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Jangra S, Potts J, Ghosh A, Seal DR. Genome editing: A novel approach to manage insect vectors of plant viruses. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 174:104189. [PMID: 39341259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
Insect vectors significantly threaten global agriculture by transmitting numerous plant viruses. Various measures, from conventional insecticides to genetic engineering, are used to mitigate this threat. However, none provide complete resistance. Therefore, researchers are looking for novel control options. In recent years with the advancements in genomic technologies, genomes and transcriptomes of various insect vectors have been generated. However, the lack of knowledge about gene functions hinders the development of novel strategies to restrict virus spread. RNA interference (RNAi) is widely used to elucidate gene functions, but its variable efficacy hampers its use in managing insect vectors and plant viruses. Genome editing has the potential to overcome these challenges and has been extensively used in various insect pest species. This review summarizes the progress and potential of genome editing in plant virus vectors and its application as a functional genomic tool to elucidate virus-vector interactions. We also discuss the major challenges associated with editing genes of interest in insect vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Jangra
- UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead, FL, 33031, USA.
| | - Jesse Potts
- UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead, FL, 33031, USA
| | - Amalendu Ghosh
- Advanced Centre for Plant Virology, Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - Dakshina R Seal
- UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead, FL, 33031, USA
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Ren Y, Dong W, Chen J, Xue H, Bu W. Identification and function of microRNAs in hemipteran pests: A review. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 39292965 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Hemiptera is one of the most significant orders of insect pests, including whiteflies, true bugs, aphids, planthoppers, psyllids, and so forth, which have led to substantial economic losses in agricultural industries and have significantly affected food yields through their ability to suck the phloem sap of crops and transmit numerous bacterial and viral pathogens. Therefore, explorations of pest-specific, eco-friendly and easy-to-adopt technologies for hemipteran pest control are urgently needed. To the best of our knowledge, microRNAs (miRNAs), which are endogenous non-coding small RNAs approximately 22 nucleotides in length, are involved in regulating gene expression via the direct recognition and binding of the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) or by acting as a center of a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network at the post-transcriptional level. This review systematically outlines the characterization and functional investigation of the miRNA biogenesis pathway in hemipteran pests, such as whiteflies, true bugs, aphids and planthoppers. In addition, we explored the results of small RNA sequencing and functional observations of miRNAs in these pests, and the results suggest that the numerous miRNAs obtained and annotated via high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatic analyses contribute to molting development, fitness, wing polyphenism, symbiont interactions and insecticide resistance in hemipteran pests. Finally, we summarize current advances and propose a framework for future research to extend the current data and address potential limitations in the investigation and application of hemipteran miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Ren
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenhao Dong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology and Food Science, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin, China
| | - Juhong Chen
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huaijun Xue
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenjun Bu
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Wang Y, Li X, Zhu C, Yi S, Zhang Y, Hong Z. Plant-derived artificial miRNA effectively reduced the proliferation of aphid (Aphidoidea) through spray-induced gene silencing. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:4322-4332. [PMID: 38647144 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8138] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are notorious sap-sucking insects that rampantly threaten agricultural production worldwide. Current management against aphids in the field heavily relies on chemical pesticides, which makes economical and eco-friendly methods urgently needed. Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) offers a powerful and precise approach to pest management. However, the high costs and instability of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) regulators applied for downstream RNA interference (RNAi) still limit this strategy. It remains uncertain if RNAi regulators applied in SIGS could extend to small RNA (sRNA), especially miRNA. RESULTS We chose two sRNA sequences, miR-9b and miR-VgR, whose corresponding targets ABCG4 and VgR are both essential for aphid growth and development. The efficacy of these sequences was initially verified by chemically synthetic single-stranded RNA (syn-ssRNA). Through spray treatment, we observed a significantly decreased survival number and increased abnormality rate of green peach aphids fed on the host under laboratory conditions. Based on our previous study, we generated transgenic plants expressing artificial miR-9b (amiR-9b) and miR-VgR (amiR-VgR). Remarkably, plant-derived amiRNA exerted potent and long-lasting inhibitory efficacy with merely one percent concentration of chemical synthetics. Notably, the simultaneous application of amiR-9b and amiR-VgR exhibited superior inhibitory efficacy. CONCLUSION We explored the potential use of sRNA-based biopesticide through SIGS while investigating the dosage requirements. To optimize this strategy, the utilization of plant-derived amiRNA was proposed. The results suggested that attributed to stability and durability, deploying amiRNA in pest management is a potential and promising solution for the field application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuanlin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenghong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shijie Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Koo J, Palli SR. Recent advances in understanding of the mechanisms of RNA interference in insects. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38957135 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
We highlight the recent 5 years of research that contributed to our understanding of the mechanisms of RNA interference (RNAi) in insects. Since its first discovery, RNAi has contributed enormously as a reverse genetic tool for functional genomic studies. RNAi is also being used in therapeutics, as well as agricultural crop and livestock production and protection. Yet, for the wider application of RNAi, improvement of its potency and delivery technologies is needed. A mechanistic understanding of every step of RNAi, from cellular uptake of RNAi trigger molecules to targeted mRNA degradation, is key for developing an efficient strategy to improve RNAi technology. Insects provide an excellent model for studying the mechanism of RNAi due to species-specific variations in RNAi efficiency. This allows us to perform comparative studies in insect species with different RNAi sensitivity. Understanding the mechanisms of RNAi in different insects can lead to the development of better strategies to improve RNAi and its application to manage agriculturally and medically important insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmo Koo
- Department of Entomology, Gatton-Martin College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, Gatton-Martin College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Yu JB, Lv X, Liu Q, Tu JY, Yu XP, Xu YP. Death-Associated Protein-1 Plays a Role in the Reproductive Development of Nilaparvata lugens and the Transovarial Transmission of Its Yeast-Like Symbiont. INSECTS 2024; 15:425. [PMID: 38921140 PMCID: PMC11204009 DOI: 10.3390/insects15060425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Death-associated protein-1 (DAP-1) plays a crucial role in cell growth, migration, autophagy, and apoptosis in mammals. However, its function in insects remains unclear. In the present study, we cloned and identified Nilaparvata lugens DAP-1 (NlDAP-1). NlDAP-1 was expressed during all developmental stages and in all tissues of N. lugens, being particularly higher in the ovaries of female adults. RNAi with double-stranded NlDAP-1 RNA significantly inhibited the expression of NlDAP-1, leading to premature death (dying seven days earlier), delayed ovarian development, and fewer offspring (76.7% reduction in eggs with 77.4% reduction in egg hatching rate). Additionally, an immunofluorescence experiment showed that NlDAP-1 was highly expressed when yeast-like symbionts (YLSs) entered N. lugens oocytes, and inhibiting the expression of NlDAP-1 disturbed the process; the RNAi of NlDAP-1 caused a 34.9% reduction in the YLSs that entered oocytes. These results indicate that NlDAP-1 plays a crucial role in the reproductive development of N. lugens and the transovarial transmission of its YLSs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yi-Peng Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China; (J.-B.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.L.); (J.-Y.T.); (X.-P.Y.)
