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Figueiredo Prates LH, Fiebig J, Schlosser H, Liapi E, Rehling T, Lutrat C, Bouyer J, Sun Q, Wen H, Xi Z, Schetelig MF, Häcker I. Challenges of Robust RNAi-Mediated Gene Silencing in Aedes Mosquitoes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5218. [PMID: 38791257 PMCID: PMC11121262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we report the complexities and challenges associated with achieving robust RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene knockdown in the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, a pivotal approach for genetic analysis and vector control. Despite RNAi's potential for species-specific gene targeting, our independent efforts to establish oral delivery of RNAi for identifying genes critical for mosquito development and fitness encountered significant challenges, failing to reproduce previously reported potent RNAi effects. We independently evaluated a range of RNAi-inducing molecules (siRNAs, shRNAs, and dsRNAs) and administration methods (oral delivery, immersion, and microinjection) in three different laboratories. We also tested various mosquito strains and utilized microorganisms for RNA delivery. Our results reveal a pronounced inconsistency in RNAi efficacy, characterized by minimal effects on larval survival and gene expression levels in most instances despite strong published effects for the tested targets. One or multiple factors, including RNase activity in the gut, the cellular internalization and processing of RNA molecules, and the systemic dissemination of the RNAi signal, could be involved in this variability, all of which are barely understood in mosquitoes. The challenges identified in this study highlight the necessity for additional research into the underlying mechanisms of mosquito RNAi to develop more robust RNAi-based methodologies. Our findings emphasize the intricacies of RNAi application in mosquitoes, which present a substantial barrier to its utilization in genetic control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Henrique Figueiredo Prates
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Jakob Fiebig
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Henrik Schlosser
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Eleni Liapi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Tanja Rehling
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | | | - Jeremy Bouyer
- ASTRE, CIRAD, 34398 Montpellier, France (J.B.)
- ASTRE, CIRAD, INRAE, Univ. Montpellier, Plateforme Technologique CYROI, 97491 Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Qiang Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (Q.S.); (H.W.); (Z.X.)
| | - Han Wen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (Q.S.); (H.W.); (Z.X.)
| | - Zhiyong Xi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (Q.S.); (H.W.); (Z.X.)
| | - Marc F. Schetelig
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Irina Häcker
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
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Chen J, Wu Y, Chen J, Lu H, Cheng G, Tu ZJ, Liao C, Han Q. Roles of a newly lethal cuticular structural protein, AaCPR100A, and its upstream interaction protein, G12-like, in Aedes aegypti. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131704. [PMID: 38670198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes form a vital group of vector insects, which can transmit various diseases and filarial worms. The cuticle is a critical structure that protects mosquitoes from adverse environmental conditions and penetration resistance. Thus, cuticle proteins can be used as potential targets for controlling the mosquito population. In the present study, we found that AaCPR100A is a structural protein in the soft cuticle, which has flexibility and elasticity allowing insects to move or fly freely, of Aedes aegypti. RNA interference (RNAi) of AaCPR100A caused high mortality in Aedes aegypti larvae and adults and significantly decreased the egg hatching rate. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that the larval microstructure had no recognizable endocuticle in AaCPR100A-deficient mosquitoes. A yeast two-hybrid assay was performed to screen proteins interacting with AaCPR100A. We verified that the G12-like protein had the strongest interaction with AaCPR100A using yeast two-hybrid and GST pull-down assays. Knockdown of G12-like transcription resulted in high mortality in Ae. aegypti larvae, but not in adults. Interestingly, RNAi of G12-like rescued the high mortality of adults caused by decreased AaCPR100A expression. Additionally, adults treated with G12-like dsRNA were found to be sensitive to low temperature, and their eggshell formation and hatching were decreased. Overall, our results demonstrated that G12-like may interacts with AaCPR100A, and both G12-like and AaCPR100A are involved in Ae. aegypti cuticle development and eggshell formation. AaCPR100A and G12-like can thus be considered newly potential targets for controlling the Ae. aegypti mosquito.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Yuchen Wu
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Jiukai Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Haoran Lu
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gong Cheng
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhijian Jake Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and the Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Chenghong Liao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
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3
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Dikmen F, Dabak T, Özgişi BD, Özenirler Ç, Kuralay SC, Çay SB, Çınar YU, Obut O, Balcı MA, Akbaba P, Aksel EG, Zararsız G, Solares E, Eldem V. Transcriptome-wide analysis uncovers regulatory elements of the antennal transcriptome repertoire of bumblebee at different life stages. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38676460 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Bumblebees are crucial pollinators, providing essential ecosystem services and global food production. The success of pollination services relies on the interaction between sensory organs and the environment. The antenna functions as a versatile multi-sensory organ, pivotal in mediating chemosensory/olfactory information, and governs adaptive responses to environmental changes. Despite an increasing number of RNA-sequencing studies on insect antenna, comprehensive antennal transcriptome studies at the different life stages were not elucidated systematically. Here, we quantified the expression profile and dynamics of coding/microRNA genes of larval head and antennal tissues from early- and late-stage pupa to the adult of Bombus terrestris as suitable model organism among pollinators. We further performed Pearson correlation analyses on the gene expression profiles of the antennal transcriptome from larval head tissue to adult stages, exploring both positive and negative expression trends. The positively correlated coding genes were primarily enriched in sensory perception of chemical stimuli, ion transport, transmembrane transport processes and olfactory receptor activity. Negatively correlated genes were mainly enriched in organic substance biosynthesis and regulatory mechanisms underlying larval body patterning and the formation of juvenile antennal structures. As post-transcriptional regulators, miR-1000-5p, miR-13b-3p, miR-263-5p and miR-252-5p showed positive correlations, whereas miR-315-5p, miR-92b-3p, miR-137-3p, miR-11-3p and miR-10-3p exhibited negative correlations in antennal tissue. Notably, based on the inverse expression relationship, positively and negatively correlated microRNA (miRNA)-mRNA target pairs revealed that differentially expressed miRNAs predictively targeted genes involved in antennal development, shaping antennal structures and regulating antenna-specific functions. Our data serve as a foundation for understanding stage-specific antennal transcriptomes and large-scale comparative analysis of transcriptomes in different insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Dikmen
- Department of Biology, Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Tunç Dabak
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Onur Obut
- Department of Biology, Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Pınar Akbaba
- Department of Biology, Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Esma Gamze Aksel
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Genetics, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Gökmen Zararsız
- Department of Biostatistics, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Drug Application and Research Center (ERFARMA), Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Edwin Solares
- Computer Science & Engineering Department, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Vahap Eldem
- Department of Biology, Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
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4
