and 2nd-instars before molting and declined immediately after ecdysis. The HvFTZ-F1 silencing led to high mortality in the 1st instars, while the expression of the osmosis-regulative gene, HvAQPAn.G, was significantly increased in the 1st instars. HvFTZ-F1 silencing downregulated the Halloween and 20E-related genes, decreased the ecdysteroids titer, suppressed the expression of pigmentation-related genes, and reduced the catecholamines titer. In the 4th instars, HvFTZ-F1 silencing caused 100% mortality by arresting the development at the prepupal stage and preventing new abdominal cuticle formation. In the female adults, HvFTZ-F1 silencing caused an evident decrease in fecundity, prolonged the pre-oviposition period, reduced the number of eggs and hatching rate, severely atrophied the ovaries. Moreover, the 20E-related genes and the dopamine synthesis genes were suppressed in the dsHvFTZ-F1-treated females. Overall, our results revealed that HvFTZ-F1 regulates ecdysis, pupation, and reproduction in H. vigintioctopunctata, thereby could be a promising molecular target for the development of RNAi-based biopesticides to control H. vigintioctopunctata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Satyabrata Nanda
- MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha 761200, India
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shimin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Mujuan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Muhammad Musa Khan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Baoli Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA.
| | - Huipeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Rank AP, Koch A. Lab-to-Field Transition of RNA Spray Applications - How Far Are We? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:755203. [PMID: 34721485 PMCID: PMC8554022 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.755203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The drastic loss of biodiversity has alarmed the public and raised sociopolitical demand for chemical pesticide-free plant production, which is now treated by governments worldwide as a top priority. Given this global challenge, RNAi-based technologies are rapidly evolving as a promising substitute to conventional chemical pesticides. Primarily, genetically modified (GM) crops expressing double-stranded (ds)RNA-mediating gene silencing of foreign transcripts have been developed. However, since the cultivation of GM RNAi crops is viewed negatively in numerous countries, GM-free exogenous RNA spray applications attract tremendous scientific and political interest. The sudden rise in demand for pesticide alternatives has boosted research on sprayable RNA biopesticides, generating significant technological developments and advancing the potential for field applications in the near future. Here we review the latest advances that could pave the way for a quick lab-to-field transition for RNA sprays, which, as safe, selective, broadly applicable, and cost-effective biopesticides, represent an innovation in sustainable crop production. Given these latest advances, we further discuss technological limitations, knowledge gaps in the research, safety concerns and regulatory requirements that need to be considered and addressed before RNA sprays can become a reliable and realistic agricultural approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aline Koch
- Institute of Phytomedicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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Knockdown of Vacuolar ATPase Subunit G Gene Affects Larval Survival and Impaired Pupation and Adult Emergence in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12100935. [PMID: 34680704 PMCID: PMC8538789 DOI: 10.3390/insects12100935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Vacuolar ATPase (vATPase), a proton pump driven by ATP hydrolysis, acts as a membrane energizer to motivate the movement of ions and nutrients across the cellular membrane in insect guts and Malpighian tubules, among others. The vATPase holoenzyme contains 16 subunits. Out of these subunits, mammalian G subunit includes three isoforms (G1-G3) which are encoded by three distinctive genes. The physiological role of a specific G isoform can be compensated by others. Thus, current experimental evidence on the in vivo function of G is rather limited among eight V1 subunits. In the present paper, particular attention was paid to an insect model, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata ladybird, a serious defoliator of Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae plants in many Asian countries. Given that the beetle is sensitive to RNA interference (RNAi), HvvATPaseG gene was knocked down by ingestion of its corresponding dsRNA at the fourth-instar larval stage. Silence of HvvATPaseG affected larval growth and survival, impaired pupation and adult emergence. Our results provide a basis for further functional research on the vATPase G subunit in insects and suggest new ideas for the management of H. vigintioctopunctata. Abstract The vATPase holoenzyme consists of two functional subcomplexes, the cytoplasmic (peripheral) V1 and the membrane-embedded V0. Both V1 and V0 sectors contain eight subunits, with stoichiometry of A3B3CDE3FG3H in V1 and ac8c’c”def(Voa1p) in V0 respectively. However, the function of G subunit has not been characterized in any non-Drosophilid insect species. In the present paper, we uncovered that HvvATPaseG was actively transcribed from embryo to adult in a Coleopteran pest Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. Its mRNA levels peaked in larval hindgut and Malpighian tubules. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of HvvATPaseG significantly reduced larval feeding, affected chitin biosynthesis, destroyed midgut integrity, damaged midgut peritrophic membrane, and retarded larval growth. The function of Malpighian tubules was damaged, the contents of glucose, trehalose, lipid, total soluble amino acids and protein were lowered and the fat bodies were lessened in the HvvATPaseG RNAi larvae, compared with those in the PBS- and dsegfp-fed beetles. In contrast, the amount of glycogen was dramatically increased in the HvvATPaseG depletion ladybirds. As a result, the development was arrested, pupation was inhibited and adult emergence was impaired in the HvvATPaseG hypomorphs. Our results demonstrated that G subunit plays a critical role during larval development in H. vigintioctopunctata.
