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Chen Y, De Schutter K. Biosafety aspects of RNAi-based pests control. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38520331 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
While the overuse of classical chemical pesticides has had a detrimental impact on the environment and human health, the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) offered the opportunity to develop new and sustainable approaches for pest management. RNAi is a naturally occurring regulation and defense mechanism that can be exploited to effectively protect crops by silencing key genes affecting the growth, development, behavior or fecundity of pests. However, as with all technologies, there is a range of potential risks and challenges associated with the application of RNAi, such as dsRNA stability, the potential for off-target effects, the safety of non-target organisms, and other application challenges. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in RNAi and in-depth discussion and analysis of these associated safety risks, is required to limit or mitigate potential adverse effects. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Chen
- Molecular Entomology Lab, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristof De Schutter
- Molecular Entomology Lab, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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2
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Ortolá B, Daròs JA. RNA Interference in Insects: From a Natural Mechanism of Gene Expression Regulation to a Biotechnological Crop Protection Promise. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:137. [PMID: 38534407 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Insect pests rank among the major limiting factors in agricultural production worldwide. In addition to direct effect on crops, some phytophagous insects are efficient vectors for plant disease transmission. Large amounts of conventional insecticides are required to secure food production worldwide, with a high impact on the economy and environment, particularly when beneficial insects are also affected by chemicals that frequently lack the desired specificity. RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural mechanism gene expression regulation and protection against exogenous and endogenous genetic elements present in most eukaryotes, including insects. Molecules of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) or highly structured RNA are the substrates of cellular enzymes to produce several types of small RNAs (sRNAs), which play a crucial role in targeting sequences for transcriptional or post-transcriptional gene silencing. The relatively simple rules that underlie RNAi regulation, mainly based in Watson-Crick complementarity, have facilitated biotechnological applications based on these cellular mechanisms. This includes the promise of using engineered dsRNA molecules, either endogenously produced in crop plants or exogenously synthesized and applied onto crops, as a new generation of highly specific, sustainable, and environmentally friendly insecticides. Fueled on this expectation, this article reviews current knowledge about the RNAi pathways in insects, and some other applied questions such as production and delivery of recombinant RNA, which are critical to establish RNAi as a reliable technology for insect control in crop plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beltrán Ortolá
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - José-Antonio Daròs
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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3
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Li H, Mo J, Wang X, Pan B, Xu S, Li S, Zheng X, Lu W. IPS (In-Plant System) Delivery of Double-Stranded Vitellogenin and Vitellogenin receptor via Hydroponics for Pest Control in Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119497. [PMID: 37298448 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119497] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Diaphorina citri, a vector of citrus huanglongbing (HLB) disease, frequently leads to HLB outbreaks and reduces Rutaceae crop production. Recent studies have investigated the effects of RNA interference (RNAi) targeting the Vitellogenin (Vg4) and Vitellogenin receptor (VgR) genes, which are involved in egg formation in this pest, providing a theoretical foundation for developing new strategies to manage D. citri populations. This study presents RNAi methods for Vg4 and VgR gene expression interference and reveals that dsVgR is more effective than dsVg4 against D. citri. We demonstrated that dsVg4 and dsVgR persisted for 3-6 days in Murraya odorifera shoots when delivered via the in-plant system (IPS) and effectively interfered with Vg4 and VgR gene expression. Following Vg4 and VgR gene expression interference, egg length and width in the interference group were significantly smaller than those in the negative control group during the 10-30-day development stages. Additionally, the proportion of mature ovarian eggs in the interference group was significantly lower than that in the negative control group at the 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30-day developmental stages. DsVgR notably suppresses oviposition in D. citri, with fecundity decreasing by 60-70%. These results provide a theoretical basis for controlling D. citri using RNAi to mitigate the spread of HLB disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailin Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Junlan Mo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Biqiong Pan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Shu Xu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Shuangrong Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xialin Zheng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Wen Lu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
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4
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Kebede M, Fite T. RNA interference (RNAi) applications to the management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Its current trends and future prospects. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:944774. [PMID: 36158573 PMCID: PMC9490220 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.944774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is among the invasive insect pests that damages maize and sorghum, the high-priority crops in newly colonized agro-ecologies, including African contexts. Owing to the increasing infestation of the pest and the limitations of current conventional methods for its management, there is a call for discovering advanced pest management approaches. RNA interference (RNAi) is an emerging molecular tool showing flexible potential for the management of S. frugiperda. We conducted a search of the recent application of RNAi literature using Google Scholar and Mendeley to find advanced papers on S. frugiperda management using RNAi molecular tools that led to growth inhibition, developmental aberrations, reduced fecundity, and mortality, mainly by disruption of normal biological processes of the pest. Although efforts have been made to accelerate the utility of RNAi, many factors limit the efficiency of RNAi to achieve successful control over S. frugiperda. Owing to RNAi’s potential bioactivity and economic and ecological acceptability, continued research efforts should focus on improving its broad applicability, including field conditions. Screening and identification of key target genes should be a priority task to achieve effective and sustainable management of this insect via RNAi. In addition, a clear understanding of the present status of RNAi utilization in S. frugiperda management is of paramount importance to improve its efficiency. Therefore, in this review, we highlight the biology of S. frugiperda and the RNAi mechanism as a foundation for the molecular management of the pest. Then, we discuss the current knowledge of the RNAi approach in S. frugiperda management and the factors affecting the efficiency of RNAi application. Finally, the prospects for RNAi-based insect pest management are highlighted for future research to achieve effective management of S. frugiperda.