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Palli SR. RNAi turns 25:contributions and challenges in insect science. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1209478. [PMID: 38469536 PMCID: PMC10926446 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1209478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1998, RNA interference (RNAi), a Nobel prize-winning technology, made significant contributions to advances in biology because of its ability to mediate the knockdown of specific target genes. RNAi applications in medicine and agriculture have been explored with mixed success. The past 25 years of research on RNAi resulted in advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of its action, target specificity, and differential efficiency among animals and plants. RNAi played a major role in advances in insect biology. Did RNAi technology fully meet insect pest and disease vector management expectations? This review will discuss recent advances in the mechanisms of RNAi and its contributions to insect science. The remaining challenges, including delivery to the target site, differential efficiency, potential resistance development and possible solutions for the widespread use of this technology in insect management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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5
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Vogel E, Santos D, Huygens C, Peeters P, Van den Brande S, Wynant N, Vanden Broeck J. The Study of Cell-Penetrating Peptides to Deliver dsRNA and siRNA by Feeding in the Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria. INSECTS 2023; 14:597. [PMID: 37504603 PMCID: PMC10380834 DOI: 10.3390/insects14070597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
RNA(i) interference is a gene silencing mechanism triggered by double-stranded (ds)RNA, which promises to contribute to species-specific insect pest control strategies. The first step toward the application of RNAi as an insecticide is to enable efficient gene silencing upon dsRNA oral delivery. The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria is a devastating agricultural pest. While this species is responsive to dsRNA delivered by intra-hemocoelic injection, it is refractory to orally delivered dsRNA. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of five cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to bind long dsRNA and protect it from the locust midgut environment. We then selected the CPP EB1 for further in vivo studies. EB1:dsRNA complexes failed to induce RNAi by feeding. Interestingly, we observed that intra-hemocoelic injection of small-interfering (si)RNAs does not result in a silencing response, but that this response can be obtained by injecting EB1:siRNA complexes. EB1 also protected siRNAs from midgut degradation activity. However, EB1:siRNA complexes failed as well in triggering RNAi when fed. Our findings highlight the complexity of the dsRNA/siRNA-triggered RNAi in this species and emphasize the multifactorial nature of the RNAi response in insects. Our study also stresses the importance of in vivo studies when it comes to dsRNA/siRNA delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Vogel
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dulce Santos
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cissy Huygens
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paulien Peeters
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stijn Van den Brande
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Niels Wynant
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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6
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Sandal S, Singh S, Bansal G, Kaur R, Mogilicherla K, Pandher S, Roy A, Kaur G, Rathore P, Kalia A. Nanoparticle-Shielded dsRNA Delivery for Enhancing RNAi Efficiency in Cotton Spotted Bollworm Earias vittella (Lepidoptera: Nolidae). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119161. [PMID: 37298113 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The spotted bollworm Earias vittella (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) is a polyphagous pest with enormous economic significance, primarily affecting cotton and okra. However, the lack of gene sequence information on this pest has a significant constraint on molecular investigations and the formulation of superior pest management strategies. An RNA-seq-based transcriptome study was conducted to alleviate such limitations, and de novo assembly was performed to obtain transcript sequences of this pest. Reference gene identification across E. vittella developmental stages and RNAi treatments were conducted using its sequence information, which resulted in identifying transcription elongation factor (TEF), V-type proton ATPase (V-ATPase), and Glyceraldehyde -3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as the most suitable reference genes for normalization in RT-qPCR-based gene expression studies. The present study also identified important developmental, RNAi pathway, and RNAi target genes and performed life-stage developmental expression analysis using RT-qPCR to select the optimal targets for RNAi. We found that naked dsRNA degradation in the E. vittella hemolymph is the primary reason for poor RNAi. A total of six genes including Juvenile hormone methyl transferase (JHAMT), Chitin synthase (CHS), Aminopeptidase (AMN), Cadherin (CAD), Alpha-amylase (AMY), and V-type proton ATPase (V-ATPase) were selected and knocked down significantly with three different nanoparticles encapsulated dsRNA conjugates, i.e., Chitosan-dsRNA, carbon quantum dots-dsRNA (CQD-dsRNA), and Lipofectamine-dsRNA conjugate. These results demonstrate that feeding nanoparticle-shielded dsRNA silences target genes and suggests that nanoparticle-based RNAi can efficiently manage this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelja Sandal
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala 140072, Punjab, India
| | - Satnam Singh
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Gulshan Bansal
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala 140072, Punjab, India
| | - Ramandeep Kaur
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Kanakachari Mogilicherla
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Suneet Pandher
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Amit Roy
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Gurmeet Kaur
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Pankaj Rathore
- Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Faridkot 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Anu Kalia
- Electron Microscopy and Nanoscience Laboratory, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141004, Punjab, India
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Müller R, Bálint M, Hardes K, Hollert H, Klimpel S, Knorr E, Kochmann J, Lee KZ, Mehring M, Pauls SU, Smets G, Steinbrink A, Vilcinskas A. RNA interference to combat the Asian tiger mosquito in Europe: A pathway from design of an innovative vector control tool to its application. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 66:108167. [PMID: 37164239 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is currently spreading across Europe, facilitated by climate change and global transportation. It is a vector of arboviruses causing human diseases such as chikungunya, dengue hemorrhagic fever and Zika fever. For the majority of these diseases, no vaccines or therapeutics are available. Options for the control of Ae. albopictus are limited by European regulations introduced to protect biodiversity by restricting or phasing out the use of pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or products of genome editing. Alternative solutions are thus urgently needed to avoid a future scenario in which Europe faces a choice between prioritizing human health or biodiversity when it comes to Aedes-vectored pathogens. To ensure regulatory compliance and public acceptance, these solutions should preferably not be based on chemicals or GMOs and must be cost-efficient and specific. The present review aims to synthesize available evidence on RNAi-based mosquito vector control and its potential for application in the European Union. The recent literature has identified some potential target sites in Ae. albopictus and formulations for delivery. However, we found little information concerning non-target effects on the environment or human health, on social aspects, regulatory frameworks, or on management perspectives. We propose optimal designs for RNAi-based vector control tools against Ae. albopictus (target product profiles), discuss their efficacy and reflect on potential risks to environmental health and the importance of societal aspects. The roadmap from design to application will provide readers with a comprehensive perspective on the application of emerging RNAi-based vector control tools for the suppression of Ae. albopictus populations with special focus on Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Müller
- Unit Entomology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 9, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Miklós Bálint
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Kornelia Hardes