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Lin S, Li XW, Liu JL, Ou-Yang YY, Zhang B, Zhao SJ, Chai XQ, Ma YL, Liu J. The immune response mechanism of Nilaparvata lugens against a combined infection of rice ragged stunt virus and Metarhizium anisopliae. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:1193-1205. [PMID: 37888855 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7849] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies of brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, showed that carrying the plant pathogenic virus, rice ragged stunt virus (RRSV), enhanced the lethality of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae (YTTR). The underlying mechanism for this was not established but a serine protease cascade was hypothesized to be involved. RESULTS Two immune response genes, NlKPI and NlVenomase, were identified and shown to be involved. The synthesized double-strand RNA (dsRNA) techniques used in this study to explore gene function revealed that treatment with dsRNA to silence either gene led to a higher BPH mortality from M. anisopliae infection than the dsRNA control treatment. NlKPI and NlVenomase play vital roles in BPH immunity to defend against alien pathogens. Both genes participate in the immune response process of BPH against co-infection with RRSV and M. anisopliae YTTR by regulating the expression of antimicrobial peptides and phenoloxidase activity. CONCLUSION Our study provided new targets for BPH biocontrol and laid a solid foundation for further research on the interaction of virus-insect-EPF (entomopathogenic fungus). © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Control of Insect Pests (Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xue-Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Control of Insect Pests (Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jian-Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Control of Insect Pests (Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yu-Ying Ou-Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Control of Insect Pests (Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Control of Insect Pests (Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shu-Jiao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Control of Insect Pests (Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xue-Qing Chai
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Control of Insect Pests (Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yong-le Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Control of Insect Pests (Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, Australia
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Ye C, An X, Xie BQ, Ding BY, Niu J, Wang JJ. The involvement of systemic RNA interference deficient-1-like (SIL1) in cellular dsRNA uptake in Acyrthosiphon pisum. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:1393-1404. [PMID: 36576078 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Systemic RNA interference deficient-1-like (SIL1) is considered a core component in dsRNA uptake in some insect species. Investigation related to the potential function of SIL1 in dsRNA uptake can contribute to a further understanding of RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms in insects and agricultural pest control. However, the role of SIL1 in dsRNA uptake in insects such as aphids remains controversial. We have thoroughly analyzed the role of SIL1 from the model aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (ApSIL1) in cellular dsRNA to clarify its function. First, the induced expression of ApSIL1 upon dsRNA oral exposure provided a vital clue for the possible involvement of ApSIL1 in cellular dsRNA uptake. Subsequent in vivo experiments using the RNAi-of-RNAi approach for ApSIL1 supported our hypothesis that the silencing efficiencies of reporter genes were reduced after inhibition of ApSIL1 expression. The impaired biological phenotypes of aphids, including cumulative average offspring, deformities of the nymph, and mortality upon pathogen infection, were then observed in the treatment group. Thereafter, in vitro dual-luciferase reporter assay showed compelling evidence that the luciferin signal was significantly attenuated when dsluciferase or dsGFP was transferred into ApSIL1-transfected Drosophila S2 cells. These observations further confirmed that the signal of Cy3-labeled dsRNA was rapidly attenuated with time in ApSIL1-transfected Drosophila S2 cells. Overall, these findings conclusively establish that ApSIL1 is involved in dsRNA uptake in A. pisum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ye
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin An
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bing-Qin Xie
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bi-Yue Ding
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinzhi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Wang N, Chen M, Zhou Y, Zhou WW, Zhu ZR. The microRNA pathway core genes are indispensable for development and reproduction in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 32:528-543. [PMID: 37162032 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded non-coding RNAs involved in a variety of cellular events by regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Several core genes in miRNA biogenesis have been reported to participate in a wide range of physiological events, in some insect species. However, the functional significance of miRNA pathway core genes in Nilaparvata lugens remains unknown. In the present study, we conducted a systematic characterisation of five core genes involved in miRNA biogenesis. We first performed spatiotemporal expression analysis and found that miRNA core genes exhibited similar expression patterns, with high expression levels in eggs and relatively high transcriptional levels in the ovaries and fat bodies of females. RNA interference experiments showed that injecting third-instar nymphs with dsRNAs targeting the miRNA core genes, NlAgo1, NlDicer1, and NlDrosha resulted in high mortality rates and various degrees of body melanism, moulting defects, and wing deformities. Further investigations revealed that the suppression of miRNA core genes severely impaired ovarian development and oocyte maturation, resulting in significantly reduced fecundity and disruption of intercellular spaces between follicle cells. Moreover, the expression profiles of miR-34-5p, miR-275-3p, miR-317-3p, miR-14, Let-7-1, and miR-2a-3p were significantly altered in response to the knockdown of miRNA core genes mixture, suggesting that they play essential roles in regulating miRNA-mediated gene expression. Therefore, our results provide a solid theoretical basis for the miRNA pathway in N. lugens and suggest that the NlAgo1, NlDicer1, and NlDrosha-dependent miRNA core genes are essential for the development and reproduction of this agricultural pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Wen-Wu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Zeng-Rong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
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Chen SJ, Zhang JL, Ma WJ, Wu HJ, Li Y, Shen XX, Xu HJ. FoxO and rotund form a binding complex governing wing polyphenism in planthoppers. iScience 2023; 26:107182. [PMID: 37456837 PMCID: PMC10338296 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Wing polyphenism is found in a variety of insects and offers an attractive model system for studying the evolutionary significance of dispersal. The Forkhead box O (FoxO) transcription factor (TF) acts as a wing-morph switch that directs wing buds developing into long-winged (LW) or short-winged morphs in wing-dimorphic planthoppers, yet the regulatory mechanism of the FoxO module remains elusive. Here, we identified the zinc finger TF rotund as a potential wing-morph regulator via transcriptomic analysis and phenotypic screening in the brown plathopper, Nilaparvata lugens. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of rotund antagonized the LW development derived from in the context of FoxO depletion or the activation of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling cascade, reversing long wings into intermediate wings. In vitro binding assays indicated that rotund physically binds to FoxO to form the FoxO combinatorial code. These findings broaden our understanding of the complexity of transcriptional regulation governing wing polyphenism in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University; 866 Yu-Hang-Tang Avenue, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jin-Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University; 866 Yu-Hang-Tang Avenue, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wen-Jing Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University; 866 Yu-Hang-Tang Avenue, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hui-Jie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University; 866 Yu-Hang-Tang Avenue, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University; 866 Yu-Hang-Tang Avenue, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xing-Xing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University; 866 Yu-Hang-Tang Avenue, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hai-Jun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University; 866 Yu-Hang-Tang Avenue, Hangzhou 310058, China
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10
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Yao Z, Jin H, Li C, Ma W, Zhang W, Lin Y. Knockdown of Dcr1 and Dcr2 limits the lethal effect of C-factor in Chilo suppressalis. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 113:e22004. [PMID: 36780173 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Dicer is a highly conserved ribonuclease in evolution. It belongs to the RNase III family and can specifically recognize and cleave double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). In this study, the genome and transcriptome of Chilo suppressalis were analyzed, and it was found that there were two members in the Dicer family, named Dcr1 and Dcr2. The dsRNAs of Dcr1 and Dcr2 genes were synthesized and fed to C. suppressalis larvae. The C-factor of C. suppressalis was selected as the marker gene. The results showed that both Dcr1 and Dcr2 genes were significantly knocked down. The larval mortality was significantly reduced by 43.50% (p < 0.05) after feeding on dsC-factor and dsDcr1. The transcription levels of C-factor genes were significantly increased by 33.95% (p < 0.05) and 32.94% (p < 0.05) when the larvae fed with dsDcr2 + dsC-factor for 72 h and 96 h, respectively. Furthermore, the mortality was significantly decreased by 79% (p < 0.05) after feeding dsC-factor and dsDcr2. These findings imply that Dcr1 can decrease the lethal effect of C-factor gene but cannot affect its RNAi efficiency and Dcr2 can decrease the lethal effect of C-factor gene by inhibiting RNAi efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuotian Yao
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huihui Jin
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Changyan Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Weihua Ma
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yongjun Lin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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11
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Zeng Q, Long G, Yang H, Zhou C, Yang X, Wang Z, Jin D. SfDicer1 participates in the regulation of molting development and reproduction in the white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 191:105347. [PMID: 36963929 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Dicer1 plays a vital role in the formation of mature miRNA and regulates the growth, development, and reproduction of insects. However, it remains to be clarified whether Dicer1 is involved in regulating the biological processes underlying molting and reproduction of Sogatella furcifera (Horváth). Herein, SfDicer1 expression fluctuated in all the developmental stages of S. furcifera and increased as molting progressed. SfDicer1 exhibited high expression in the integument, head, fat body, and ovary of the insects. SfDicer1 dsRNA injection into 1-day-old fourth instar nymphs of S. furcifera substantially decreased the survival rate and expression of the lethal phenotypes of wing malformation and molting defects and significantly inhibited the expression of four conserved miRNAs associated with molting development. Subsequently, following the knockdown of SfDicer1 in the newly emerged (1-12 h) females of S. furcifera, SfVg and SfVgR expression levels were decreased, thereby delaying ovarian development, decreasing the number of eggs, and considerably reducing the hatching rate compared with those of the control. Finally, after silencing SfDicer1 for 48 h, the comparative transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed considerable enrichment of the Gene Ontology terms structural constituent of cuticle, structural molecule activity, chitin metabolic process, amino sugar metabolic process, and intracellular anatomical structure, indicating that SfDicer1 inhibition affects the transcription of genes associated with growth and development. Thus, our results suggest that SfDicer1 is essential in the molting, survival, ovarian development, and fecundity of S. furcifera and is a suitable target gene for developing an RNAi-based strategy targeting the most destructive rice insect pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghui Zeng
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, and Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Guiyun Long
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, and Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, and Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Cao Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xibin Yang
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, and Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- College of Environment and Life Sciences, Kaili University, Kaili 556011, China
| | - Daochao Jin
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, and Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Guiyang 550025, China
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12
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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: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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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13
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Li HJ, Zhang HH, Lu JB, Zhang CX. Threonyl-tRNA synthetase gene, a potential target for RNAi-based control of three rice planthoppers. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:4589-4598. [PMID: 35831262 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7078] [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: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi) has potential as a new strategy for pest control. However, the current overemphasis on the control of a single pest increased control costs. The aim of this study was to find a green method of controlling several pests without affecting the natural enemies with a single target gene. One possible RNAi target is the threonyl-tRNA synthetase (ThrRS), which is conserved and plays a significant role in protein biosynthesis. RESULTS In this study, one threonyl-tRNA synthetase gene (NlthrS) was identified from the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens). Spatio-temporal expression pattern analysis showed that NlthrS was highly expressed in the ovary, late embryogenesis, nymphs and female adults. In addition, RNAi-mediated knockdown of NlthrS caused 85.6% nymph mortality, 100% female infertility, molting disorder, extended nymph duration and shortened adult longevity. Target-specific results were obtained when dsNlthrS was used to interfere with the whiteback planthopper (Sogatella furcifera), small brown planthopper (Laodelphax striatellus), zig-zag winged leafhopper (Inazuma dorsalis) and their natural enemy (green mirid bug, Cyrtorhinus lividipennis). In addition, dsNlthrS could cause high mortalities of three species of planthoppers (85.6-100%), while only dsNlthrS-1 led to the death (97.3%) of I. dorsalis that was not affected by dsNlthrS-2. Furthermore, neither dsNlthrS-1 nor dsNlthrS-2 could influence the survival of C. lividipennis. CONCLUSION The results reveal the biological functions of ThrRS in N. lugens in addtion to its protein synthesis, deepening our understanding of tRNA synthase in insects and providing a new method for the control of several rice pests via one dsRNA design. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Jing Li