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Zhang Z, Ma Y, Ma X, Hu H, Wang D, Song X, Ren X, Ma Y. Combined Transcriptomic Analysis and RNA Interference Reveal the Effects of Methoxyfenozide on Ecdysone Signaling Pathway of Spodoptera exigua. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169080. [PMID: 34445782 PMCID: PMC8396458 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Spodoptera exigua is a worldwide pest afflicting edible vegetables and has developed varying levels of resistance to insecticides. Methoxyfenozide (MET), an ecdysteroid agonist, is effective against lepidopteran pests such as S. exigua. However, the mechanism of MET to S. exigua remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the expression patterns of genes related to the ecdysone signaling pathway in transcriptome data treated with sublethal doses of MET and analyzed how expression levels of key genes affect the toxicity of MET on S. exigua. Our results demonstrated that 2639 genes were up-regulated and 2512 genes were down-regulated in S. exigua treated with LC30 of MET. Of these, 15 genes were involved in the ecdysone signaling pathway. qPCR results demonstrated that ecdysone receptor A (EcRA) expression levels significantly increased in S. exigua when treated with different doses of MET, and that the RNAi-mediated silencing of EcRA significantly increased mortality to 55.43% at 72 h when L3 S. exigua larvae were exposed to MET at the LC30 dose. Additionally, knocking down EcRA suppressed the most genes expressed in the ecdysone signaling pathway. The combination of MET and dsEcRA affected the expression of E74 and enhanced the expression of TREA. These results demonstrate that the adverse effects of sublethal MET disturb the ecdysone signaling pathway in S. exigua, and EcRA is closely related to MET toxic effect. This study increases our collective understanding of the mechanisms of MET in insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixian Zhang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.Z.); (X.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.M.); (H.H.); (D.W.); (X.S.)
| | - Yajie Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.M.); (H.H.); (D.W.); (X.S.)
| | - Xiaoyan Ma
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.Z.); (X.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.M.); (H.H.); (D.W.); (X.S.)
| | - Hongyan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.M.); (H.H.); (D.W.); (X.S.)
| | - Dan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.M.); (H.H.); (D.W.); (X.S.)
| | - Xianpeng Song
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.M.); (H.H.); (D.W.); (X.S.)
| | - Xiangliang Ren
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.Z.); (X.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.M.); (H.H.); (D.W.); (X.S.)
- Correspondence: (X.R.); or (Y.M.)
| | - Yan Ma
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.Z.); (X.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (Y.M.); (H.H.); (D.W.); (X.S.)
- Correspondence: (X.R.); or (Y.M.)