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; BMBF Junior Research Group in Infection Research "ASCRIBE", Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Department Media-related Toxicity, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Integrative Parasitology and Zoophysiology, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eileen Knorr
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Judith Kochmann
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kwang-Zin Lee
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Marion Mehring
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; ISOE - Institute for Social-Ecological Research, Hamburger Allee 45, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Steffen U Pauls
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Greet Smets
- Perseus BV, Kortrijksesteenweg 127 B1, B-9830 Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium
| | - Antje Steinbrink
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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8
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Chen J, Wu YC, Chen JK, Zhu XJ, Merkler D, Liao CH, Han Q. Elongases of Long-Chain Fatty Acids ELO2 and ELO9 Are Involved in Cuticle Formation and Function in Fecundity in the Yellow Fever Mosquito, Aedes aegypti. INSECTS 2023; 14:189. [PMID: 36835758 PMCID: PMC9961117 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Long-chain fatty acid elongases (ELOs) play important roles in the metabolism of fatty acids in insects. In this study, the genes for two elongases from Aedes aegypti were identified, AeELO2 and AeELO9. Quantitative real time PCR showed that AeELO2 and AeELO9 are expressed at all developmental stages and some body parts, but with different expression patterns. RNAi-mediated knockdown of AeELO2 and AeELO9 was performed to investigate their roles in the development, growth, osmotic balance, and cold tolerance of Ae. aegypti. Knockdown of AeELO2 slowed larval growth and development by causing molting abnormalities. Additionally, 33% ± 3.3% of adults died during oviposition, accompanied by an abnormal extension of cuticles in AeELO2-dsRNA knockdown mosquitos. Knockdown of AeEL09 resulted in abnormal balance of cuticular osmotic pressure and a reduction in egg production. The maximal mRNAs of AeELO2 and AeELO9 were detected in eggs at 72 h after oviposition. Moreover, AeELO2 knockdown reduced the egg hatching rates and AeELO9 knockdown larvae did not develop well. In summary, AeELO2 is involved in larval molting and growth, and its knockdown affects the flexibility and elasticity of adult mosquito cuticles. AeELO9 regulates cold tolerance, osmotic balance, and egg development in Ae. aegypti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yu-Chen Wu
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jiu-Kai Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Zhu
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - David Merkler
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Cheng-Hong Liao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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9
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Vasquez DDN, Pinheiro DH, Teixeira LA, Moreira-Pinto CE, Macedo LLP, Salles-Filho ALO, Silva MCM, Lourenço-Tessutti IT, Morgante CV, Silva LP, Grossi-de-Sa MF. Simultaneous silencing of juvenile hormone metabolism genes through RNAi interrupts metamorphosis in the cotton boll weevil. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1073721. [PMID: 36950526 PMCID: PMC10025338 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1073721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The cotton boll weevil (CBW) (Anthonomus grandis) is one of the major insect pests of cotton in Brazil. Currently, CBW control is mainly achieved by insecticide application, which is costly and insufficient to ensure effective crop protection. RNA interference (RNAi) has been used in gene function analysis and the development of insect control methods. However, some insect species respond poorly to RNAi, limiting the widespread application of this approach. Therefore, nanoparticles have been explored as an option to increase RNAi efficiency in recalcitrant insects. Herein, we investigated the potential of chitosan-tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP) and polyethylenimine (PEI) nanoparticles as a dsRNA carrier system to improve RNAi efficiency in the CBW. Different formulations of the nanoparticles with dsRNAs targeting genes associated with juvenile hormone metabolism, such as juvenile hormone diol kinase (JHDK), juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH), and methyl farnesoate hydrolase (MFE), were tested. The formulations were delivered to CBW larvae through injection (0.05-2 µg), and the expression of the target genes was evaluated using RT-qPCR. PEI nanoparticles increased targeted gene silencing compared with naked dsRNAs (up to 80%), whereas CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticles decreased gene silencing (0%-20%) or led to the same level of gene silencing as the naked dsRNAs (up to 50%). We next evaluated the effects of targeting a single gene or simultaneously targeting two genes via the injection of naked dsRNAs or dsRNAs complexed with PEI (500 ng) on CBW survival and phenotypes. Overall, the gene expression analysis showed that the treatments with PEI targeting either a single gene or multiple genes induced greater gene silencing than naked dsRNA (∼60%). In addition, the injection of dsJHEH/JHDK, either naked or complexed with PEI, significantly affected CBW survival (18% for PEI nanoparticles and 47% for naked dsRNA) and metamorphosis. Phenotypic alterations, such as uncompleted pupation or malformed pupae, suggested that JHEH and JHDK are involved in developmental regulation. Moreover, CBW larvae treated with dsJHEH/JHDK + PEI (1,000 ng/g) exhibited significantly lower survival rate (55%) than those that were fed the same combination of naked dsRNAs (30%). Our findings demonstrated that PEI nanoparticles can be used as an effective tool for evaluating the biological role of target genes in the CBW as they increase the RNAi response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel D. N. Vasquez
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Lays A. Teixeira
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Embrapa Café, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo L. P. Macedo
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT PlantStress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Alvaro L. O. Salles-Filho
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Maria C. M. Silva
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT PlantStress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Isabela T. Lourenço-Tessutti
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT PlantStress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Carolina V. Morgante
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT PlantStress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasília, Brazil
- Embrapa SemiArid, Petrolina, Brazil
| | | | - Maria F. Grossi-de-Sa
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT PlantStress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasília, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Maria F. Grossi-de-Sa,
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10
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Hill SR, Taparia T, Ignell R. Regulation of the antennal transcriptome of the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti, during the first gonotrophic cycle. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:71. [PMID: 33478394 PMCID: PMC7821643 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07336-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the light of dengue being the fastest growing transmissible disease, there is a dire need to identify the mechanisms regulating the behaviour of the main vector Aedes aegypti. Disease transmission requires the female mosquito to acquire the pathogen from a blood meal during one gonotrophic cycle, and to pass it on in the next, and the capacity of the vector to maintain the disease relies on a sustained mosquito population. Results Using a comprehensive transcriptomic approach, we provide insight into the regulation of the odour-mediated host- and oviposition-seeking behaviours throughout the first gonotrophic cycle. We provide clear evidence that the age and state of the female affects antennal transcription differentially. Notably, the temporal- and state-dependent patterns of differential transcript abundance of chemosensory and neuromodulatory genes extends across families, and appears to be linked to concerted differential modulation by subsets of transcription factors. Conclusions By identifying these regulatory pathways, we provide a substrate for future studies targeting subsets of genes across disparate families involved in generating key vector behaviours, with the goal to develop novel vector control tools. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-020-07336-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Rose Hill
- Disease Vector Group, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 230 54, Alnarp, Sweden.