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Nitnavare RB, Bhattacharya J, Singh S, Kour A, Hawkesford MJ, Arora N. Next Generation dsRNA-Based Insect Control: Success So Far and Challenges. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:673576. [PMID: 34733295 PMCID: PMC8558349 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.673576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a method of gene silencing where dsRNA is digested into small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the presence of enzymes. These siRNAs then target homologous mRNA sequences aided by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). The mechanism of dsRNA uptake has been well studied and established across many living organisms including insects. In insects, RNAi is a novel and potential tool to develop future pest management means targeting various classes of insects including dipterans, coleopterans, hemipterans, lepidopterans, hymenopterans and isopterans. However, the extent of RNAi in individual class varies due to underlying mechanisms. The present review focuses on three major insect classes viz hemipterans, lepidopterans and coleopterans and the rationale behind this lies in the fact that studies pertaining to RNAi has been extensively performed in these groups. Additionally, these classes harbour major agriculturally important pest species which require due attention. Interestingly, all the three classes exhibit varying levels of RNAi efficiencies with the coleopterans exhibiting maximum response, while hemipterans are relatively inefficient. Lepidopterans on the other hand, show minimum response to RNAi. This has been attributed to many facts and few important being endosomal escape, high activity dsRNA-specific nucleases, and highly alkaline gut environment which renders the dsRNA unstable. Various methods have been established to ensure safe delivery of dsRNA into the biological system of the insect. The most common method for dsRNA administration is supplementing the diet of insects via spraying onto leaves and other commonly eaten parts of the plant. This method is environment-friendly and superior to the hazardous effects of pesticides. Another method involves submergence of root systems in dsRNA solutions and subsequent uptake by the phloem. Additionally, more recent techniques are nanoparticle- and Agrobacterium-mediated delivery systems. However, due to the novelty of these biotechnological methods and recalcitrant nature of certain crops, further optimization is required. This review emphasizes on RNAi developments in agriculturally important insect species and the major hurdles for efficient RNAi in these groups. The review also discusses in detail the development of new techniques to enhance RNAi efficiency using liposomes and nanoparticles, transplastomics, microbial-mediated delivery and chemical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul B. Nitnavare
- Division of Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Plant Science, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Joorie Bhattacharya
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, India
- Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
| | - Satnam Singh
- Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Regional Research Station, Faridkot, India
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Amardeep Kour
- Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Regional Research Station, Bathinda, India
| | | | - Naveen Arora
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, India
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6
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Joga MR, Mogilicherla K, Smagghe G, Roy A. RNA Interference-Based Forest Protection Products (FPPs) Against Wood-Boring Coleopterans: Hope or Hype? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:733608. [PMID: 34567044 PMCID: PMC8461336 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.733608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Forest insects are emerging in large extension in response to ongoing climatic changes, penetrating geographic barriers, utilizing novel hosts, and influencing many hectares of conifer forests worldwide. Current management strategies have been unable to keep pace with forest insect population outbreaks, and therefore novel and aggressive management strategies are urgently required to manage forest insects. RNA interference (RNAi), a Noble Prize-winning discovery, is an emerging approach that can be used for forest protection. The RNAi pathway is triggered by dsRNA molecules, which, in turn, silences genes and disrupts protein function, ultimately causing the death of the targeted insect. RNAi is very effective against pest insects; however, its proficiency varies significantly among insect species, tissues, and genes. The coleopteran forest insects are susceptible to RNAi and can be the initial target, but we lack practical means of delivery, particularly in systems with long-lived, endophagous insects such as the Emerald ash borer, Asian longhorn beetles, and bark beetles. The widespread use of RNAi in forest pest management has major challenges, including its efficiency, target gene selection, dsRNA design, lack of reliable dsRNA delivery methods, non-target and off-target effects, and potential resistance development in wood-boring pest populations. This review focuses on recent innovations in RNAi delivery that can be deployed against forest pests, such as cationic liposome-assisted (lipids), nanoparticle-enabled (polymers or peptides), symbiont-mediated (fungi, bacteria, and viruses), and plant-mediated deliveries (trunk injection, root absorption). Our findings guide future risk analysis of dsRNA-based forest protection products (FPPs) and risk assessment frameworks incorporating sequence complementarity-based analysis for off-target predictions. This review also points out barriers to further developing RNAi for forest pest management and suggests future directions of research that will build the future use of RNAi against wood-boring coleopterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallikarjuna Reddy Joga
- Excellent Team for Mitigation, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Kanakachari Mogilicherla
- EVA.4 Unit, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Amit Roy
- Excellent Team for Mitigation, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
- EVA.4 Unit, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
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7
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Arraes FBM, Martins-de-Sa D, Noriega Vasquez DD, Melo BP, Faheem M, de Macedo LLP, Morgante CV, Barbosa JARG, Togawa RC, Moreira VJV, Danchin EGJ, Grossi-de-Sa MF. Dissecting protein domain variability in the core RNA interference machinery of five insect orders. RNA Biol 2020; 18:1653-1681. [PMID: 33302789 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1861816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene silencing can be used to control specific insect pest populations. Unfortunately, the variable efficiency in the knockdown levels of target genes has narrowed the applicability of this technology to a few species. Here, we examine the current state of knowledge regarding the miRNA (micro RNA) and siRNA (small interfering RNA) pathways in insects and investigate the structural variability at key protein domains of the RNAi machinery. Our goal was to correlate domain variability with mechanisms affecting the gene silencing efficiency. To this end, the protein domains of 168 insect species, encompassing the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera, were analysed using our pipeline, which takes advantage of meticulous structure-based sequence alignments. We used phylogenetic inference and the evolutionary rate coefficient (K) to outline the variability across domain regions and surfaces. Our results show that four domains, namely dsrm, Helicase, PAZ and Ribonuclease III, are the main contributors of protein variability in the RNAi machinery across different insect orders. We discuss the potential roles of these domains in regulating RNAi-mediated gene silencing and the role of loop regions in fine-tuning RNAi efficiency. Additionally, we identified several order-specific singularities which indicate that lepidopterans have evolved differently from other insect orders, possibly due to constant coevolution with plants and viruses. In conclusion, our results highlight several variability hotspots that deserve further investigation in order to improve the application of RNAi technology in the control of insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diogo Martins-de-Sa
- Departamento De Biologia Celular, Universidade De Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Daniel D Noriega Vasquez
- Plant-Pest Molecular Interaction Laboratory (LIMPP), Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Bruno Paes Melo
- Plant-Pest Molecular Interaction Laboratory (LIMPP), Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Viçosa University, UFV, Viçosa-MG, Brazil
| | - Muhammad Faheem
- Plant-Pest Molecular Interaction Laboratory (LIMPP), Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Punjab, Pakistan
| | | | - Carolina Vianna Morgante
- Plant-Pest Molecular Interaction Laboratory (LIMPP), Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Embrapa Semiarid, Petrolina-PE, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology, Jakarta Embrapa-Brazil
| | | | - Roberto Coiti Togawa
- Plant-Pest Molecular Interaction Laboratory (LIMPP), Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Valdeir Junio Vaz Moreira
- Biotechnology Center, Brazil.,Plant-Pest Molecular Interaction Laboratory (LIMPP), Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Departamento De Biologia Celular, Universidade De Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Etienne G J Danchin
- National Institute of Science and Technology, Jakarta Embrapa-Brazil.,INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa