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Zeng J, Mu LL, Jin L, Ali Anjum A, Li GQ. RNAi of vacuolar-type H +-ATPase genes causes growth delay and molting defect in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2021; 111:1-10. [PMID: 34112278 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485321000420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is one of the most serious insect pests to a large number of nightshades and cucurbits. RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) offers a reduced risk approach to control the beetle. Identification of amenable target genes and determination of appropriate life stage for dsRNA treatment are two critical steps in order to improve RNAi efficiency. In the present paper, we identified three vATPase genes, namely HvvATPaseC, HvvATPaseE and HvvATPaseH. We found that the three transcripts were widely expressed in the eggs, first- to fourth-instar larvae, prepupae, pupae and adults. They were abundantly transcribed in the hindgut and Malpighian tubules, in contrast to the epidermis and fat body. Three days' ingestion of dsvATPaseC, dsvATPaseE and dsvATPaseH by the fourth-instar larvae significantly decreased corresponding transcript level by 90.1, 88.9 and 97.2%, greatly reduced larval fresh weight by 28.0, 29.9 and 28.0%, and caused 66.7, 100 and 78.7% larval lethality respectively. Comparably, 3 days' exposure of the third-instar larvae to dsvATPaseC significantly reduced HvvATPaseC mRNA level by 89.5%, decreased approximately 80% of the larval fresh weight, and killed 100% of the treated larvae. Therefore, the three vATPase genes, especially HvvATPaseE, are potential amenable target genes and young larvae are more susceptible to dsRNA. Our findings will enable the development of the dsRNA-based pesticide to control H. vigintioctopunctata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zeng
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing210095, China
| | - Li-Li Mu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing210095, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing210095, China
| | - Ahmad Ali Anjum
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing210095, China
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing210095, China
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Disruption of kynurenine pathway reveals physiological importance of tryptophan catabolism in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. Amino Acids 2021; 53:1091-1104. [PMID: 34089391 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03009-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenine pathway is critically important to catabolize tryptophan, to produce eye chromes, and to protect nervous system in insects. However, several issues related to tryptophan degradation remain to be clarified. In the present paper, we identified three genes (karmoisin, vermilion and cardinal) involved in kynurenine pathway in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. The karmoisin and cardinal were highly expressed in the pupae and adults having compound eyes. Consistently, high-performance liquid chromatography result showed that three ommochrome peaks were present in adult heads rather than bodies (thoraces, legs, wings and abdomens). RNA interference (RNAi)-aided knockdown of vermilion caused accumulation of tryptophan in both adult heads and bodies, disappearance of ommochromes in the heads and a complete loss of eye color in both pupae and adults. Depletion of cardinal brought about excess of 3-hydroxykynurenine and insufficient ommochromes in the heads and decolored eyes. RNAi of karmoisin resulted in a decrease in ommochromes in the heads, and a partial loss of eye color. Moreover, a portion of karmoisin-, vermilion- or cardinal-silenced adults exhibited negative phototaxis, whereas control beetles showed positive phototaxis. Furthermore, dysfunctions of tryptophan catabolism impaired climbing ability. Our findings clearly illustrated several issues related to kynurenine pathway and provided a new insight into the physiological importance of tryptophan catabolism in H. vigintioctopunctata.
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Xu P, Ze LJ, Kang WN, Wu JJ, Jin L, Anjum AA, Li GQ. Functional divergence of white genes in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata revealed by RNA interference. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 29:466-476. [PMID: 32654258 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12656] [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: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is a serious pest of Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae in many Asian countries. RNA interference (RNAi) can effectively reduce transcript abundance in this beetle, offering opportunities to explore the biological function of specific genes. The white gene encodes a half-type ATP-binding cassette transporter that plays an essential role in tryptophan, guanine and uric acid transport across membranes. Mutations that disrupt the function of white are known to cause eye pigmentation phenotypes in many insect species. Here, we found evidence for five white gene paralogues present in H. vigintioctopunctata transcriptome datasets sequenced from a range of developmental stages. We individually knocked down each of the five white genes through the injection of corresponding double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) to the fourth-instar larvae to determine whether functional divergence has occurred. We found that injecting 1 μg dswhite3 caused compound eye colour of pupae and adults to develop as red/brown and brown, respectively, compared with black eyes in control beetles. Injection of 2 μg dswhite3 increased RNAi efficacy and produced a clearer eye colour phenotype. At both doses, the ocular diaphragm (a ring of black pigment surrounding each eye) did not change in the white3 RNAi hypomorphs. Moreover, our data revealed that injection of dswhite2 at the fourth-instar larval stage impaired the climbing ability of both male and female adults. Our results confirmed, for the first time, functional divergence of duplicated white genes in an insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Xu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - L-J Ze
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - W-N Kang
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - J-J Wu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - L Jin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - A A Anjum
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - G-Q Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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