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hou-Hong Zhang
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Bao Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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14
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Yang S, Zou Z, Xin T, Cai S, Wang X, Zhang H, Zhong L, Xia B. Knockdown of hexokinase in Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) by RNAi inhibits chitin synthesis and leads to abnormal phenotypes. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:4303-4313. [PMID: 35731692 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silencing specific genes in pests using RNA interference (RNAi) technology is a promising new pest-control strategy. The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is the most important citrus pest because it transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which causes huanglongbing. Chitin is essential for insect development, and enzymes in this pathway are attractive targets for pest control. RESULTS The hexokinase gene DcHK was characterized from D. citri to impair proper growth and chitin synthesis through RNAi. The transcription of DcHK was more highly developed in third-instar nymphs, adults and the Malpighian tube. The RNAi needed for D. citri is dose-dependent, with 600 ng μl-1 dsDcHK sufficient to knockdown endogenous DcHK expression. The messenger RNA (mRNA) level was lowest at 36 h after dosing, and there were significant effects on the relative levels of mRNA in the chitin synthesis pathway (DcTre, DcG6PI, DcGNAT, DcGFAT, DcPGM, DcUAP and DcCHS), leading to mortality, reduced body weight and abnormal or lethal phenotypes. CONCLUSION RNAi can be triggered by orally delivered double-stranded RNA in D. citri. These results can provide support for HK genes as a new potential target for citrus psyllid control. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Yang
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhiwen Zou
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tianrong Xin
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shiyu Cai
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xi Wang
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Administration of Plant Protection and Quarantine of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ling Zhong
- Administration of Plant Protection and Quarantine of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Xia
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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15
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Zand Karimi H, Innes RW. Molecular mechanisms underlying host-induced gene silencing. THE PLANT CELL 2022; 34:3183-3199. [PMID: 35666177 PMCID: PMC9421479 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) refers to the silencing of genes in pathogens and pests by expressing homologous double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) or artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) in the host plant. The discovery of such trans-kingdom RNA silencing has enabled the development of RNA interference-based approaches for controlling diverse crop pathogens and pests. Although HIGS is a promising strategy, the mechanisms by which these regulatory RNAs translocate from plants to pathogens, and how they induce gene silencing in pathogens, are poorly understood. This lack of understanding has led to large variability in the efficacy of various HIGS treatments. This variability is likely due to multiple factors, such as the ability of the target pathogen or pest to take up and/or process RNA from the host, the specific genes and target sequences selected in the pathogen or pest for silencing, and where, when, and how the dsRNAs or amiRNAs are produced and translocated. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about the molecular mechanisms underlying HIGS, identify key unanswered questions, and explore strategies for improving the efficacy and reproducibility of HIGS treatments in the control of crop diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Zand Karimi
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
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16
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Chen SJ, Liu XY, Zhang JL, Yang ZN, Xu HJ. Abdominal-B contributes to abdominal identity in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:447-456. [PMID: 35278009 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12771] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The homeotic complex gene Abdominal-B (Abd-B) is involved in regulating the development of posterior abdomens and has been extensively studied in holometabolous insects. However, the function of Abd-B in hemimetabolous insects is not fully understood. Here, we functionally characterize an Abd-B homologue in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens. The full-length cDNA of the N. lugens Abd-B homologue (NlAbd-B) is 2334 nt, with an open reading frame of 1113 bp. NlAbd-B has the highest expression level at the egg stage relative to the nymphal and adult stages and is mainly expressed in the fourth to the ninth abdominal segment of embryos. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of NlAbd-B in nymphs disrupted the development of genitalia both in females and males and caused a genitalia-to-leg transformation. Parental RNAi of NlAbd-B in both female and male adults caused an extra abdominal segment in offspring nymphs, while parental RNAi of the N. lugens abdominal-A homologue in both female and males adults led to embryos with leg-like appendages on the second to the eighth abdominal segment. These findings suggest that NlAbd-B plays a pivotal role in genital development and posterior abdominal patterning and thus highlight the conservational role of Abd-B in holometabolous and hemimetabolous insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Jie Chen
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Yang Liu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Li Zhang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhang-Nv Yang
- Key Laboratory of Vaccine, Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Jun Xu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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17
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Dalaisón-Fuentes LI, Pascual A, Gazza E, Welchen E, Rivera-Pomar R, Catalano MI. Development of efficient RNAi methods in the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis, a promising application for pest control. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3108-3116. [PMID: 35442515 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis is the main vector of important stunting pathogens that affect maize production. Currently, there are no effective methods available to manage this pest without adverse impact on the environment. In this context, genomic-based technologies such as RNA interference (RNAi) provide a more environmentally friendly pest control strategy. Therefore, we aimed to assess the application of RNAi in D. maidis and determine the function of a candidate gene related to insect reproduction and propagation. RESULTS We have characterized the core RNAi genes and evaluated the functionality of the RNAi machinery. We assessed the potential of RNAi technology in D. maidis via injection or ingestion of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to adult females. We chose Bicaudal C (BicC) as a target gene due to its important role during insect oogenesis. Administration of dsRNABicC caused significant reductions in the transcript levels (fold changes up to 170 times) and ovipositions. Phenotypic analysis of the ovaries revealed alterations in oocyte development, providing additional confirmation for our results and supporting the idea that Dmai-BicC is a key player of D. maidis oogenesis. CONCLUSION This is, to our knowledge, the first report of efficient RNAi in D. maidis. We believe our findings provide a starting point for future control strategies against one of the most important maize pests in the Americas. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Inés Dalaisón-Fuentes
- Centro de BioInvestigaciones (Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires-CICBA), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencias del Noroeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Pergamino, Argentina
| | - Agustina Pascual
- Centro de BioInvestigaciones (Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires-CICBA), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencias del Noroeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Pergamino, Argentina
| | - Elías Gazza
- Centro de BioInvestigaciones (Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires-CICBA), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencias del Noroeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Pergamino, Argentina
| | - Elina Welchen
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (CONICET-UNL), Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Rolando Rivera-Pomar
- Centro de BioInvestigaciones (Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires-CICBA), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencias del Noroeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos (Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata), La Plata, Argentina
| | - María Inés Catalano
- Centro de BioInvestigaciones (Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires-CICBA), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencias del Noroeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Pergamino, Argentina
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18
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Jamil M, Ahmad S, Ran Y, Ma S, Cao F, Lin X, Yan R. Argonaute1 and Gawky Are Required for the Development and Reproduction of Melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae. Front Genet 2022; 13:880000. [PMID: 35812742 PMCID: PMC9260231 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.880000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Argonaute family genes encode a highly conserved group of proteins that have been associated with RNA silencing in both animals and plants. This study investigates the importance of microRNA biogenesis key regulators Argonaute1 (Ago1) and Gawky genes in the post-embryonic and ovarian development of the melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae. The expression levels of these genes were mapped in all developmental stages and different adult tissues. Their roles in development were investigated using RNA interference (RNAi) via two different dsRNA delivery techniques. Embryo microinjection and oral feeding of third instar larvae successfully knocked down and greatly reduced the expression level of the target genes. Additionally, ex vivo essays revealed the stability of dsRNA in food was sufficient for gene silencing, although its integrity was affected in midgut. A wide range of phenotypes were observed on pupation, segmentation, pigmentation, and ovarian development. RNAi-mediated silencing of Gawky caused high mortality and loss of body segmentation, while Ago1 knockdown affected ovarian development and pigmentation. Developmental abnormalities and ovarian malformations caused by silencing these genes suggest that these genes are crucial for viability and reproductive capacity of Z. cucurbitae, and may be used as potential target genes in pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momana Jamil
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Shakil Ahmad
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Yingqiao Ran
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Siya Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Fengqin Cao
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Lab, Sanya, China
| | - Xianwu Lin
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- *Correspondence: Xianwu Lin, ; Rihui Yan,
| | - Rihui Yan
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Lab, Sanya, China
- *Correspondence: Xianwu Lin, ; Rihui Yan,
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Cheng X, Wang W, Zhang L, Yang RR, Ma Y, Bao YY. ATPase subunits of the 26S proteasome are important for oocyte maturation in the brown planthopper. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:317-333. [PMID: 35084067 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12761] [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: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The 26S proteasome is the major engine of protein degradation in all eukaryotic cells. Adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) regulatory subunits (Rpts) are constituents of the proteasome that are involved in the unfolding and translocation of substrate proteins into the core particle. In this study, by using the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens as a model insect, we report the biological importance of Rpts in female reproduction. We identified six homologous Rpt genes (Rpt1-6) in N. lugens. These genes were detected at high transcript levels in eggs and ovaries of females but at low transcript levels in males. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of N. lugens Rpt genes significantly decreased the proteolytic activity of the proteasome and impeded the transcription of triacylglycerol lipase and vitellogenin genes in the fat bodies and ovaries of adult females and reduced the triglyceride content in the ovaries. The decrease in the proteolytic activity of the proteasome via knockdown of Rpts also downregulated the transcription of the CYP307A2 gene encoding an important rate-limiting enzyme in the 20-hydroxyecdysone biosynthetic pathway in the ovaries, reduced 20E production in adult females and impaired ovarian development and oocyte maturation, leading to the failure of egg production and egg-laying. These novel findings indicate that Rpts are required for the proteolytic activity of the proteasome, which is important for female reproductive success in N. lugens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Cheng
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rui-Rui Yang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ya Ma
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduated School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Yan-Yuan Bao
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Wang W, Ma Y, Yang RR, Cheng X, Huang HJ, Zhang CX, Bao YY. An MD-2-related lipid-recognition protein is required for insect reproduction and integument development. Open Biol 2021; 11:210170. [PMID: 34905699 PMCID: PMC8670961 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210170] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2)-related lipid-recognition protein is involved in immune responses through recognizing bacteria lipopolysaccharide in mammals, arthropods and plants. However, the physiological roles of MD-2 in other biological processes are largely unknown. Here, we identified three homologue MD-2 genes (NlML1, NlML2 and NlML3) by searching the genome and transcriptome databases of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, a hemipteran insect species. Temporospatial analysis showed that the NlML1 gene was highly expressed in the fat body but much less so in the other tissues, while the NlML2 and NlML3 genes were highly expressed in the testis or digestive tract. RNA interference-mediated depletion of the NlML1 gene significantly downregulated the transcription of numerous integument protein genes. The NlML1 knockdown led to moulting failure and mortality at the nymph-adult transition phase, impaired egg laying and hatching, and reduced 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) production in the nymphs. 20E could rescue the deficient moulting phenotypes derived from dsNlML1 RNAi. These novel findings indicate that NlML1 is required for nymphal moulting and female reproductive success as it plays an important role in regulating 20E synthesis, lipid and chitin metabolisms in N. lugens, thus contributing to our understanding of developmental and reproductive mechanisms in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Rui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Jian Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Yuan Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