- Plant-Pest Molecular Interaction Laboratory (LIMPP), Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology, Jakarta Embrapa-Brazil
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8
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Rotenberg D, Baumann AA, Ben-Mahmoud S, Christiaens O, Dermauw W, Ioannidis P, Jacobs CGC, Vargas Jentzsch IM, Oliver JE, Poelchau MF, Rajarapu SP, Schneweis DJ, Snoeck S, Taning CNT, Wei D, Widana Gamage SMK, Hughes DST, Murali SC, Bailey ST, Bejerman NE, Holmes CJ, Jennings EC, Rosendale AJ, Rosselot A, Hervey K, Schneweis BA, Cheng S, Childers C, Simão FA, Dietzgen RG, Chao H, Dinh H, Doddapaneni HV, Dugan S, Han Y, Lee SL, Muzny DM, Qu J, Worley KC, Benoit JB, Friedrich M, Jones JW, Panfilio KA, Park Y, Robertson HM, Smagghe G, Ullman DE, van der Zee M, Van Leeuwen T, Veenstra JA, Waterhouse RM, Weirauch MT, Werren JH, Whitfield AE, Zdobnov EM, Gibbs RA, Richards S. Genome-enabled insights into the biology of thrips as crop pests. BMC Biol 2020; 18:142. [PMID: 33070780 PMCID: PMC7570057 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00862-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), is a globally invasive pest and plant virus vector on a wide array of food, fiber, and ornamental crops. The underlying genetic mechanisms of the processes governing thrips pest and vector biology, feeding behaviors, ecology, and insecticide resistance are largely unknown. To address this gap, we present the F. occidentalis draft genome assembly and official gene set. RESULTS We report on the first genome sequence for any member of the insect order Thysanoptera. Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Ortholog (BUSCO) assessments of the genome assembly (size = 415.8 Mb, scaffold N50 = 948.9 kb) revealed a relatively complete and well-annotated assembly in comparison to other insect genomes. The genome is unusually GC-rich (50%) compared to other insect genomes to date. The official gene set (OGS v1.0) contains 16,859 genes, of which ~ 10% were manually verified and corrected by our consortium. We focused on manual annotation, phylogenetic, and expression evidence analyses for gene sets centered on primary themes in the life histories and activities of plant-colonizing insects. Highlights include the following: (1) divergent clades and large expansions in genes associated with environmental sensing (chemosensory receptors) and detoxification (CYP4, CYP6, and CCE enzymes) of substances encountered in agricultural environments; (2) a comprehensive set of salivary gland genes supported by enriched expression; (3) apparent absence of members of the IMD innate immune defense pathway; and (4) developmental- and sex-specific expression analyses of genes associated with progression from larvae to adulthood through neometaboly, a distinct form of maturation differing from either incomplete or complete metamorphosis in the Insecta. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of the F. occidentalis genome offers insights into the polyphagous behavior of this insect pest that finds, colonizes, and survives on a widely diverse array of plants. The genomic resources presented here enable a more complete analysis of insect evolution and biology, providing a missing taxon for contemporary insect genomics-based analyses. Our study also offers a genomic benchmark for molecular and evolutionary investigations of other Thysanoptera species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorith Rotenberg
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
| | - Aaron A Baumann
- Virology Section, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, A239 VTH, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Sulley Ben-Mahmoud
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wannes Dermauw
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Panagiotis Ioannidis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chris G C Jacobs
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Iris M Vargas Jentzsch
- Institute for Zoology: Developmental Biology, University of Cologne, 50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jonathan E Oliver
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia - Tifton Campus, Tifton, GA, 31793-5737, USA
| | | | - Swapna Priya Rajarapu
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Derek J Schneweis
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Simon Snoeck
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Clauvis N T Taning
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dong Wei
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Daniel S T Hughes
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Shwetha C Murali
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Samuel T Bailey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | | | - Christopher J Holmes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Emily C Jennings
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Andrew J Rosendale
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
- Department of Biology, Mount St. Joseph University, Cincinnati, OH, 45233, USA
| | - Andrew Rosselot
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Kaylee Hervey
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Brandi A Schneweis
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Sammy Cheng
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | | | - Felipe A Simão
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ralf G Dietzgen
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Hsu Chao
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Huyen Dinh
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Harsha Vardhan Doddapaneni
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Shannon Dugan
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yi Han
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sandra L Lee
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Donna M Muzny
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jiaxin Qu
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kim C Worley
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Joshua B Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Markus Friedrich
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Jeffery W Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Kristen A Panfilio
- Institute for Zoology: Developmental Biology, University of Cologne, 50674, Cologne, Germany
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Campus, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Hugh M Robertson
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Diane E Ullman
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | | | - Thomas Van Leeuwen
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan A Veenstra
- INCIA UMR 5287 CNRS, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Robert M Waterhouse
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Divisions of Biomedical Informatics and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - John H Werren
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Anna E Whitfield
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Evgeny M Zdobnov
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Richard A Gibbs
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Stephen Richards
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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9
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Yoon JS, Tian HG, McMullen JG, Chung SH, Douglas AE. Candidate genetic determinants of intraspecific variation in pea aphid susceptibility to RNA interference. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 123:103408. [PMID: 32446747 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2020.103408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) plays a key role in insect defense against viruses and transposable elements, and it is being applied as an experimental tool and for insect pest control. However, RNAi efficiency is highly variable for some insects, notably the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum. In this study, we used natural variation in RNAi susceptibility of pea aphids to identify genes that influence RNAi efficiency. Susceptibility to orally-delivered dsRNA against the gut aquaporin gene AQP1 (ds-AQP1) varied widely across a panel of 83 pea aphid genotypes, from zero to total mortality. Genome-wide association between aphid performance on ds-AQP1 supplemented diet and aphid genetic variants yielded 103 significantly associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including variants in 55 genes, at the 10-4 probability cut-off. When ds-AQP1 was co-administered with dsRNA against six candidate genes, aphid mortality was reduced for three (50%) genes: the orthologs of the Drosophila genes trachealess (CG42865), headcase (CG15532) and a gene coding a peritrophin-A domain (CG8192), indicating that these genes function to promote RNAi efficiency against AQP1 in the pea aphid. Aphid susceptibility (quantified as mortality) to ds-AQP1 was correlated with RNAi against a further gene, snakeskin with essential gut function unrelated to AQP1, for some but not all aphid genotypes tested, suggesting that the determinants of RNAi efficiency may be partly gene-specific. This study demonstrates high levels of natural variation in susceptibility to RNAi and demonstrates the value of harnessing this variation to identify genes influencing RNAi efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- June-Sun Yoon
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853, USA
| | - Hong-Gang Tian
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853, USA
| | - John G McMullen
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853, USA
| | - Seung Ho Chung
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853, USA
| | - Angela E Douglas
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853, USA; Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853, USA.