| | - Tanvi Taparia
- Disease Vector Group, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 230 54, Alnarp, Sweden.,Business Unit Biointeractions and Plant Health, Wageningen University and Research, AA, 6700, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rickard Ignell
- Disease Vector Group, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 230 54, Alnarp, Sweden
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11
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Duman-Scheel M. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Baker's Yeast) as an Interfering RNA Expression and Delivery System. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 20:942-952. [PMID: 30474529 PMCID: PMC6700756 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666181126123538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The broad application of RNA interference for disease prevention is dependent upon the production of dsRNA in an economically feasible, scalable, and sustainable fashion, as well as the identification of safe and effective methods for RNA delivery. Current research has sparked interest in the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for these applications. This review examines the potential for commercial development of yeast interfering RNA expression and delivery systems. S. cerevisiae is a genetic model organism that lacks a functional RNA interference system, which may make it an ideal system for expression and accumulation of high levels of recombinant interfering RNA. Moreover, recent studies in a variety of eukaryotic species suggest that this microbe may be an excellent and safe system for interfering RNA delivery. Key areas for further research and development include optimization of interfering RNA expression in S. cerevisiae, industrial-sized scaling of recombinant yeast cultures in which interfering RNA molecules are expressed, the development of methods for large-scale drying of yeast that preserve interfering RNA integrity, and identification of encapsulating agents that promote yeast stability in various environmental conditions. The genetic tractability of S. cerevisiae and a long history of using this microbe in both the food and pharmaceutical industry will facilitate further development of this promising new technology, which has many potential applications of medical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, United States
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12
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Gurusamy D, Mogilicherla K, Palli SR. Chitosan nanoparticles help double-stranded RNA escape from endosomes and improve RNA interference in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 104:e21677. [PMID: 32291818 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising technology for the development of next-generation insect pest control products. Though RNAi is efficient and systemic in coleopteran insects, it is inefficient and variable in lepidopteron insects. In this study, we explored the possibility of improving RNAi in the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda by conjugating double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) with biodegradable chitosan (Chi). dsRNA conjugated with chitosan was protected from degradation by endonucleases present in Sf9 cell-conditioned medium, hemolymph, and midgut lumen contents collected from the FAW larvae. Chi-dsRNA complexes showed reduced accumulation in the endosomes of Sf9 cells and FAW tissues. Exposing chitosan formulated dsRNA in Sf9 cells and the tissues induced a significant knockdown of endogenous genes. Chi-dsIAP fed to FAW larvae induced knockdown of iap gene, growth retardation, and mortality. Processing of dsRNA into small interfering RNA was detected with chitosan-conjugated 32 P-UTP-labeled ds green fluorescent protein in Sf9 cells and FAW larval tissues. Overall, these data suggest that dsRNA conjugated with chitosan helps dsRNA escape from the endosomes and improves RNAi efficiency in FAW cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Subba R Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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13
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Munawar K, Alahmed AM, Khalil SMS. Delivery Methods for RNAi in Mosquito Larvae. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2020; 20:5877674. [PMID: 32725159 PMCID: PMC7387866 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito-transmitted diseases pose a threat for a great portion of the world population. Chemical insecticides are the main tool for mosquito control. Heavy dependence on chemicals created several problems such as resistance development in many mosquito species, environmental effects, and human health issues. Other tools for mosquito control were developed and used in some parts of the world. Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) is a reverse genetic mechanism that was recently introduced as a new tool for pest control. Regarding mosquito, RNAi was used to study gene function and to discover genes that can be used as targets for control purposes. Several delivery methods are used to induce RNAi in mosquito larvae. Some methods such as injection and soaking are used routinely in RNAi research but have no application in the field. Other methods such as nanoparticles and microbes have some characteristics that make them good candidates for field application. In this report, we will focus on delivery methods for RNAi in mosquito larvae and will give examples for each method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashif Munawar
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azzam M Alahmed
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sayed M S Khalil
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
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14
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Hill SR, Ghaninia M, Ignell R. Blood Meal Induced Regulation of Gene Expression in the Maxillary Palps, a Chemosensory Organ of the Mosquito Aedes aegypti. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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15
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Chen J, Lu HR, Zhang L, Liao CH, Han Q. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde synthase affects larval development and adult survival in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:311. [PMID: 31234914 PMCID: PMC6591897 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3568-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cuticle is an indispensable structure that protects the mosquito against adverse environmental conditions and prevents pathogen entry. While most cuticles are hard and rigid, some parts of cuticle are soft and flexible to allow movement and blood-feeding. It has been reported that 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL) synthase is associated with flexible cuticle formation in Aedes aegypti. However, the molecular function of DOPAL synthase in the ontogenesis of mosquito remains largely unknown. In this study, we characterized gene expression profiles of DOPAL synthase and investigated its functions in larvae and female adults of Aedes agypti by RNAi. RESULTS Our results suggest that the expression of DOPAL synthase is different during development and the transcriptional level reached its peak at the female white pupal stage, and DOPAL synthase was more highly expressed in the cuticle and midgut than other tissues in the adult. The development process from larva to pupa was slowed down strikingly by feeding the first-instar larvae with chitosan/DOPAL synthase dsRNA nanoparticles. A qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that the dsRNA-mediated transcription of the DOPAL synthase was reduced > 50% in fourth-instar larvae. Meanwhile, larval molt was abnormal during development. Transmission electron microscopy results indicated that the formation of endocuticle and exocuticle was blocked. In addition, we detected that the dsDOPAL synthase RNA caused significant mortality when injected into the female adult mosquitoes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that DOPAL synthase plays a critical role in mosquito larval development and adult survival and suggest that DOPAL synthase could be a good candidate gene in RNAi intervention strategies in mosquito control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.,Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Hao-Ran Lu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.,Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.,Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Cheng-Hong Liao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China. .,Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
| | - Qian Han
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China. .,Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
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16