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Zhuo JC, Zhang HH, Hu QL, Zhang JL, Lu JB, Li HJ, Xie YC, Wang WW, Zhang Y, Wang HQ, Huang HJ, Lu G, Chen JP, Li JM, Tu ZJ, Zhang CX. A feminizing switch in a hemimetabolous insect. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabf9237. [PMID: 34826246 PMCID: PMC8626073 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf9237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism of sex determination remains poorly understood in hemimetabolous insects. Here, in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, a hemipteran rice pest, we identified a feminizing switch or a female determiner (Nlfmd) that encodes a serine/arginine-rich protein. Knockdown of Nlfmd in female nymphs resulted in masculinization of both the somatic morphology and doublesex splicing. The female-specific isoform of Nlfmd, Nlfmd-F, is maternally deposited and zygotically transcribed. Depletion of Nlfmd by maternal RNAi or CRISPR-Cas9 resulted in female-specific embryonic lethality. Knockdown of an hnRNP40 family gene named female determiner 2 (Nlfmd2) also conferred masculinization. In vitro experiments showed that an Nlfmd2 isoform, NlFMD2340, bound the RAAGAA repeat motif in the Nldsx pre-mRNA and formed a protein complex with NlFMD-F to modulate Nldsx splicing, suggesting that NlFMD2 may function as an RNA binding partner of the feminizing switch NlFMD. Our results provide novel insights into the diverse mechanisms of insect sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Chong Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hou-Hong Zhang
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qing-Ling Hu
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jin-Li Zhang
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jia-Bao Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Han-Jing Li
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yu-Cheng Xie
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wei-Wei Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Hai-Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Hai-Jian Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Gang Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jian-Ping Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jun-Min Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Zhi-Jian Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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22
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Suhag A, Yadav H, Chaudhary D, Subramanian S, Jaiwal R, Jaiwal PK. Biotechnological interventions for the sustainable management of a global pest, whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1228-1252. [PMID: 32696581 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) are polyphagous invasive hemipteran insects that cause serious losses of important crops by directly feeding on phloem sap and transmitting pathogenic viruses. These insects have emerged as a major threat to global agriculture and food security. Chemically synthesized insecticides are currently the only option to control whiteflies, but the ability of whiteflies to evolve resistance against insecticides has made the management of these insects very difficult. Natural host-plant resistance against whiteflies identified in some crop plants has not been exploited to a great extent. Genetic engineering approaches, such as transgenics and RNA interference (RNAi), are potentially useful for the control of whiteflies. Transgenic plants harboring insecticidal toxins/lectins developed via nuclear or chloroplast transformation are a promising vehicle for whitefly control. Double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) of several insect genes, delivered either through microinjection into the insect body cavity or orally via an artificial diet and transiently or stably expressed in transgenic plants, have controlled whiteflies in model plants and in some crops at the laboratory level, but not at the field level. In this review, we highlight the merits and demerits of each delivery method along with strategies for sustained delivery of dsRNAs via fungal entomopathogen/endosymbiont or nontransgenic RNAi approaches, foliar sprays, root absorption or nanocarriers as well as the factors affecting efficient RNAi and their biosafety issues. Genome sequencing and transcriptome studies of whitefly species are facilitating the selection of appropriate genes for RNAi and gene-editing technology for the efficient and resilient management of whiteflies and their transmitted viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archna Suhag
- Department of Zoology, M.D. University, Rohtak, India
| | - Honey Yadav
- Centre for Biotechnology, M.D. University, Rohtak, India
| | | | - S Subramanian
- Division of Entomology, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Pawan K Jaiwal
- Centre for Biotechnology, M.D. University, Rohtak, India
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Joga MR, Mogilicherla K, Smagghe G, Roy A. RNA Interference-Based Forest Protection Products (FPPs) Against Wood-Boring Coleopterans: Hope or Hype? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:733608. [PMID: 34567044 PMCID: PMC8461336 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.733608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Forest insects are emerging in large extension in response to ongoing climatic changes, penetrating geographic barriers, utilizing novel hosts, and influencing many hectares of conifer forests worldwide. Current management strategies have been unable to keep pace with forest insect population outbreaks, and therefore novel and aggressive management strategies are urgently required to manage forest insects. RNA interference (RNAi), a Noble Prize-winning discovery, is an emerging approach that can be used for forest protection. The RNAi pathway is triggered by dsRNA molecules, which, in turn, silences genes and disrupts protein function, ultimately causing the death of the targeted insect. RNAi is very effective against pest insects; however, its proficiency varies significantly among insect species, tissues, and genes. The coleopteran forest insects are susceptible to RNAi and can be the initial target, but we lack practical means of delivery, particularly in systems with long-lived, endophagous insects such as the Emerald ash borer, Asian longhorn beetles, and bark beetles. The widespread use of RNAi in forest pest management has major challenges, including its efficiency, target gene selection, dsRNA design, lack of reliable dsRNA delivery methods, non-target and off-target effects, and potential resistance development in wood-boring pest populations. This review focuses on recent innovations in RNAi delivery that can be deployed against forest pests, such as cationic liposome-assisted (lipids), nanoparticle-enabled (polymers or peptides), symbiont-mediated (fungi, bacteria, and viruses), and plant-mediated deliveries (trunk injection, root absorption). Our findings guide future risk analysis of dsRNA-based forest protection products (FPPs) and risk assessment frameworks incorporating sequence complementarity-based analysis for off-target predictions. This review also points out barriers to further developing RNAi for forest pest management and suggests future directions of research that will build the future use of RNAi against wood-boring coleopterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallikarjuna Reddy Joga
- Excellent Team for Mitigation, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Kanakachari Mogilicherla
- EVA.4 Unit, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Amit Roy
- Excellent Team for Mitigation, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
- EVA.4 Unit, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
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Yang RL, Zhang Q, Fan JY, Yue Y, Chen EH, Yuan GR, Dou W, Wang JJ. RNA interference of Argonaute-1 delays ovarian development in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:3921-3933. [PMID: 33884743 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the development of rapid resistance, new modes of action for pesticides are needed for insect control, such as RNAi-based biopesticides targeting essential genes. To explore the function of Argonaute-1 (Ago-1) and potential miRNAs in ovarian development of Bactrocera dorsalis, an important agricultural pest, and to develop a novel control strategy for the pest, BdAgo-1 was first identified in B. dorsalis. RESULTS Spatiotemporal expression analysis indicated that BdAgo-1 had a relatively high transcriptional level in the ovarian tissues of adult female B. dorsalis during the sexual maturation period. RNA interference (RNAi) experiment showed that BdAgo-1 knockdown significantly decreased the expression levels of ovarian development-related genes and delayed ovarian development. Although RNAi-mediated silencing of Ago-1 led to a reduced ovary surface area, a subsequent oviposition assay revealed that the influence was minimal over a longer time period. Small RNA libraries were constructed and sequenced from different ovarian developmental stages of B. dorsalis adults. Among 161 identified miRNAs, 84 miRNAs were differentially expressed during the three developmental stages of the B. dorsalis ovary. BdAgo-1 silencing caused significant down-regulation of seven differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) showing relatively high expression levels (>1000 TPM (Transcripts per kilobase of exon model per million mapped reads)). The expression patterns of these seven core DEMs and their putative target genes were analyzed in the ovaries of B. dorsalis. CONCLUSION The results indicate that Ago-1 and Ago-1-dependent miRNAs are indispensable for normal ovarian development in B. dorsalis and help identify miRNA targets useful for control of this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Lin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia-Yao Fan
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Yue
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Er-Hu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guo-Rui Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Fu SJ, Zhang JL, Xu HJ. A genome-wide identification and analysis of the homeobox genes in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 108:e21833. [PMID: 34288091 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The homeobox family is a large and diverse superclass of genes, many of which act as transcription factors that play important roles in tissue differentiation and embryogenesis in animals. The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is the most destructive pest of rice in Asia, and high fecundity contributes significantly to its ecological success in natural and agricultural habits. Here, we identified 94 homeobox genes in BPH, which could be divided into 75 gene families and 9 classes. This number is comparable to the number of homeobox genes found in the honeybee Apis mellifera, but is slightly less than in Drosophila or the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. A spatio-temporal analysis indicated that most BPH homeobox genes were expressed in a development and tissue-specific manner, of which 21 genes were highly expressed in ovaries. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated functional assay showed that 22 homeobox genes were important for nymph development and the nymph to adult transition, whereas 67 genes were dispensable during this process. Fecundity assay showed that knockdown of 13 ovary-biased genes (zfh1, schlank, abd-A, Lim3_2, Lmxb, Prop, ap_1, Not, lab, Hmx, vis, Pknox, and C15) led to the reproductive defect. This is the first comprehensive investigation into homeobox genes in a hemipteran insect and thus helps us to understand the functional significance of homeobox genes in insect reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Jie Fu
- Department of Agriculture and Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin-Li Zhang
- Department of Agriculture and Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hai-Jun Xu
- Department of Agriculture and Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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26
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Hunter WB, Wintermantel WM. Optimizing Efficient RNAi-Mediated Control of Hemipteran Pests (Psyllids, Leafhoppers, Whitefly): Modified Pyrimidines in dsRNA Triggers. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10091782. [PMID: 34579315 PMCID: PMC8472347 DOI: 10.3390/plants10091782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The advantages from exogenously applied RNAi biopesticides have yet to be realized in through commercialization due to inconsistent activity of the dsRNA trigger, and the activity level of RNAi suppression. This has prompted research on improving delivery methods for applying exogenous dsRNA into plants and insects for the management of pests and pathogens. Another aspect to improve RNAi activity is the incorporation of modified 2′-F pyrimidine nucleotides into the dsRNA trigger. Modified dsRNA incorporating 32–55% of the 2′-F- nucleotides produced improved RNAi activity that increased insect mortality by 12–35% greater than non-modified dsRNA triggers of the same sequence. These results were repeatable across multiple Hemiptera: the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri, Liviidae); whitefly (Bemisia tabaci, Aleyroididae); and the glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis, Cicadellidae). Studies using siRNA with modified 2′-F- pyrimidines in mammalian cells show they improved resistance to degradation from nucleases, plus result in greater RNAi activity, due to increase concentrations and improved binding affinity to the mRNA target. Successful RNAi biopesticides of the future will be able to increase RNAi repeatability in the field, by incorporating modifications of the dsRNA, such as 2′-F- pyrimidines, that will improve delivery after applied to fruit trees or crop plants, with increased activity after ingestion by insects. Costs of RNA modification have decreased significantly over the past few years such that biopesticides can now compete on pricing with commercial chemical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Brian Hunter
- U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Subtropical Insects Res., Fort Pierce, FL 34945, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - William M. Wintermantel
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Crop Improvement and Protection Research, Salinas, CA 93905, USA;
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Ye C, Hu XS, Wang ZW, Wei D, Smagghe G, Christiaens O, Niu J, Wang JJ. Involvement of clathrin-dependent endocytosis in cellular dsRNA uptake in aphids. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 132:103557. [PMID: 33639241 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RNAi is an essential technology for studying gene function in eukaryotes, and is also considered to be a potential strategy for pest control. However, the mechanism behind the cellular uptake of dsRNA in aphids, a group of important agricultural sucking pests, remains unknown. Here, using the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum as model for aphids, we identified two core genes of clathrin-dependent endocytosis (CDE), Apchc and Apvha16. We confirmed that expression of Apchc, Apvha16 and RNAi core component genes (ApAgo2, ApDcr2 and ApR2d2) were simultaneously induced at 12 h after feeding dsRNA. By using an RNAi-of-RNAi approach, we demonstrated that suppression of Apchc and Apvha16 transcripts by RNAi significantly impaired RNAi efficiency of selected reporter genes (RGs), including ApGNBP1, Apmts and Aphb, suggesting the involvement of CDE in cellular dsRNA uptake in aphids. Further confirmation was also provided using two inhibitors, chlorpromazine (CPZ) and bafilomycin A1 (BafA1). Administration of CPZ and of BafA1 both led to an impaired silencing efficiency of the RGs in the pea aphid. Finally, these RNAi-of-RNAi results were reconfirmed in the peach aphid Myzus persicae. Taking these findings together, we conclude that CDE is involved in cellular dsRNA uptake in aphids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ye
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xiu-Shan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Zheng-Wu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Dong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; 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, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; 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.