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10
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Ali M, Javaid A, Naqvi SH, Batcho A, Kayani WK, Lal A, Sajid IA, Nwogwugwu JO. Biotic stress triggered small RNA and RNAi defense response in plants. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:5511-5522. [PMID: 32562176 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05583-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The yield of crops is largely affected by different types of biotic stresses. To minimize the damage, crop plants adapted themselves to overcome the stress conditions through gene expression reprogramming at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. With a better knowledge of plants' responses in adverse environments, new methodologies and strategies have been applied to develop better stress-tolerant plants. In this manner, small RNAs (micro RNA and small-interfering RNA) are reported to play a central role to combat biotic stresses in plants. Depending upon the stress stimuli, these small RNAs can up or down regulate the genes expression, that indicate their potential role in overcoming the stress. These stress-induced small RNAs may reduce the expression of the target gene(s) that might negatively influence plants' response to the adverse conditions. Contrariwise, miRNA, a class of small RNA, can downregulate its expression to upregulate the expression of the target gene(s), which might positively aid to the stress adaptation. Along with this, benefits of RNA interference (RNAi) have also been stated in functional genomic research on insects, fungi and plant pathogens. RNAi is involved in the safe transport of dsRNA to the targeted mRNA(s) in the biotic stress-causing agents (for example fungi and insects) and saves the plant from damage, which is a safer approach compared to use of chemical pesticides. The current review summarizes the role of small RNAs and the use of RNAi to save the plants from biotic stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Ali
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China.
- Department of Bioinformatics & Biotechnology, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Ayesha Javaid
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Sajid Hassan Naqvi
- Department of Bioinformatics & Biotechnology, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Anicet Batcho
- Division of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Catholic University of the West Africa, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Waqas Khan Kayani
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 101, 23053, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Aamir Lal
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University Natural Sciences Campus, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, South Korea
| | - Imtiaz Ahmad Sajid
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Joy O Nwogwugwu
- Pathology Section, Department of Forest Conservation and Protection, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria
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11
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Christiaens O, Whyard S, Vélez AM, Smagghe G. Double-Stranded RNA Technology to Control Insect Pests: Current Status and Challenges. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:451. [PMID: 32373146 PMCID: PMC7187958 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Exploiting the RNA interference (RNAi) gene mechanism to silence essential genes in pest insects, leading to toxic effects, has surfaced as a promising new control strategy in the past decade. While the first commercial RNAi-based products are currently coming to market, the application against a wide range of insect species is still hindered by a number of challenges. In this review, we discuss the current status of these RNAi-based products and the different delivery strategies by which insects can be targeted by the RNAi-triggering double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules. Furthermore, this review also addresses a number of physiological and cellular barriers, which can lead to decreased RNAi efficacy in insects. Finally, novel non-transgenic delivery technologies, such as polymer or liposomic nanoparticles, peptide-based delivery vehicles and viral-like particles, are also discussed, as these could overcome these barriers and lead to effective RNAi-based pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steve Whyard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ana M. Vélez
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Niu J, Li XL, Wu YL, Sun QZ, Zhang W, Cao M, Wang JJ. RNA virome screening in diverse but ecologically related citrus pests reveals potential virus-host interactions. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 170:107329. [PMID: 31962124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As an evergreen ecosystem, citrus orchards have specialized pest species and stable ecological homeostasis; thus, they provide an ideal model for investigating RNA viromes in diverse but ecologically related species. For this purpose, we collected specialized citrus pests from three classes of invertebrates, Insecta, Arachnida, and Gastropoda and we constructed two kinds of libraries (RNA and small RNA) for the pests by deep sequencing. In total, six virus-derived sequences were identified, including four Picornavirales, one Jingchuvirales and one Nidovirales. The picornavirus-derived small RNAs showed significant small RNA peaks and symmetric distribution patterns along the genome, which suggests these viruses infected the hosts and triggered host antiviral immunity RNA interference. Screening of virus-derived sequences in multiple species of citrus pests (n = 10 per species) showed that Eotetranychus kankitus picorna-like virus and Tetranychus urticae mivirus may be present in multiple pests. Our investigation in citrus pests confirmed that RNA viruses revealed by metagenomics could impact host immunity (e.g. RNAi). An approach with parallel deep sequencing of RNAs and small RNAs is useful not only for viral discoveries but also for understanding virus-host interactions of ecologically related but divergent pest species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue-Ling Wu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin-Zhe Sun
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengji Cao
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; National Citrus Engineering Research Center, Citrus Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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13
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Abstract
The RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by short/small interfering RNA (siRNA) was discovered in nematodes and found to function in most living organisms. RNAi has been widely used as a research tool to study gene functions and has shown great potential for the development of novel pest management strategies. RNAi is highly efficient and systemic in coleopterans but highly variable or inefficient in many other insects. Differences in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) degradation, cellular uptake, inter- and intracellular transports, processing of dsRNA to siRNA, and RNA-induced silencing complex formation influence RNAi efficiency. The basic dsRNA delivery methods include microinjection, feeding, and soaking. To improve dsRNA delivery, various new technologies, including cationic liposome-assisted, nanoparticle-enabled, symbiont-mediated, and plant-mediated deliveries, have been developed. Major challenges to widespread use of RNAi in insect pest management include variable RNAi efficiency among insects, lack of reliable dsRNA delivery methods, off-target and nontarget effects, and potential development of resistance in insect populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA;
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, USA;
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14