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Vogel E, Santos D, Mingels L, Verdonckt TW, Broeck JV. RNA Interference in Insects: Protecting Beneficials and Controlling Pests. Front Physiol 2019; 9:1912. [PMID: 30687124 PMCID: PMC6336832 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects constitute the largest and most diverse group of animals on Earth with an equally diverse virome. The main antiviral immune system of these animals is the post-transcriptional gene-silencing mechanism known as RNA(i) interference. Furthermore, this process can be artificially triggered via delivery of gene-specific double-stranded RNA molecules, leading to specific endogenous gene silencing. This is called RNAi technology and has important applications in several fields. In this paper, we review RNAi mechanisms in insects as well as the potential of RNAi technology to contribute to species-specific insecticidal strategies. Regarding this aspect, we cover the range of strategies considered and investigated so far, as well as their limitations and the most promising approaches to overcome them. Additionally, we discuss patterns of viral infection, specifically persistent and acute insect viral infections. In the latter case, we focus on infections affecting economically relevant species. Within this scope, we review the use of insect-specific viruses as bio-insecticides. Last, we discuss RNAi-based strategies to protect beneficial insects from harmful viral infections and their potential practical application. As a whole, this manuscript stresses the impact of insect viruses and RNAi technology in human life, highlighting clear lines of investigation within an exciting and promising field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Vogel
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dulce Santos
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lina Mingels
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas-Wolf Verdonckt
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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17
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Mysore K, Hapairai LK, Wei N, Realey JS, Scheel ND, Severson DW, Duman-Scheel M. Preparation and Use of a Yeast shRNA Delivery System for Gene Silencing in Mosquito Larvae. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1858:213-231. [PMID: 30414120 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8775-7_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mosquito genome projects facilitated research in new facets of mosquito biology, including functional genetic studies in the dengue and Zika virus vector Aedes aegypti and the primary African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. RNA interference (RNAi) has facilitated gene silencing experiments in both of these disease vector mosquito species and could one day be applied as a new method of vector control. Here, we describe a procedure for the genetic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) that express short hairpin RNA (shRNA) corresponding to mosquito target genes of interest. Following cultivation, which facilitates inexpensive propagation of shRNA, the yeast is inactivated and prepared in a ready-to-use dry tablet formulation that is fed to mosquito larvae. Ingestion of the yeast tablets results in effective larval target gene silencing. This technically straightforward and affordable technique may be applicable to a wide variety of mosquito species and potentially to other arthropods that feed on yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshava Mysore
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Limb K Hapairai
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Na Wei
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Jacob S Realey
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Nicholas D Scheel
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - David W Severson
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, USA.
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
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18
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Mysore K, Li P, Duman-Scheel M. Identification of Aedes aegypti cis-regulatory elements that promote gene expression in olfactory receptor neurons of distantly related dipteran insects. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:406. [PMID: 29996889 PMCID: PMC6042464 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2982-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sophisticated tools for manipulation of gene expression in select neurons, including neurons that regulate sexually dimorphic behaviors, are increasingly available for analysis of genetic model organisms. However, we lack comparable genetic tools for analysis of non-model organisms, including Aedes aegypti, a vector mosquito which displays sexually dimorphic behaviors that contribute to pathogen transmission. Formaldehyde-assisted isolation of regulatory elements followed by sequencing (FAIRE-seq) recently facilitated genome-wide discovery of putative A. aegypti cis-regulatory elements (CREs), many of which could be used to manipulate gene expression in mosquito neurons and other tissues. The goal of this investigation was to identify FAIRE DNA elements that promote gene expression in the olfactory system, a tissue of vector importance. Results Eight A. aegypti CREs that promote gene expression in antennal olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) were identified in a Drosophila melanogaster transgenic reporter screen. Four CREs identified in the screen were cloned upstream of GAL4 in a transgenic construct that is compatible with transformation of a variety of insect species. These constructs, which contained FAIRE DNA elements associated with the A. aegypti odorant coreceptor (orco), odorant receptor 1 (Or1), odorant receptor 8 (Or8) and fruitless (fru) genes, were used for transformation of A. aegypti. Six A. aegypti strains, including strains displaying transgene expression in all ORNs, subsets of these neurons, or in a sex-specific fashion, were isolated. The CREs drove transgene expression in A. aegypti that corresponded to endogenous gene expression patterns of the orco, Or1, Or8 and fru genes in the mosquito antenna. CRE activity in A. aegypti was found to be comparable to that observed in D. melanogaster reporter assays. Conclusions These results provide further evidence that FAIRE-seq, which can be paired with D. melanogaster reporter screening to test FAIRE DNA element activity in select tissues, is a useful method for identification of mosquito cis-regulatory elements. These findings expand the genetic toolkit available for the study of Aedes neurobiology. Moreover, given that the CREs drive comparable olfactory neural expression in both A. aegypti and D. melanogaster, it is likely that they may function similarly in multiple dipteran insects, including other disease vector mosquito species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshava Mysore
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA. .,The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA. .,Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
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19
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Kumar D, Gong C. Insect RNAi: Integrating a New Tool in the Crop Protection Toolkit. TRENDS IN INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2017. [PMCID: PMC7121382 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-61343-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Protecting crops against insect pests is a major focus area in crop protection. Over the past two decades, biotechnological interventions, especially Bt proteins, have been successfully implemented across the world and have had major impacts on reducing chemical pesticide applications. As insects continue to adapt to insecticides, both chemical and protein-based, new methods, molecules, and modes of action are necessary to provide sustainable solutions. RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a significant tool to knock down or alter gene expression profiles in a species-specific manner. In the past decade, there has been intense research on RNAi applications in crop protection. This chapter looks at the current state of knowledge in the field and outlines the methodology, delivery methods, and precautions required in designing targets. Assessing the targeting of specific gene expression is also an important part of a successful RNAi strategy. The current literature on the use of RNAi in major orders of insect pests is reviewed, along with a perspective on the regulatory aspects of the approach. Risk assessment of RNAi would focus on molecular characterization, food/feed risk assessment, and environmental risk assessment. As more RNAi-based products come through regulatory systems, either via direct application or plant expression based, the impact of this approach on crop protection will become clearer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chengliang Gong
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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20