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jinzhi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; 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, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Chung SH, Feng H, Jander G. Engineering pest tolerance through plant-mediated RNA interference. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 60:102029. [PMID: 33639339 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2021.102029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Expression of insect-targeted RNA interference (RNAi) constructs in transgenic plants is a promising approach for agricultural pest control. Compared to conventional chemical insecticides, RNAi target specificity is high and the potential for negative environmental effects is low. However, although numerous laboratory studies show insect growth inhibition by double stranded RNA or artificial microRNA, few of these constructs have been moved into commercial application as genetically engineered plants. Variation in RNA degradation, uptake, processing, and systemic transport in insects can influence interspecific and intraspecific differences in RNAi efficacy and the development of resistance to RNAi in agricultural settings. Further research is needed, both to identify optimal gene targets for efficient RNAi in pest species and to reduce the potential for off-target effects in beneficial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Ho Chung
- Boyce Thompson Institute, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Honglin Feng
- Boyce Thompson Institute, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Georg Jander
- Boyce Thompson Institute, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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Lu K, Li Y, Cheng Y, Li W, Song Y, Zeng R, Sun Z. Activation of the NR2E nuclear receptor HR83 leads to metabolic detoxification-mediated chlorpyrifos resistance in Nilaparvata lugens. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 173:104800. [PMID: 33771269 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.104800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Increased production of detoxification enzymes appears to be the primary route for insecticide resistance in many crop pests. However, the mechanisms employed by resistant insects for overexpression of detoxification genes involved in insecticide resistance remain obscure. We report here that the NR2E nuclear receptor HR83 plays a critical role in chlorpyrifos resistance by regulating the expression of detoxification genes in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens. HR83 was highly expressed in the fat body and ovary of adult females in chlorpyrifos-resistant BPHs. Knockdown of HR83 by RNA interference showed no effect on female fecundity, whereas caused a decrease of resistance to chlorpyrifos. This treatment also led to a dramatic reduction in the expression of multiple detoxification genes, including four UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), three cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) and four carboxylesterases (CarEs). Among these HR83-regulated genes, UGT-1-3, UGT-2B10, CYP6CW1, CYP4CE1, CarE and Esterase E4-1 were over-expressed both in the fat body and ovary of the resistant BPHs. Functional analyses revealed that UGT-2B10, CYP4CE1, CarE and Esterase E4-1 are essential for the resistance of BPH to chlorpyrifos. Generally, this study implicates HR83 in the metabolic detoxification-mediated chlorpyrifos resistance and suggests that the regulation of detoxification genes may be an ancestral function of the NR2E nuclear receptor subfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yimin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yibei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Wenru Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yuanyuan Song
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Rensen Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Zhongxiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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Wang W, Yang RR, Peng LY, Zhang L, Yao YL, Bao YY. Proteolytic activity of the proteasome is required for female insect reproduction. Open Biol 2021; 11:200251. [PMID: 33622101 PMCID: PMC8061697 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-ATPase regulatory subunits (Rpns) are components of the 26S proteasome involved in polyubiquitinated substrate recognition and deubiquitination in eukaryotes. Here, we identified 15 homologues sequences of Rpn and associated genes by searching the genome and transcriptome databases of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, a hemipteran rice pest. Temporospatial analysis showed that NlRpn genes were significantly highly expressed in eggs and ovaries but were less-highly expressed in males. RNA interference-mediated depletion of NlRpn genes decreased the proteolytic activity of proteasome and impeded the transcription of lipase and vitellogenin genes in the fat bodies and ovaries in adult females, and reduced the triglyceride content in the ovaries. Decrease of the proteolytic activity of the proteasome via knockdown of NlRpns also inhibited the transcription of halloween genes, including NlCYP307A2, NlCYP306A2 and NlCYP314A1, in the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) biosynthetic pathway in the ovaries, reduced 20E production in adult females, and impaired ovarian development and oocyte maturation, resulting in reduced fecundity. These novel findings indicate that the proteolytic activity of the proteasome is required for female reproductive processes in N. lugens, thus furthering our understanding of the reproductive and developmental strategies in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Rui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu-Yao Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue-Lin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China.,School of Biological Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AB, UK
| | - Yan-Yuan Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
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Zhang JL, Fu SJ, Chen SJ, Chen HH, Liu YL, Liu XY, Xu HJ. Vestigial mediates the effect of insulin signaling pathway on wing-morph switching in planthoppers. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009312. [PMID: 33561165 PMCID: PMC7899339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Wing polymorphism is an evolutionary feature found in a wide variety of insects, which offers a model system for studying the evolutionary significance of dispersal. In the wing-dimorphic planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) pathway acts as a ‘master signal’ that directs the development of either long-winged (LW) or short-winged (SW) morphs via regulation of the activity of Forkhead transcription factor subgroup O (NlFoxO). However, downstream effectors of the IIS–FoxO signaling cascade that mediate alternative wing morphs are unclear. Here we found that vestigial (Nlvg), a key wing-patterning gene, is selectively and temporally regulated by the IIS–FoxO signaling cascade during the wing-morph decision stage (fifth-instar stage). RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing of Nlfoxo increase Nlvg expression in the fifth-instar stage (the last nymphal stage), thereby inducing LW development. Conversely, silencing of Nlvg can antagonize the effects of IIS activity on LW development, redirecting wing commitment from LW to the morph with intermediate wing size. In vitro and in vivo binding assays indicated that NlFoxO protein may suppress Nlvg expression by directly binding to the first intron region of the Nlvg locus. Our findings provide a first glimpse of the link connecting the IIS pathway to the wing-patterning network on the developmental plasticity of wings in insects, and help us understanding how phenotypic diversity is generated by the modification of a common set of pattern elements. Many insects are capable of developing into either long-winged or short-winged adults, but the underlying molecular basis remains largely unknown. Pioneer studies showed that the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway acts as a ‘master signal’ that directs wing buds to develop into long or short wings in the wing-dimorphic planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. However, downstream effectors mediating the IIS pathway effects are unknown. Our findings highlight that vestigial, a key wing-patterning gene, is a main downstream effector that mediates the IIS activity on the development of alternative wing morphs during the wing-morph decision stage. The molecular mechanism of wing formation, including the function of vestigial, has been studied in great depth in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster. Our data provide a first glimpse of the link connecting the IIS pathway to the wing-patterning network in regulating developmental plasticity of wings in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Li Zhang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sheng-Jie Fu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sun-Jie Chen
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao-Hao Chen
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Lai Liu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Yang Liu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Jun Xu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- State Key laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Ministry of Agriculture Key laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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Chen HH, Liu YL, Liu XY, Zhang JL, Xu HJ. Functional Analysis of Nuclear Factor Y in the Wing-Dimorphic Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). Front Genet 2020; 11:585320. [PMID: 33240330 PMCID: PMC7670041 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.585320] [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: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) is a heterotrimeric transcription factor with the ability to bind to a CCAAT box in nearly all eukaryotes. However, the function of NF-Y in the life-history traits of insects is unclear. Here, we identified three NF-Y subunits, NlNF-YA, NlNF-YB, and NlNF-YC, in the wing-dimorphic brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens. Spatio-temporal analysis indicated that NlNF-YA, NlNF-YB, and NlNF-YC distributed extensively in various body parts of fourth-instar nymphs, and were highly expressed at the egg stage. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing showed that knockdown of NlNF-YA, NlNF-YB, or NlNF-YC in third-instar nymphs significantly extended the fifth-instar duration, and decreased nymph-adult molting rate. The addition of 20-hydroxyecdysone could specifically rescue the defect in adult molting caused by NlNF-YARNAi, indicating that NlNF-Y might modulate the ecdysone signaling pathway in the BPH. In addition, NlNF-YARNAi, NlNF-YBRNAi, or NlNF-YCRNAi led to small and moderately malformed forewings and hindwings, and impaired the normal assembly of indirect flight muscles. Adult BPHs treated with NlNF-YARNAi, NlNF-YBRNAi, or NlNF-YCRNAi produced fewer eggs, and eggs laid by these BPHs had arrested embryogenesis. These findings deepen our understanding of NF-Y function in hemipteran insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Hao Chen
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Lai Liu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Yang Liu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Li Zhang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Jun Xu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Shakeel M, Du J, Li SW, Zhou YJ, Sarwar N, Bukhari SAH. Characterization, Knockdown and Parental Effect of Hexokinase Gene of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Revealed by RNA Interference. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11111258. [PMID: 33114530 PMCID: PMC7693289 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hexokinase (HK) is a key enzyme in chitin biosynthesis in insects and plays an important role in development and energy regulation. It also performs a crucial role in the synthesis of Glucose-6-phosphate and its putative functions are studied via injection of dsRNA corresponding to the hexokinase gene from Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (CmHK). This study was designed to analyze the characteristics and expression patterns of HK-related genes in various tissues of C. medinalis at different developmental stages. The CmHK ORF is a 1359 bp in length, encoding a protein of 452 amino acids, with homology and cluster analysis showing that CmHK shares an 85.11% sequence similarity with hexokinase from Ostrinia furnacalis.CmHK was highly expressed in the ovary and in the fifth instar larvae. Injection of dsCmHK significantly suppressed mRNA expression (73.6%) 120 h post-dsRNA injection as compared to a control group. The results demonstrated an increased incidence of larval and pupal mortality of 80% and 78%, respectively, with significant variation in the sex ratio between males (68.33%) and females (35%), overt larval deformities, and a reduction in average weight gain observed 120 h post-dsRNA injection. In addition, dsCmHK-injected C. medinalis showed a significant reduction in ovulation per female and larval hatching rate, along with increased larval and pupal mortality and variation in male and female emergence over three generations (G1, G2, and G3). Taken together, the outcomes of the study provide a foundation to study gene function and a new dimension to control C. medinalis by transgenic RNAi technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakeel
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; (M.S.); (J.D.); (Y.-J.Z.)