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Alshukri B, Astarita F, Al‐Esawy M, El Halim HMESA, Pennacchio F, Gatehouse AMR, Edwards MG. Targeting the potassium ion channel genes SK and SH as a novel approach for control of insect pests: efficacy and biosafety. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:2505-2516. [PMID: 31207012 PMCID: PMC6771844 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potassium ion channels play a critical role in the generation of electrical signals and thus provide potential targets for control of insect pests by RNA interference. RESULTS Genes encoding the small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (SK) and the voltage-gated potassium channel (SH) were knocked down in Tribolium castaneum by injection and oral delivery of dsRNA (dsTcSK and dsTcSH, respectively). Irrespective of the delivery mechanism a dose-dependent effect was observed for knockdown (KD) of gene expression and insect mortality for both genes. Larvae fed a 400 ng dsRNA mg-1 diet showed significant gene (P < 0.05) knockdown (98% and 83%) for SK and SH, respectively, with corresponding mortalities of 100% and 98% after 7 days. When injected (248.4 ng larva-1 ), gene KD was 99% and 98% for SK and SH, causing 100% and 73.4% mortality, respectively. All developmental stages tested (larvae, early- and late-stage pupae and adults) showed an RNAi-sensitive response for both genes. LC50 values were lower for SK than SH, irrespective of delivery method, demonstrating that the knockdown of SK had a greater effect on larval mortality. Biosafety studies using adult honeybee Apis mellifera showed that there were no significant differences either in expression levels or mortality of honeybees orally dosed with dsTcSK and dsTcSH compared to control-fed bees. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the titre of deformed wing virus, used as a measure of immune suppression, between experimental and control bees. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential of using RNAi targeting neural receptors as a technology for the control of T. castaneum. © 2019 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baida Alshukri
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
| | - Federica Astarita
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Laboratory of Entomology “E. Tremblay”University of Napoli “Federico II”PorticiItaly
| | - Mushtaq Al‐Esawy
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
- Department of Plant ProtectionUniversity of KufaIraq
| | - Hesham Mohamed El Sayed Abd El Halim
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
- Entomology Department, Faculty of ScienceBenha UniversityBenhaEgypt
| | - Francesco Pennacchio
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Laboratory of Entomology “E. Tremblay”University of Napoli “Federico II”PorticiItaly
| | | | - Martin Gethin Edwards
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
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15
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Ghodke AB, Good RT, Golz JF, Russell DA, Edwards O, Robin C. Extracellular endonucleases in the midgut of Myzus persicae may limit the efficacy of orally delivered RNAi. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11898. [PMID: 31417162 PMCID: PMC6695413 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47357-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Myzus persicae is a major pest of many crops including canola and Brassica vegetables, partly because it vectors plant viruses. Previously it has been reported that double-stranded RNA delivered to aphids by injection, artificial diet or transgenic plants has knocked down target genes and caused phenotypic effects. While these studies suggest that RNA interference (RNAi) might be used to suppress aphid populations, none have shown effects sufficient for field control. The current study analyses the efficacy of dsRNA directed against previously reported gene-targets on Green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) strains. No silencing effect was observed when dsRNA was delivered in artificial diet with or without transfection reagents. dsRNA produced in planta also failed to induce significant RNAi in M. persicae. Transcriptome analyses of the midgut suggested other potential targets including the Ferritin heavy chain transcripts, but they also could not be knocked down with dsRNA. Here we show that dsRNA is rapidly degraded by midgut secretions of Myzus persicae. Analysis of the transcriptome of the M. persicae midgut revealed that an ortholog of RNases from other insects was abundant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol Bharat Ghodke
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robert Trygve Good
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John F Golz
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Derek A Russell
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Charles Robin
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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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: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [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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Ye C, An X, Jiang YD, Ding BY, Shang F, Christiaens O, Taning CNT, Smagghe G, Niu J, Wang JJ. Induction of RNAi Core Machinery's Gene Expression by Exogenous dsRNA and the Effects of Pre-exposure to dsRNA on the Gene Silencing Efficiency in the Pea Aphid ( Acyrthosiphon pisum). Front Physiol 2019; 9:1906. [PMID: 30687121 PMCID: PMC6333656 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, is an important agricultural pest and biological model organism, and RNA interference (RNAi) is an important tool for functional genomics and for insect pest management. However, the efficiency of RNAi in pea aphids is variable, limiting its application in aphids. In this study, we present optimized conditions for inducing and increasing the gene silencing efficiency of RNAi in pea aphids. The optimal gene silencing of the target Aphunchback gene was achieved by injecting 600 ng double-stranded (ds) RNA, and the highest mRNA depletion rate (74%) was detected at 36 h after injection. Moreover, the same gene silencing conditions were used to achieve transcript silencing for nine different genes in the pea aphid, although the silencing efficiencies for the different genes varied. Furthermore, the pre-exposure of aphids to dsRNA (600 ng dsGFP) led to significant hunchback silencing following a secondary exposure to 60 ng of dshunchback, a dose which did not lead to gene silencing when independently injected. The information presented here can be exploited to develop more efficient RNAi bioassays for pea aphids, both as gene functional study tools and an insect pest control strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ye
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin An
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi-Di Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bi-Yue Ding
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Shang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jinzhi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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18
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Cooper AM, Silver K, Zhang J, Park Y, Zhu KY. Molecular mechanisms influencing efficiency of RNA interference in insects. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:18-28. [PMID: 29931761 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an endogenous, sequence-specific gene-silencing mechanism elicited by small RNA molecules. RNAi is a powerful reverse genetic tool, and is currently being utilized for managing insects and viruses. Widespread implementation of RNAi-based pest management strategies is currently hindered by inefficient and highly variable results when different insect species, strains, developmental stages, tissues, and genes are targeted. Mechanistic studies have shown that double-stranded ribonucleases (dsRNases), endosomal entrapment, deficient function of the core machinery, and inadequate immune stimulation contribute to limited RNAi efficiency. However, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms limiting RNAi efficiency remains elusive. Recent advances in dsRNA stability in physiological tissues, dsRNA internalization into cells, the composition and function of the core RNAi machinery, as well as small-interfering RNA/double-stranded RNA amplification and spreading mechanisms are reviewed to establish a global understanding of the obstacles impeding wider understanding of RNAi mechanisms in insects. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristopher Silver
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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19