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Mysore K, Hapairai LK, Sun L, Harper EI, Chen Y, Eggleson KK, Realey JS, Scheel ND, Severson DW, Wei N, Duman-Scheel M. Yeast interfering RNA larvicides targeting neural genes induce high rates of Anopheles larval mortality. Malar J 2017; 16:461. [PMID: 29132374 PMCID: PMC5683233 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-2112-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although larviciding can reduce the number of outdoor biting malaria vector mosquitoes, which may help to prevent residual malaria transmission, the current larvicide repertoire is faced with great challenges to sustainability. The identification of new effective, economical, and biorational larvicides could facilitate maintenance and expansion of the practice of larviciding in integrated malaria vector mosquito control programmes. Interfering RNA molecules represent a novel class of larvicides with untapped potential for sustainable mosquito control. This investigation tested the hypothesis that short interfering RNA molecules can be used as mosquito larvicides. Results A small interfering RNA (siRNA) screen for larval lethal genes identified siRNAs corresponding to the Anopheles gambiae suppressor of actin (Sac1), leukocyte receptor complex member (lrc), and offtrack (otk) genes. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) was engineered to produce short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) for silencing of these genes. Feeding larvae with the engineered yeasts resulted in silenced target gene expression, a severe loss of neural synapses in the larval brain, and high levels of larval mortality. The larvicidal activities of yeast interfering RNA larvicides were retained following heat inactivation and drying of the yeast into user-friendly tablet formulations that induced up to 100% larval mortality in laboratory trials. Conclusions Ready-to-use dried inactivated yeast interfering RNA larvicide tablets may someday be an effective and inexpensive addition to malaria mosquito control programmes and a valuable, biorational tool for addressing residual malaria transmission. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-017-2112-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshava Mysore
- Dept. of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, 46530, USA.,The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Limb K Hapairai
- Dept. of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, 46530, USA.,The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Longhua Sun
- The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Dept. of Biological Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Elizabeth I Harper
- Dept. of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, 46530, USA.,The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Yingying Chen
- The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Kathleen K Eggleson
- The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Dept. of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, 46530, USA
| | - Jacob S Realey
- Dept. of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, 46530, USA.,The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Nicholas D Scheel
- The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Dept. of Biological Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - David W Severson
- Dept. of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, 46530, USA.,The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Dept. of Biological Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Na Wei
- The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.,Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Dept. of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, 46530, USA. .,The University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA. .,Dept. of Biological Sciences, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
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21
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Hapairai LK, Mysore K, Chen Y, Harper EI, Scheel MP, Lesnik AM, Sun L, Severson DW, Wei N, Duman-Scheel M. Lure-and-Kill Yeast Interfering RNA Larvicides Targeting Neural Genes in the Human Disease Vector Mosquito Aedes aegypti. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13223. [PMID: 29038510 PMCID: PMC5643370 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13566-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
New mosquito control strategies are vitally needed to address established arthropod-borne infectious diseases such as dengue and yellow fever and emerging diseases such as Zika and chikungunya, all of which are transmitted by the disease vector mosquito Aedes aegypti. In this investigation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) was engineered to produce short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) corresponding to the Aedes aegypti orthologs of fasciculation and elongation protein zeta 2 (fez2) and leukocyte receptor cluster (lrc) member, two genes identified in a recent screen for A. aegypti larval lethal genes. Feeding A. aegypti with the engineered yeasts resulted in silenced target gene expression, disrupted neural development, and highly significant larval mortality. Larvicidal activities were retained following heat inactivation and drying of the yeast into tabular formulations that induced >95% mortality and were found to attract adult females to oviposit. These ready-to-use inactivated yeast interfering RNA tablets may one day facilitate the seamless integration of this new class of lure-and-kill species-specific biorational mosquito larvicides into integrated mosquito control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limb K Hapairai
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, South Bend, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Keshava Mysore
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, South Bend, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Yingying Chen
- The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Elizabeth I Harper
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, South Bend, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Max P Scheel
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, South Bend, IN, USA
| | - Alexandra M Lesnik
- The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Longhua Sun
- The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - David W Severson
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, South Bend, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Na Wei
- The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA.,The University of Notre Dame Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, South Bend, IN, USA. .,The University of Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, IN, USA. .,The University of Notre Dame Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
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22
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Lerche-Jørgensen M, Willemoes M, Tøttrup AP, Snell KRS, Thorup K. No apparent gain from continuing migration for more than 3000 kilometres: willow warblers breeding in Denmark winter across the entire northern Savannah as revealed by geolocators. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2017; 5:17. [PMID: 28861271 PMCID: PMC5576281 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-017-0109-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For most Afro-Palearctic migrants, particularly small songbirds, spatiotemporal migration schedules and migratory connectivity remain poorly understood. We mapped migration from breeding through winter of one of the smallest Afro-Palearctic migrants, the willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus, using geolocators (n = 15). RESULTS Birds migrated from North European breeding grounds to West Africa via the Iberian Peninsula following a narrow corridor along the West Coast of Africa. Birds then dispersed across the northern Savannah with termination of migration highly variable among individuals. The termination of migration appeared not to be related to timing, current and previous years' vegetation conditions or biometrics. During winter, most birds moved southwards to improved vegetation. CONCLUSION The willow warblers showed a large, unexpected longitudinal spread in winter sites of more than 3000 km between individuals breeding within a 500 m range resulting in a low degree of connectivity. The large wintering area may well be related to generalist behaviour in the species. Our findings contribute to understanding the link between breeding and wintering ecology in long-distance migratory birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Lerche-Jørgensen
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Willemoes
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders P. Tøttrup
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katherine Rachel Scotchburn Snell
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Thorup
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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23
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Airs PM, Bartholomay LC. RNA Interference for Mosquito and Mosquito-Borne Disease Control. INSECTS 2017; 8:E4. [PMID: 28067782 PMCID: PMC5371932 DOI: 10.3390/insects8010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool to silence endogenous mosquito and mosquito-borne pathogen genes in vivo. As the number of studies utilizing RNAi in basic research grows, so too does the arsenal of physiological targets that can be developed into products that interrupt mosquito life cycles and behaviors and, thereby, relieve the burden of mosquitoes on human health and well-being. As this technology becomes more viable for use in beneficial and pest insect management in agricultural settings, it is exciting to consider its role in public health entomology. Existing and burgeoning strategies for insecticide delivery could be adapted to function as RNAi trigger delivery systems and thereby expedite transformation of RNAi from the lab to the field for mosquito control. Taken together, development of RNAi-based vector and pathogen management techniques & strategies are within reach. That said, tools for successful RNAi design, studies exploring RNAi in the context of vector control, and studies demonstrating field efficacy of RNAi trigger delivery have yet to be honed and/or developed for mosquito control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Airs
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Lyric C Bartholomay
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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24