| | - Juan Du
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; (M.S.); (J.D.); (Y.-J.Z.)
| | - Shang-Wei Li
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; (M.S.); (J.D.); (Y.-J.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-137-6506-6957
| | - Yuan-Jin Zhou
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; (M.S.); (J.D.); (Y.-J.Z.)
| | - Naeem Sarwar
- Department of Agronomy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan; (N.S.); (S.A.H.B.)
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Peng Y, Wang K, Chen J, Wang J, Zhang H, Ze L, Zhu G, Zhao C, Xiao H, Han Z. Identification of a double-stranded RNA-degrading nuclease influencing both ingestion and injection RNA interference efficiency in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 125:103440. [PMID: 32771566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2020.103440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency dramatically varies among different insects and among administration methods. Numerous studies have revealed that a poor RNAi response is usually associated with a high double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-degrading activity. Using the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, we conducted genome-wide identification of genes encoding dsRNA-degrading nucleases of the DNA/RNA non-specific endonuclease superfamily. To achieve a robust RNAi response in T. castaneum, four dsRNase genes were identified in the genome that seemed to be the potential factors reducing RNAi efficacy. Analysis of biochemical properties revealed that optimal conditions for the dsRNA-degrading activity were alkaline (pH 8.0) in the absence of Mg2+ at 37 °C. The dsRNA-degrading activity was predominantly present in the gut, and via heterologous expression and RNAi experimentation, gut-specific TcdsRNase1 was confirmed as the major nuclease performing dsRNA degradation. After a knockdown of the TcdsRNase1 nuclease activity, RNAi efficiency improved from 38.6% to 58.9% and from 20.9% to 53.9% for injection and ingestion of dsRNA, respectively. Our results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms influencing dsRNA stability and even RNAi efficiency in T. castaneum and point to a good method for improving RNAi efficiency through downregulation of the relevant nuclease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchuan Peng
- Institute of Entomology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Kangxu Wang
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jiasheng Chen
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jinda Wang
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Hainan Zhang
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Longji Ze
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Guanheng Zhu
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, 40546, USA
| | - Chunqing Zhao
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Haijun Xiao
- Institute of Entomology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Zhaojun Han
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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Peng LY, Dai ZW, Yang RR, Zhu Z, Wang W, Zhou X, Bao YY. NADPH Oxidase 5 Is Essential for Molting and Oviposition in a Rice Planthopper Nilaparvata lugens. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11090642. [PMID: 32962025 PMCID: PMC7564065 DOI: 10.3390/insects11090642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens is a typical monophagous insect herbivore that feeds exclusively on rice sap. This insect pest causes serious damage to rice crops throughout East Asian countries. Chemical control remains the first choice for managing N. lugens populations; however, the use of insecticides has given rise to planthopper resurgence and additional environmental risks. Nilaparvata lugens is a model insect of Hemiptera because its whole genome sequence has been elucidated and is susceptible to RNA interference. In this study, our findings revealed that a superoxide-generating gene, NADPH oxidase 5 (Nox5), is essential for molting and oviposition in a Hemipteran insect Nilaparvata lugens. Knockdown of Nox5 transcript levels by RNA interference in 2nd-5th-instar nymphs results in significantly lethal deficits in the molting transitions from nymph-nymph and nymph-adult. Nox5 knockdown leads to a reduction of hydrogen peroxide in female ovaries and failure of oviposition from the insect ovipositor into the rice leaf sheath. Here, we provide in vivo evidence demonstrating that Nox5 is a key enzyme for regulating molting and oviposition in this insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Yao Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.-Y.P.); (Z.-W.D.); (R.-R.Y.); (Z.Z.); (W.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Zhen-Wei Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.-Y.P.); (Z.-W.D.); (R.-R.Y.); (Z.Z.); (W.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Rui-Rui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.-Y.P.); (Z.-W.D.); (R.-R.Y.); (Z.Z.); (W.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Zhen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.-Y.P.); (Z.-W.D.); (R.-R.Y.); (Z.Z.); (W.W.); (X.Z.)
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8562, Japan
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.-Y.P.); (Z.-W.D.); (R.-R.Y.); (Z.Z.); (W.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.-Y.P.); (Z.-W.D.); (R.-R.Y.); (Z.Z.); (W.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Yan-Yuan Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.-Y.P.); (Z.-W.D.); (R.-R.Y.); (Z.Z.); (W.W.); (X.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-571-88982995; Fax: +86-571-88982991
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Yang L, Wang S, Ma Q, Song Z, Hou R, Huang S, Cheng D, Zhang Z. Fabrication of sulfoxaflor-loaded natural polysaccharide floating hydrogel microspheres against Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) in rice fields. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:3046-3055. [PMID: 32279438 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) nymphs and adults aggregate and feed on leaf sheaths at the base of rice plants. It is difficult to apply traditional spray treatments directly onto the plant stems due to the blocking agent produced by leaves. Further, spiders and mirids, the natural enemies of N. lugens (Stal), are directly exposed to the chemicals during spraying. Sulfoxaflor-loaded natural polysaccharide microspheres with good performance were developed and tested in rice fields. The absorption, distribution, and dissipation of sulfoxaflor in rice plants, soil, and water were examined. RESULTS Sulfoxaflor-loaded natural polysaccharide microspheres were prepared through physical embedding and ionic crosslinking, using citronellol as an oil phase to provide floatation. The sustained release of sulfoxaflor was achieved through swelling and dissolution, indicating that these structures could effectively control pesticide release. Field experiments showed that these microspheres were able to float in water and gather around the stem of rice plants and that their insecticidal effect was remarkably improved compared to that achieved using the suspension concentrate. Results also showed that the residual content of stems following treatment with sulfoxaflor-loaded natural polysaccharide microspheres reached 0.331 mg kg-1 , but was reduced in other parts of the plant. CONCLUSION In the present study, sulfoxaflor-loaded natural polysaccharide microspheres with optimized properties were successfully prepared. These microspheres produced a better control effect on N. lugens (Stal) compared to the use of the sulfoxaflor suspension concentrate. Their application may help promote the scientific control of target pests in rice fields. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liupeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology of the Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology of the Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianli Ma
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology of the Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zixia Song
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology of the Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiquan Hou
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology of the Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suqing Huang
- College of Agriculture and Biology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongmei Cheng
- College of Agriculture and Biology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhixiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology of the Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Wang Z, Gao C, Liu J, Zhou W, Zeng X. Host plant odours and their recognition by the odourant-binding proteins of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:2453-2464. [PMID: 32058655 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, is one of the major pests in citrus production because it transmits huanglongbing, a devastating disease of citrus plants. Odourant-binding proteins (OBPs) play an important role in the olfactory perception of insects. Revealing the function of DcitOBPs is beneficial to the development of new ACP management strategies. RESULTS An analysis of the components of volatiles from the new shoots of six host plant species showed that β-caryophyllene was the characteristic volatile compound in flushing shoots and the most abundant volatile compound in three of the six tested ACP host plant species. The tissue expression profiles of nine known DcitOBPs were analyzed based on a transcriptome database, and DcitOBP3 and DcitOBP6 exhibited high expression in the antennae of both sexes and the ovipositor of females. The binding ability of two recombinant proteins with eight ligands was studied through competitive binding analysis; the results showed that DcitOBP6 exhibited stronger binding to β-caryophyllene. Behavioural trials indicated that sexually mature female adults of D. citri were significantly attracted to β-caryophyllene at concentrations of 0.1 μL mL-1 and 10 μL mL-1 . RNAi analysis in female D. citri showed that the reduction of DcitOBP6 transcript abundance led to a decrease in antennae EAG activity and behavioural responses to β-caryophyllene. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that DcitOBP6 is involved in the perception of an important host plant volatile, β-caryophyllene, in the ACP, and provide a theoretical foundation for behavioural interference in ACP management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengbing Wang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation; Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanhe Gao
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation; Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiali Liu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation; Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenwu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology; Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinnian Zeng