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Camargo C, Wu K, Fishilevich E, Narva KE, Siegfried BD. Knockdown of RNA interference pathway genes in western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, identifies no fitness costs associated with Argonaute 2 or Dicer-2. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 148:103-110. [PMID: 29891360 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The use of transgenic crops that induce silencing of essential genes using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) through RNA interference (RNAi) in western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is likely to be an important component of new technologies for the control of this important corn pest. Previous studies have demonstrated that the dsRNA response in D. v. virgifera depends on the presence of RNAi pathway genes including Dicer-2 and Argonaute 2, and that downregulation of these genes limits the lethality of environmental dsRNA. A potential resistance mechanism to lethal dsRNA may involve loss of function of RNAi pathway genes. Howver, the potential for resistance to evolve may depend on whether these pathway genes have essential functions such that the loss of function of core proteins in the RNAi pathway will have fitness costs in D. v. virgifera. Fitness costs associated with potential resistance mechanisms have a central role in determining how resistance can evolve to RNAi technologies in western corn rootworm. We evaluated the effect of dsRNA and microRNA pathway gene knockdown on the development of D. v. virgifera larvae through short-term and long-term exposures to dsRNA for Dicer and Argonaute genes. Downregulation of Argonaute 2, Dicer-2, Dicer-1 did not significantly affect larval survivorship or development through short and long-term exposure to dsRNA. However, downregulation of Argonaute 1 reduced larval survivorship and delayed development. The implications of these results as they relate to D. v. virgifera resistance to lethal dsRNA are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Camargo
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, 1881 Natural Area Drive, Steinmetz Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Ke Wu
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, 1881 Natural Area Drive, Steinmetz Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Elane Fishilevich
- Dow AgroSciences, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, United States
| | - Kenneth E Narva
- Dow AgroSciences, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, United States
| | - Blair D Siegfried
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, 1881 Natural Area Drive, Steinmetz Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
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Santos D, Wynant N, Van den Brande S, Verdonckt TW, Mingels L, Peeters P, Kolliopoulou A, Swevers L, Vanden Broeck J. Insights into RNAi-based antiviral immunity in Lepidoptera: acute and persistent infections in Bombyx mori and Trichoplusia ni cell lines. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2423. [PMID: 29403066 PMCID: PMC5799340 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20848-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The control of viral infections in insects is a current issue of major concern and RNA interference (RNAi) is considered the main antiviral immune response in this group of animals. Here we demonstrate that overexpression of key RNAi factors can help to protect insect cells against viral infections. In particular, we show that overexpression of Dicer2 and Argonaute2 in lepidopteran cells leads to improved defense against the acute infection of the Cricket Paralysis Virus (CrPV). We also demonstrate an important role of RNAi in the control of persistent viral infections, as the one caused by the Macula-like Latent Virus (MLV). Specifically, a direct interaction between Argonaute2 and virus-specific small RNAs is shown. Yet, while knocking down Dicer2 and Argonaute2 resulted in higher transcript levels of the persistently infecting MLV in the lepidopteran cells under investigation, overexpression of these proteins could not further reduce these levels. Taken together, our data provide deep insight into the RNAi-based interactions between insects and their viruses. In addition, our results suggest the potential use of an RNAi gain-of-function approach as an alternative strategy to obtain reduced viral-induced mortality in Lepidoptera, an insect order that encompasses multiple species of relevant economic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Santos
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 02465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Niels Wynant
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 02465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stijn Van den Brande
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 02465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas-Wolf Verdonckt
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 02465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lina Mingels
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 02465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paulien Peeters
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 02465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Kolliopoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Group, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", 153 10, Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Group, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", 153 10, Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 02465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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21
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Oberemok VV, Laikova KV, Zaitsev AS, Shumskykh MN, Kasich IN, Gal'chinsky NV, Bekirova VV, Makarov VV, Agranovsky AA, Gushchin VA, Zubarev IV, Kubyshkin AV, Fomochkina II, Gorlov MV, Skorokhod OA. Molecular Alliance of Lymantria dispar Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus and a Short Unmodified Antisense Oligonucleotide of Its Anti-Apoptotic IAP-3 Gene: A Novel Approach for Gypsy Moth Control. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E2446. [PMID: 29149051 PMCID: PMC5713413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Baculovirus IAP (inhibitor-of-apoptosis) genes originated by capture of host genes. Unmodified short antisense DNA oligonucleotides (oligoDNAs) from baculovirus IAP genes can down-regulate specific gene expression profiles in both baculovirus-free and baculovirus-infected insects. In this study, gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) larvae infected with multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV), and LdMNPV-free larvae, were treated with oligoDNA antisense to the RING (really interesting new gene) domain of the LdMNPV IAP-3 gene. The results with respect to insect mortality, biomass accumulation, histological studies, RT-PCR, and analysis of DNA apoptotic fragmentation suggest that oligoRING induced increased apoptotic processes in both LdMNPV-free and LdMNPV-infected insect cells, but were more pronounced in the latter. These data open up possibilities for promising new routes of insect pest control using antisense phosphodiester DNA oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volodymyr V Oberemok
- Taurida Academy, Department of Biochemistry, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Kateryna V Laikova
- Medical Academy, Department of Biochemistry, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295006, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Aleksei S Zaitsev
- Taurida Academy, Department of Biochemistry, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Maksym N Shumskykh
- Taurida Academy, Department of Biochemistry, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Igor N Kasich
- Medical Academy, Department of Pathological Anatomy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295006, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Nikita V Gal'chinsky
- Taurida Academy, Department of Biochemistry, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Viktoriya V Bekirova
- Taurida Academy, Department of Biochemistry, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Valentin V Makarov
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Alexey A Agranovsky
- Department of Virology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia.