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Joga MR, Zotti MJ, Smagghe G, Christiaens O. RNAi Efficiency, Systemic Properties, and Novel Delivery Methods for Pest Insect Control: What We Know So Far. Front Physiol 2016; 7:553. [PMID: 27909411 PMCID: PMC5112363 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the research on the potential of using RNA interference (RNAi) to suppress crop pests has made an outstanding growth. However, given the variability of RNAi efficiency that is observed in many insects, the development of novel approaches toward insect pest management using RNAi requires first to unravel factors behind the efficiency of dsRNA-mediated gene silencing. In this review, we explore essential implications and possibilities to increase RNAi efficiency by delivery of dsRNA through non-transformative methods. We discuss factors influencing the RNAi mechanism in insects and systemic properties of dsRNA. Finally, novel strategies to deliver dsRNA are discussed, including delivery by symbionts, plant viruses, trunk injections, root soaking, and transplastomic plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallikarjuna R Joga
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University Gent, Belgium
| | - Moises J Zotti
- Department of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal University of Pelotas Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University Gent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University Gent, Belgium
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25
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Regna K, Harrison RM, Heyse SA, Chiles TC, Michel K, Muskavitch MAT. RNAi Trigger Delivery into Anopheles gambiae Pupae. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 27023367 PMCID: PMC4828232 DOI: 10.3791/53738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi), a naturally occurring phenomenon in eukaryotic organisms, is an extremely valuable tool that can be utilized in the laboratory for functional genomic studies. The ability to knockdown individual genes selectively via this reverse genetic technique has allowed many researchers to rapidly uncover the biological roles of numerous genes within many organisms, by evaluation of loss-of-function phenotypes. In the major human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, the predominant method used to reduce the function of targeted genes involves injection of double-stranded (dsRNA) into the hemocoel of the adult mosquito. While this method has been successful, gene knockdown in adults excludes the functional assessment of genes that are expressed and potentially play roles during pre-adult stages, as well as genes that are expressed in limited numbers of cells in adult mosquitoes. We describe a method for the injection of Serine Protease Inhibitor 2 (SRPN2) dsRNA during the early pupal stage and validate SRPN2 protein knockdown by observing decreased target protein levels and the formation of melanotic pseudo-tumors in SRPN2 knockdown adult mosquitoes. This evident phenotype has been described previously for adult stage knockdown of SRPN2 function, and we have recapitulated this adult phenotype by SRPN2 knockdown initiated during pupal development. When used in conjunction with a dye-labeled dsRNA solution, this technique enables easy visualization by simple light microscopy of injection quality and distribution of dsRNA in the hemocoel.
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26
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Ramesh Kumar D, Saravana Kumar P, Gandhi MR, Al-Dhabi NA, Paulraj MG, Ignacimuthu S. Delivery of chitosan/dsRNA nanoparticles for silencing of wing development vestigial (vg) gene in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Int J Biol Macromol 2016; 86:89-95. [PMID: 26794313 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has been used as a gene silencing strategy by the introduction of long double stranded RNA (dsRNA) for the control of pest insects. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the expression of vg gene which is responsible for wing development, can be repressed by chitosan/dsRNA based nanoparticles in Aedes aegypti. The vestigial gene (vg) was amplified from adult mosquito and cloned in pLitmus28i vector. Genetically engineered recombinant plasmid was transformed into RNase III deficient strain for synthesis of bacterially expressed dsRNA. Nanoparticles were prepared via electrostatic interaction between cationic polymer chitosan and anionic nucleic acids (dsRNA). The formation of chitosan/dsRNAnanoparticles and their size were confirmed by Atomic force microscopy (AFM). Chitosan/dsRNA mediated knockdown of Enhanced Green Fluorescence Protein (EGFP) was demonstrated in Sf21 cells. Further, we tested whether such an approach could be used to target vg gene in Ae. aegypti. The results showed that chitosan/dsRNA caused significant mortality, delayed growth development and caused adult wing-malformation. A qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that the chitosan/dsRNA mediated transcriptional level was downregulated. Our findings suggest that vg gene intervention strategies through RNAi can emerge as viable option for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ramesh Kumar
- Aquatic animal health and environment division, Central institute of brackishwater aquaculture, Chennai 600028, India; Division of Microbiology and Molecular biology, Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai 600 034, India
| | - P Saravana Kumar
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular biology, Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai 600 034, India
| | - M Rajiv Gandhi
- Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai 600 034, India
| | - Naif Abdullah Al-Dhabi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Gabriel Paulraj
- Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai 600 034, India
| | - S Ignacimuthu
- Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai 600 034, India; Visiting Professor Program, Deanship of Scientific Research, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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27
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Abstract
Sexual dimorphism, a poorly understood but crucial aspect of vector mosquito biology, encompasses sex-specific physical, physiological, and behavioral traits related to mosquito reproduction. The study of mosquito sexual dimorphism has largely focused on analysis of the differences between adult female and male mosquitoes, particularly with respect to sex-specific behaviors related to disease transmission. However, sexually dimorphic behaviors are the products of differential gene expression that initiates during development and therefore must also be studied during development. Recent technical advancements are facilitating functional genetic studies in the dengue vector Aedes aegypti, an emerging model for mosquito development. These methodologies, many of which could be extended to other non-model insect species, are facilitating analysis of the development of sexual dimorphism in neural tissues, particularly the olfactory system. These studies are providing insight into the neurodevelopmental genetic basis for sexual dimorphism in vector mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, Indiana, USA; Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Zainulabeuddin Syed
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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28
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Zhang Q, Hua G, Adang MJ. Chitosan/DsiRNA nanoparticle targeting identifies AgCad1 cadherin in Anopheles gambiae larvae as an in vivo receptor of Cry11Ba toxin of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. jegathesan. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 60:33-38. [PMID: 25758367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The Cry11Ba protein of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. jegathesan crystals has uniquely high toxicity against a spectrum of mosquito species. The high potency of Cry11Ba against Anopheles gambiae is caused by recognition of multiple midgut proteins including glycosyl phosphatidylinositol-anchored alkaline phosphatase AgALP1, aminopeptidase AgAPN2, α-amylase AgAmy1 and α-glucosidase Agm3 that bind Cry11Ba with high affinity and function as putative receptors. The cadherin AgCad2 in An. gambiae larvae also binds Cry11Ba with high affinity (Kd = 12 nM) and is considered a putative receptor, while cadherin AgCad1 bound Cry11Ba with low affinity (Kd = 766 nM), a property not supportive for a Cry11Ba receptor role. Here, we show the in vivo involvement of AgCad1 in Cry11Ba toxicity in An. gambiae larvae using chitosan/DsiRNA nanoparticles to inhibit AgCad expression in larvae. Cry11Ba was significantly less toxic to AgCad1-silenced larvae than to control larvae. Because AgCad1 was co-suppressed by AgCad2 DsRNAi, the involvement of AgCad2 in Cry11Ba toxicity could not be ascertained. The ratio of AgCad1:AgCad2 transcript level is 36:1 for gut tissue in 4th instar larvae. Silencing AgCad expression had no effect on transcript levels of other binding receptors of Cry11Ba. We conclude that AgCad1 and possibly AgCad2 in An. gambiae larvae are functional receptors of Cry11Ba toxin in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-2603, USA
| | - Gang Hua
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-2603, USA
| | - Michael J Adang
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-2603, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-2603, USA.