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation; Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Fu SJ, Zhang JL, Chen SJ, Chen HH, Liu YL, Xu HJ. Functional analysis of Ultrabithorax in the wing-dimorphic planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stål, 1854) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). Gene 2020; 737:144446. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Christiaens O, Whyard S, Vélez AM, Smagghe G. Double-Stranded RNA Technology to Control Insect Pests: Current Status and Challenges. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:451. [PMID: 32373146 PMCID: PMC7187958 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Exploiting the RNA interference (RNAi) gene mechanism to silence essential genes in pest insects, leading to toxic effects, has surfaced as a promising new control strategy in the past decade. While the first commercial RNAi-based products are currently coming to market, the application against a wide range of insect species is still hindered by a number of challenges. In this review, we discuss the current status of these RNAi-based products and the different delivery strategies by which insects can be targeted by the RNAi-triggering double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules. Furthermore, this review also addresses a number of physiological and cellular barriers, which can lead to decreased RNAi efficacy in insects. Finally, novel non-transgenic delivery technologies, such as polymer or liposomic nanoparticles, peptide-based delivery vehicles and viral-like particles, are also discussed, as these could overcome these barriers and lead to effective RNAi-based pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steve Whyard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ana M. Vélez
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Cagliari D, Dias NP, Dos Santos EÁ, Rickes LN, Kremer FS, Farias JR, Lenz G, Galdeano DM, Garcia FRM, Smagghe G, Zotti MJ. First transcriptome of the Neotropical pest Euschistus heros (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) with dissection of its siRNA machinery. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4856. [PMID: 32184426 PMCID: PMC7078254 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60078-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, the use of RNA interference (RNAi) for insect pest management has attracted considerable interest in academia and industry as a pest-specific and environment-friendly strategy for pest control. For the success of this technique, the presence of core RNAi genes and a functional silencing machinery is essential. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test whether the Neotropical brown stinkbug Euschistus heros has the main RNAi core genes and whether the supply of dsRNA could generate an efficient gene silencing response. To do this, total mRNA of all developmental stages was sequenced on an Illumina platform, followed by a de novo assembly, gene annotation and RNAi-related gene identification. Once RNAi-related genes were identified, nuclease activities in hemolymph were investigated through an ex vivo assay. To test the functionality of the siRNA machinery, E. heros adults were microinjected with ~28 ng per mg of insect of a dsRNA targeting the V-ATPase-A gene. Mortality, relative transcript levels of V-ATPase-A, and the expression of the genes involved in the siRNA machinery, Dicer-2 (DCR-2) and Argonaute 2 (AGO-2), were analyzed. Transcriptome sequencing generated more than 126 million sequenced reads, and these were annotated in approximately 80,000 contigs. The search of RNAi-related genes resulted in 47 genes involved in the three major RNAi pathways, with the absence of sid-like homologous. Although ex vivo incubation of dsRNA in E. heros hemolymph showed rapid degradation, there was 35% mortality at 4 days after treatment and a significant reduction in V-ATPase-A gene expression. These results indicated that although sid-like genes are lacking, the dsRNA uptake mechanism was very efficient. Also, 2-fold and 4-fold overexpression of DCR-2 and AGO-2, respectively, after dsRNA supply indicated the activation of the siRNA machinery. Consequently, E. heros has proven to be sensitive to RNAi upon injection of dsRNA into its hemocoel. We believe that this finding together with a publically available transcriptome and the validation of a responsive RNAi machinery provide a starting point for future field applications against one of the most important soybean pests in South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deise Cagliari
- Department of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Naymã Pinto Dias
- Department of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Ericmar Ávila Dos Santos
- Department of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Leticia Neutzling Rickes
- Department of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Frederico Schmitt Kremer
- Center for Technological Development, Bioinformatics and Proteomics Laboratory, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Juliano Ricardo Farias
- Department of Crop Protection, Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai, Santo Ângelo, Brazil
| | - Giuvan Lenz
- Agricultural Research and Development Center, UPL, Pereiras, Brazil
| | - Diogo Manzano Galdeano
- Sylvio Moreira Citrus Center, Agronomic Institute of Campinas, Cordeirópolis, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Moisés João Zotti
- Department of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
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Goodfellow S, Zhang D, Wang MB, Zhang R. Bacterium-Mediated RNA Interference: Potential Application in Plant Protection. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 8:E572. [PMID: 31817412 PMCID: PMC6963952 DOI: 10.3390/plants8120572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
RNAi has emerged as a promising tool for targeting agricultural pests and pathogens and could provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional means of control. However, the deployment of this technology is still limited by a lack of suitable exogenous- or externally applied delivery mechanisms. Numerous means of overcoming this limitation are being explored. One such method, bacterium-mediated RNA interference, or bmRNAi, has been explored in other systems and shows great potential for application to agriculture. Here, we review the current state of bmRNAi, examine the technical limitations and possible improvements, and discuss its potential applications in crop protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Goodfellow
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Daai Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Ming-Bo Wang
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Ren Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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Xu N, Chen HH, Xue WH, Yuan XB, Xia PZ, Xu HJ. The MTase15 regulates reproduction in the wing-dimorphic planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 28:828-836. [PMID: 31069883 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
S-Adenosyl-l-methionine-dependent methyltransferases (SAMMTases) modulate important cellular and metabolic activities in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Here, we functionally characterized an SAMMTase gene (MTase15) in the migratory brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, which is the most notorious rice pest in Asia. The cDNA sequence of MTase15 is 2764 nt in length with an open reading frame of 1218 nt encoding 405 amino acid residues. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that MTase15 was readily detected from egg to adult stages and extensively distributed in various body parts of adult females and males, with slightly high levels in ovary and testis, respectively. In addition, MTase15 was transcriptionally regulated by the insulin signalling pathway in BPH. RNA-interference-mediated knockdown of MTase15 (dsMtase15) resulted in deficiencies in vitellogenin synthesis and oogenesis, and female infertility. Males with Mtase15 knockdown retained the capability of producing sperms with normal viability, but less sperm was transferred to wild-type (wt) females during copulation, and eggs laid by these wt females arrested embryogenesis. These findings not only assign a functional role to MTase15, but also provide a link between the insulin signalling pathway and epigenetic regulation in BPH reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - H-H Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - W-H Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - X-B Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - P-Z Xia
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - H-J Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Tian L, Zeng Y, Xie W, Wu Q, Wang S, Zhou X, Zhang Y. Genome-wide identification and analysis of genes associated with RNA interference in Bemisia tabaci. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:3005-3014. [PMID: 30891929 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a method of RNA-mediated gene silencing, RNA interference (RNAi) is a useful reverse genetic tool with which to study gene function, and holds great promise for pest management. Bemisia tabaci is a cosmopolitan pest that causes extensive damage to crops. The mechanism underlying RNAi efficiency in B. tabaci is not well known. We identified and analyzed candidate genes in the RNAi pathway to understand the RNAi mechanism and provide a basis for the application of RNAi in pest management. RESULTS We identified 33 genes putatively involved in the RNAi pathway from the B. tabaci Q genome. Phylogenetic and structural analyses confirmed the characteristics of these genes. Furthermore, quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and transcriptomic analysis profiled gene expression patterns during different developmental stages. Gene expression levels estimated by qRT-PCR and RNA-seq analyses were significantly correlated. Moreover, gene functions were verified by RNAi. When accompanied by knockdown of AGO2, Dicer2 and Sid1, the efficiency of CYP6DB3 RNAi decreased correspondingly. CONCLUSION In this study, we annotated and validated genes involved in B. tabaci RNAi. A better understanding of the building blocks of the RNAi process in B. tabaci facilitates integration of this novel biotechnology into the management of this emerging pest, either directly or indirectly. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Tian
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Xie
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingjun Wu
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoli Wang
- 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
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Zhou X, Peng LY, Wang ZC, Wang W, Zhu Z, Huang XH, Chen LB, Song QS, Bao YY. Identification of novel antimicrobial peptides from rice planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 113:103215. [PMID: 31449847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, two novel antibacterial peptide genes, termed lugensin A and B were identified and characterized from a rice sap-sucking hemipteran insect pest, the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. Lugensin gene expression was significantly induced by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial stains under the regulation of a signal receptor, the long peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP-LC) in the IMD pathway. Knockdown of PGRP-LC by RNAi eliminated bacterium induced Lugensin gene expression. Lugensins had the apparent antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli K12, Bacillus subtilis and the rice bacterial brown stripe pathogen Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae (Aaa) strain RS-1. Lugensins inhibited bacterial proliferation by disrupting the integrity of the bacterial membranes. Scanning electron microscopy revealed abnormal membrane morphology of the recombinant Lugensin-treated bacteria. Lugensins induced complete cell disruption of E. coli K12 and B. subtilis strains while formed the holes on the cell surface of Aaa RS-1 strain. Immunofluorescence showed that Lugensins localized in the cell membrane of E. coli K12 while accumulated in the cytosol of B. subtilis. Differently, Lugensins remained in both the cell membrane and the cytosol of Aaa RS-1 strain, suggesting different action modes of Lugensins to different microbes. This is the first report of the novel antibacterial peptides found in the rice sap-sucking hemipteran insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lu-Yao Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhe-Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Li-Bo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qi-Sheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, USA.