- Center of Bioengineering, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117312, Russia.
| | - Vladimir A Gushchin
- Department of Virology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia.
- Translational Biomedicine Laboratory, N. F. Gamaleya Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow 123098, Russia.
| | - Ilya V Zubarev
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Ural Federal University, Chelyabinsk 620083, Russia.
| | - Anatoly V Kubyshkin
- Medical Academy, Department of General and Clinical Pathophysiology, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295006, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Iryna I Fomochkina
- Medical Academy, Department of General and Clinical Pathophysiology, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295006, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Mikhail V Gorlov
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Moscow 125047, Russia.
| | - Oleksii A Skorokhod
- University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy.
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
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22
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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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23
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Zhang L, Qiu LY, Yang HL, Wang HJ, Zhou M, Wang SG, Tang B. Study on the Effect of Wing Bud Chitin Metabolism and Its Developmental Network Genes in the Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, by Knockdown of TRE Gene. Front Physiol 2017; 8:750. [PMID: 29033849 PMCID: PMC5627005 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens is one of the most serious pests of rice, and there is so far no effective way to manage this pest. However, RNA interference not only can be used to study gene function, but also provide potential opportunities for novel pest management. The development of wing plays a key role in insect physiological activities and mainly involves chitin. Hence, the regulating role of trehalase (TRE) genes on wing bud formation has been studied by RNAi. In this paper, the activity levels of TRE and the contents of the two sugars trehalose and glucose were negatively correlated indicating the potential role of TRE in the molting process. In addition, NlTRE1-1 and NlTRE2 were expressed at higher levels in wing bud tissue than in other tissues, and abnormal molting and wing deformity or curling were noted 48 h after the insect was injected with any double-stranded TRE (dsTRE), even though different TREs have compensatory functions. The expression levels of NlCHS1b, NlCht1, NlCht2, NlCht6, NlCht7, NlCht8, NlCht10, NlIDGF, and NlENGase decreased significantly 48 h after the insect was injected with a mixture of three kinds of dsTREs. Similarly, the TRE inhibitor validamycin can inhibit NlCHS1 and NlCht gene expression. However, the wing deformity was the result of the NlIDGF, NlENGase, NlAP, and NlTSH genes being inhibited when a single dsTRE was injected. These results demonstrate that silencing of TRE gene expression can lead to wing deformities due to the down-regulation of the AP and TSH genes involved in wing development and that the TRE inhibitor validamycin can co-regulate chitin metabolism and the expression of wing development-related genes in wing bud tissue. The results provide a new approach for the prevention and management of N. lugens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling-Yu Qiu
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Li Yang
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Juan Wang
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Gui Wang
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Tang
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
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24
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Morozov SY, Lazareva EA, Solovyev AG. RNA helicase domains of viral origin in proteins of insect retrotransposons: possible source for evolutionary advantages. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3673. [PMID: 28828268 PMCID: PMC5563155 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, a novel phenomenon of horizontal gene transfer of helicase-encoding sequence from positive-stranded RNA viruses to LINE transposons in insect genomes was described. TRAS family transposons encoding an ORF2 protein, which comprised all typical functional domains and an additional helicase domain, were found to be preserved in many families during the evolution of the order Lepidoptera. In the present paper, in species of orders Hemiptera and Orthoptera, we found helicase domain-encoding sequences integrated into ORF1 of retrotransposons of the Jockey family. RNA helicases encoded by transposons of TRAS and Jockey families represented separate brunches in a phylogenetic tree of helicase domains and thus could be considered as independently originated in the evolution of insect transposons. Transcriptome database analyses revealed that both TRAS and Jockey transposons encoding the helicase domain represented transcribed genome sequences. Moreover, the transposon-encoded helicases were found to contain the full set of conserved motifs essential for their enzymatic activities. Taking into account the previously reported ability of RNA helicase encoded by TRAS ORF2 to suppress post-transcriptional RNA silencing, we propose possible scenarios of evolutionary fixation of actively expressed functional helicases of viral origin in insect retrotransposons as genetic elements advantageous for both transposons and their insect hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Y Morozov
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Lazareva
- Department of Virology, Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey G Solovyev
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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25
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Kolliopoulou A, Taning CNT, Smagghe G, Swevers L. Viral Delivery of dsRNA for Control of Insect Agricultural Pests and Vectors of Human Disease: Prospects and Challenges. Front Physiol 2017; 8:399. [PMID: 28659820 PMCID: PMC5469917 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAi is applied as a new and safe method for pest control in agriculture but efficiency and specificity of delivery of dsRNA trigger remains a critical issue. Various agents have been proposed to augment dsRNA delivery, such as engineered micro-organisms and synthetic nanoparticles, but the use of viruses has received relatively little attention. Here we present a critical view of the potential of the use of recombinant viruses for efficient and specific delivery of dsRNA. First of all, it requires the availability of plasmid-based reverse genetics systems for virus production, of which an overview is presented. For RNA viruses, their application seems to be straightforward since dsRNA is produced as an intermediate molecule during viral replication, but DNA viruses also have potential through the production of RNA hairpins after transcription. However, application of recombinant virus for dsRNA delivery may not be straightforward in many cases, since viruses can encode RNAi suppressors, and virus-induced silencing effects can be determined by the properties of the encoded RNAi suppressor. An alternative is virus-like particles that retain the efficiency and specificity determinants of natural virions but have encapsidated non-replicating RNA. Finally, the use of viruses raises important safety issues which need to be addressed before application can proceed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kolliopoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, NCSR “Demokritos,”Aghia Paraskevi, Greece
| | - Clauvis N. T. Taning
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, NCSR “Demokritos,”Aghia Paraskevi, Greece
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26