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29
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Zhang X, Mysore K, Flannery E, Michel K, Severson DW, Zhu KY, Duman-Scheel M. Chitosan/interfering RNA nanoparticle mediated gene silencing in disease vector mosquito larvae. J Vis Exp 2015:52523. [PMID: 25867635 PMCID: PMC4401390 DOI: 10.3791/52523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector mosquitoes inflict more human suffering than any other organism-and kill more than one million people each year. The mosquito genome projects facilitated research in new facets of mosquito biology, including functional genetic studies in the primary African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae and the dengue and yellow fever vector Aedes aegypti. RNA interference- (RNAi-) mediated gene silencing has been used to target genes of interest in both of these disease vector mosquito species. Here, we describe a procedure for preparation of chitosan/interfering RNA nanoparticles that are combined with food and ingested by larvae. This technically straightforward, high-throughput, and relatively inexpensive methodology, which is compatible with long double stranded RNA (dsRNA) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules, has been used for the successful knockdown of a number of different genes in A. gambiae and A. aegypti larvae. Following larval feedings, knockdown, which is verified through qRT-PCR or in situ hybridization, can persist at least through the late pupal stage. This methodology may be applicable to a wide variety of mosquito and other insect species, including agricultural pests, as well as other non-model organisms. In addition to its utility in the research laboratory, in the future, chitosan, an inexpensive, non-toxic and biodegradable polymer, could potentially be utilized in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University
| | - Keshava Mysore
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine; Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame
| | - Ellen Flannery
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame
| | | | - David W Severson
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine; Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame;
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30
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Examination of the genetic basis for sexual dimorphism in the Aedes aegypti (dengue vector mosquito) pupal brain. Biol Sex Differ 2014; 5:10. [PMID: 25729562 PMCID: PMC4342991 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-014-0010-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most animal species exhibit sexually dimorphic behaviors, many of which are linked to reproduction. A number of these behaviors, including blood feeding in female mosquitoes, contribute to the global spread of vector-borne illnesses. However, knowledge concerning the genetic basis of sexually dimorphic traits is limited in any organism, including mosquitoes, especially with respect to differences in the developing nervous system. Methods Custom microarrays were used to examine global differences in female vs. male gene expression in the developing pupal head of the dengue vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti. The spatial expression patterns of a subset of differentially expressed transcripts were examined in the developing female vs. male pupal brain through in situ hybridization experiments. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown studies were used to assess the putative role of Doublesex, a terminal component of the sex determination pathway, in the regulation of sex-specific gene expression observed in the developing pupal brain. Results Transcripts (2,527), many of which were linked to proteolysis, the proteasome, metabolism, catabolic, and biosynthetic processes, ion transport, cell growth, and proliferation, were found to be differentially expressed in A. aegypti female vs. male pupal heads. Analysis of the spatial expression patterns for a subset of dimorphically expressed genes in the pupal brain validated the data set and also facilitated the identification of brain regions with dimorphic gene expression. In many cases, dimorphic gene expression localized to the optic lobe. Sex-specific differences in gene expression were also detected in the antennal lobe and mushroom body. siRNA-mediated gene targeting experiments demonstrated that Doublesex, a transcription factor with consensus binding sites located adjacent to many dimorphically expressed transcripts that function in neural development, is required for regulation of sex-specific gene expression in the developing A. aegypti brain. Conclusions These studies revealed sex-specific gene expression profiles in the developing A. aegypti pupal head and identified Doublesex as a key regulator of sexually dimorphic gene expression during mosquito neural development.
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31
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Mysore K, Flannery E, Leming MT, Tomchaney M, Shi L, Sun L, O'Tousa JE, Severson DW, Duman-Scheel M. Role of semaphorin-1a in the developing visual system of the disease vector mosquito Aedes aegypti. Dev Dyn 2014; 243:1457-69. [PMID: 25045063 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the devastating impact of mosquito-borne illnesses on human health, very little is known about mosquito developmental biology, including development of the mosquito visual system. Mosquitoes possess functional adult compound eyes as larvae, a trait that makes them an interesting model in which to study comparative developmental genetics. Here, we functionally characterize visual system development in the dengue and yellow fever vector mosquito Aedes aegypti, in which we use chitosan/siRNA nanoparticles to target the axon guidance gene semaphorin-1a (sema1a). RESULTS Immunohistochemical analyses revealed the progression of visual sensory neuron targeting that results in generation of the retinotopic map in the mosquito optic lobe. Loss of sema1a function led to optic lobe phenotypes, including defective targeting of visual sensory neurons and failed formation of the retinotopic map. These sema1a knockdown phenotypes correlated with behavioral defects in larval photoavoidance. CONCLUSIONS The results of this investigation indicate that Sema1a is required for optic lobe development in A. aegypti and highlight the behavioral importance of a functioning visual system in preadult mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshava Mysore
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, South Bend, Indiana; Eck Institute for Global Health, Brownson Hall, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
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