| | - Yan-Yuan Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Singh S, Gupta M, Pandher S, Kaur G, Goel N, Rathore P. Using de novo transcriptome assembly and analysis to study RNAi in Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Sci Rep 2019; 9:13710. [PMID: 31548628 PMCID: PMC6757040 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49997-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenacoccus solenopsis is one of the major polyphagous crop pests in India. Inadequate genomic or transcriptomic resources have limited the molecular studies in this insect despite its huge economic importance. The existing molecular sequence resources of this insect were supplemented through RNA sequencing, de novo transcriptome assembly and analysis, which generated 12, 925 CDS from 23,643 contigs with an average size of 1077.5 bp per CDS and 85.1% positive BLAST hits with NCBI Non redundant (nr) database. Twenty three genes involved in RNAi machinery identified through BLASTx search against NCBI nr database suggested the existence of robust RNAi in mealybug. RNAi in P. solenopsis was demonstrated through knockdown of IAP (Inhibitor of Apoptosis), AQP (Aquaporin), CAL (Calcitonin), VATPase (V-type proton ATPase subunit F 1), bursicon, chitin synthase, SNF7 and α-amylase by injecting sequence specific dsRNA of respective genes in adult female. Additionally, feeding RNAi has been demonstrated in 2nd instar nymph through dsRNA uptake in plant. The knockdown of core RNAi machinery genes such as Dicer, Argonaute and Staufen significantly hampered RNAi efficiency in this insect. However, downregulation of dsRNases improved RNAi efficiency. Sequential studies for understanding RNAi in P. solenopsis using transcriptome sequences have also been reported. The present study provides a base for future research on developing RNAi as strategy for management of this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satnam Singh
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab, India.
| | - Mridula Gupta
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Suneet Pandher
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Gurmeet Kaur
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Neha Goel
- Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttaranchal, India
| | - Pankaj Rathore
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab, India
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Zhang JL, Yuan XB, Chen SJ, Chen HH, Xu N, Xue WH, Fu SJ, Zhang CX, Xu HJ. The histone deacetylase NlHDAC1 regulates both female and male fertility in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. Open Biol 2019; 8:180158. [PMID: 30977704 PMCID: PMC6303786 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone acetylation is a specific type of chromatin modification that serves as a key regulatory mechanism for many cellular processes in mammals. However, little is known about its biological function in invertebrates. Here, we identified 12 members of histone deacetylases (NlHDACs) in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens. RNAi-mediated silencing assay showed that NlHdac1, NlHdac3 and NlHdac4 played critical roles in female fertility via regulating ovary maturation or ovipositor development. Silencing of NlHdac1 substantially increased acetylation level of histones H3 and H4 in ovaries, indicating NlHDAC1 is the main histone deacetylase in ovaries of BPH. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis showed that knockdown of NlHdac1 impaired ovary development via multiple signalling pathways including the TOR pathway. Acoustic recording showed that males with NlHdac1 knockdown failed to make courtship songs, and thus were unacceptable to wild-type females, resulting in unfertilized eggs. Competition mating assay showed that wild-type females overwhelmingly preferred to mate with control males over NlHdac1-knockdown males. These findings improve our understanding of reproductive strategies controlled by HDACs in insects and provide a potential target for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institutes of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058 , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Bo Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Rice and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institutes of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058 , People's Republic of China
| | - Sun-Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institutes of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058 , People's Republic of China
| | - Hao-Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institutes of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058 , People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institutes of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058 , People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Hua Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Rice and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institutes of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058 , People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Jie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institutes of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058 , People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institutes of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058 , People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Jun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institutes of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058 , People's Republic of China
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He K, Xiao H, Sun Y, Situ G, Xi Y, Li F. microRNA-14 as an efficient suppressor to switch off ecdysone production after ecdysis in insects. RNA Biol 2019; 16:1313-1325. [PMID: 31184522 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1629768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The precise increase and decrease of hormone ecdysone are critical for accurate development in insects. Most previous works focus on transcriptional activation of ecdysone production; however, little is known about the mechanism of switching off ecdysone biosynthesis after ecdysis. Here, we showed that the precursor microRNA-14 (pre-miR-14) encodes two mature miRNAs in silkworm; both of these two mature miRNAs regulate various genes in the ecdysone-signalling pathway. Bmo-miR-14-5p targets on nine genes whereas Bmo-miR-14-3p targets on two genes in the same pathway. These two mature miRNAs increased immediately after the ecdysis, efficiently suppressing the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) biosynthesis, the upstream regulation, and the downstream response genes. Knocking down either of two mature miRNAs or both of them delays moult development, impairing development synchrony in antagomir-treated groups. In addition, overexpressing Bmo-miR-14-5p but not Bmo-miR-14-3p significantly affected the 20E titer and increased the moulting time variation, suggesting that Bmo-miR-14-5p, though it is less abundant, has more potent effects in development regulation than Bmo-miR-14-3p. In summary, we present evidence that a pre-miRNA encodes two mature miRNAs targeting on the same pathway, which significantly improves miRNA regulation efficiencies to programmatically switch off ecdysone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang He
- a Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , China
| | - Huamei Xiao
- b College of Life Sciences and Resource Environment, Yichun University , Yichun , China.,c Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China
| | - Yang Sun
- c Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China.,d Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Science , Nanchang , China
| | - Gongming Situ
- c Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China
| | - Yu Xi
- e Agricultural Genomes Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Shenzhen , China
| | - Fei Li
- a Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , China
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Wang SL, Wang WW, Ma Q, Shen ZF, Zhang MQ, Zhou NM, Zhang CX. Elevenin signaling modulates body color through the tyrosine-mediated cuticle melanism pathway. FASEB J 2019; 33:9731-9741. [PMID: 31162939 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802786rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Elevenin is a newly discovered novel neuropeptide. Knockdown of either elevenin or orphan receptor NlA42 transcript expression by RNA interference caused severe cuticle melanization in the brown planthopper (BPH). Injection of a synthetic elevenin peptide not only rescued the body color phenotype in dselevenin-pretreated individuals but also suppressed melanization of black insects grown in natural conditions. Real-time quantitative PCR results revealed that elevenin expression levels were highest in the brain and salivary gland. Immunohistochemistry analysis confirmed that a precursor peptide of elevenin was generated in the salivary gland, suggesting that the salivary gland might be an important neurosecretory tissue in addition to the brain in BPH. Furthermore, double-strand RNA-mediated silencing of elevenin and NlA42 resulted in down-regulation of arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase and up-regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase, whereas elevenin peptide injection resulted in up-regulation of N-β-alanyldopamine synthase and aspartate 1-decarboxylase, indicating a complex regulation network for cuticle pigmentation. In addition, functional characterization demonstrated that NlA42 is a cognate receptor for elevenin, and couples to Gq and Gs proteins, triggering both PLC/Ca2+/PKC and AC/cAMP/PKA signaling pathways in response to elevenin treatment. These findings suggest that the elevenin signaling functions control BPH body color through the tyrosine-mediated cuticle melanism pathway.-Wang, S.-L., Wang, W.-W., Ma, Q., Shen, Z.-F., Zhang, M.-Q., Zhou, N.-M., Zhang, C.-X. Elevenin signaling modulates body color through the tyrosine-mediated cuticle melanism pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Liang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Wei Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Institute of Biochemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhang-Fei Shen
- Institute of Biochemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Qiu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nai-Ming Zhou
- Institute of Biochemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Abstract
Many insects are capable of developing into either long-winged or short-winged (or wingless) morphs, which enables them to rapidly match heterogeneous environments. Thus, the wing polymorphism is an adaptation at the root of their ecological success. Wing polymorphism is orchestrated at various levels, starting with the insect's perception of environmental cues, then signal transduction and signal execution, and ultimately the transmitting of signals into physiological adaption in accordance with the particular morph produced. Juvenile hormone and ecdysteroid pathways have long been proposed to regulate wing polymorphism in insects, but rigorous experimental evidence is lacking. The breakthrough findings of ecdysone receptor regulation on transgenerational wing dimorphism in the aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum and of insulin signaling in the planthopper Nilaparvata lugens greatly broaden our understanding of wing polymorphism at the molecular level. Recently, the advent of high-throughput sequencing coupled with functional genomics provides powerful genetic tools for future insights into the molecular bases underlying wing polymorphism in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; ,
| | - Jennifer A Brisson
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA;
| | - Hai-Jun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; ,
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Zhuo JC, Hu QL, Zhang HH, Zhang MQ, Jo SB, Zhang CX. Identification and functional analysis of the doublesex gene in the sexual development of a hemimetabolous insect, the brown planthopper. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 102:31-42. [PMID: 30237076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In the sex determination cascade, the genes dsx (doublesex) in insects, mab-3 (male abnormal 3) in nematodes, and Dmrt1 (dsx/mab-3 related transcription factor-1) in vertebrates act as the base molecular switches and play important roles. Moreover, these genes share the same conserved feature domain-DNA-binding oligomerization domain (OD1), and female-specific dsx also has a conserved oligomerization domain 2 (OD2). Although sex determination and the functions of dsx in several holometabolous insects have been well documented, sex determination and the function of dsx in hemimetabolous insects remain a mystery. In this study, four dsx homologs were unexpectedly found in the Nilaparvata lugens (brown planthopper, BPH, order Hemiptera), which also showed a different evolutionary status. We found that only one of the four homologs, Nldsx, which has three alternative splicing variants (female-specific NldsxF, male-specific NldsxM, non-sex-specific NldsxC), was required in the sexual development of N. lugens. Compared with that of holometabolous species, the dsx of N. lugens contains a less conserved OD1, while the OD2 domain of BPH was not identifiable because the common region is poorly conserved, and the female-specific region is short. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Nldsx in female BPH resulted in a larger body size with a normal abdomen and reproductive system, while no changes in fertility were noted. However, adult males with RNA interference knockdown of NldsxM in nymphs became pseudofemales, were infertile, had abnormal copulatory organs, and had impassable deferent ducts with hyperplastic walls; additionally, the pseudofemales could not produce the normal courtship signals. Our results suggest that dsx plays a critical role in male BPH somatic development and mating behavior. This is the first study to show that dsx is essential for sexual development in a hemipteran species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Chong Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qing-Ling Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hou-Hong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Meng-Qiu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Song Bok Jo
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Kim Jong Suk University of Education, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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