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Chan SY, Snow JW. Uptake and impact of natural diet-derived small RNA in invertebrates: Implications for ecology and agriculture. RNA Biol 2017; 14:402-414. [PMID: 27763816 PMCID: PMC5411125 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2016.1248329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The putative transfer and gene regulatory activities of diet-derived small RNAs (sRNAs) in ingesting animals are still debated. The existence of natural uptake of diet-derived sRNA by invertebrate species could have significant implication for our understanding of ecological relationships and could synergize with efforts to use RNA interference (RNAi) technology in agriculture. Here, we synthesize information gathered from studies in invertebrates using natural or artificial dietary delivery of sRNA and from studies of sRNA in vertebrate animals and plants to review our current understanding of uptake and impact of natural diet-derived sRNA on invertebrates. Our understanding has been influenced and sometimes confounded by the diversity of invertebrates and ingested plants studied, our limited insights into how gene expression may be modulated by dietary sRNAs at the mechanistic level, and the paucity of studies focusing directly on natural uptake of sRNA. As such, we suggest 2 strategies to investigate this phenomenon more comprehensively and thus facilitate the realization of its potentially broad impact on ecology and agriculture in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Y. Chan
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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27
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Avila-Bonilla RG, Yocupicio-Monroy M, Marchat LA, De Nova-Ocampo MA, Del Ángel RM, Salas-Benito JS. Analysis of the miRNA profile in C6/36 cells persistently infected with dengue virus type 2. Virus Res 2017; 232:139-151. [PMID: 28267608 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is the most important arbovirus in the world; DENV is transmitted by the Aedes genus of mosquitoes and can establish a life-long persistent infection in mosquitoes. However, the exact mechanism by which persistent infection is established remains unknown. In this study the differential expression of miRNAs was analysed by deep sequencing and RT-qPCR using a previously established C6/36-HT cell line persistently infected with DENV 2 (C6-L) as a model. miR-927, miR-87, miR-210, miR-2a-3p, miR-190 and miR-970 were up-regulated, whereas miR-252, miR-263a-3p, miR-92b, miR-10-5p miR-9a-5p, miR-9a-1, miR-124, miR-286a and miR-286b were down-regulated in C6-L cells compared with C6/36 cells acutely infected with the same virus or mock-infected cells. Deep sequencing results were validated by RT-qPCR for the highly differentially expressed miR-927 and miR-9a-5p, which were up- and down-regulated, respectively, compared with both acutely and mock-infected C6/36 cells. The putative targets of these miRNAs include components of the ubiquitin conjugation pathway, vesicle-mediated transport, autophagy, and the JAK-STAT cascade as well as proteins with endopeptidase activity. Other putative targets include members of the Toll signalling pathway and proteins with kinase, ATPase, protease, scavenger receptor or Lectin C-type activity or that participate in fatty acid biosynthesis or oxidative stress. Our results suggest that several specific miRNAs help regulate the cellular functions that maintain equilibrium between viral replication and the antiviral response during persistent infection of mosquito cells. This study is the first report of a global miRNA profile in a mosquito cell line persistently infected with DENV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Gamaliel Avila-Bonilla
- Programa Institucional de Biomedicina Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guillermo Massieu Helguera 249, La Escalera-Ticomán, Mexico City, CP 07320, Mexico; Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias en Biotecnología, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guillermo Massieu Helguera 249, La Escalera-Ticomán, Mexico City, CP 07320, Mexico.
| | - Martha Yocupicio-Monroy
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, San Lorenzo 290, Del Valle Sur, Mexico City, CP 03100, Mexico.
| | - Laurence A Marchat
- Programa Institucional de Biomedicina Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guillermo Massieu Helguera 249, La Escalera-Ticomán, Mexico City, CP 07320, Mexico; Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias en Biotecnología, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guillermo Massieu Helguera 249, La Escalera-Ticomán, Mexico City, CP 07320, Mexico.
| | - Mónica A De Nova-Ocampo
- Programa Institucional de Biomedicina Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guillermo Massieu Helguera 249, La Escalera-Ticomán, Mexico City, CP 07320, Mexico; Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias en Biotecnología, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guillermo Massieu Helguera 249, La Escalera-Ticomán, Mexico City, CP 07320, Mexico.
| | - Rosa María Del Ángel
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados-IPN. Av, Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City, CP 07360, Mexico.
| | - Juan Santiago Salas-Benito
- Programa Institucional de Biomedicina Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guillermo Massieu Helguera 249, La Escalera-Ticomán, Mexico City, CP 07320, Mexico; Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias en Biotecnología, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guillermo Massieu Helguera 249, La Escalera-Ticomán, Mexico City, CP 07320, Mexico.
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28
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Spit J, Philips A, Wynant N, Santos D, Plaetinck G, Vanden Broeck J. Knockdown of nuclease activity in the gut enhances RNAi efficiency in the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, but not in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 81:103-116. [PMID: 28093313 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The responsiveness towards orally delivered dsRNA and the potency of a subsequent environmental RNA interference (RNAi) response strongly differs between different insect species. While some species are very sensitive to dsRNA delivery through the diet, others are not. The underlying reasons for this may vary, but degradation of dsRNA by nucleases in the gut lumen is believed to play a crucial role. The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is a voracious defoliator of potato crops worldwide, and is currently under investigation for novel control methods based on dsRNA treatments. Here we describe the identification and characterization of two nuclease genes exclusively expressed in the gut of this pest species. Removal of nuclease activity in adults increased the sensitivity towards dsRNA and resulted in improved protection of potato plants. A similar strategy in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, for which we show a far more potent nuclease activity in the gut juice, did however not lead to an improvement of the RNAi response. Possible reasons for this are discussed. Taken together, the present data confirm a negative effect of nucleases in the gut on the environmental RNAi response, and further suggest that interfering with this activity is a strategy worth pursuing for improving RNAi efficacy in insect pest control applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jornt Spit
- KU Leuven, Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Syngenta Ghent Innovation Center, Technologiepark 30, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium.
| | - Annelies Philips
- Syngenta Ghent Innovation Center, Technologiepark 30, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Niels Wynant
- KU Leuven, Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dulce Santos
- KU Leuven, Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Plaetinck
- Syngenta Ghent Innovation Center, Technologiepark 30, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- KU Leuven, Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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29
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Sugahara R, Tanaka S, Jouraku A, Shiotsuki T. Geographic variation in RNAi sensitivity in the migratory locust. Gene 2016; 605:5-11. [PMID: 28034629 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The RNA interference (RNAi) technology has been widely used in basic and applied research. It is known that RNAi works in some species but not in others, although the cause for this difference remains unclear. Here, we present inter- and intra-populational variations in RNAi sensitivity in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria, and provide information on the genetic background of such variations. In the four strains analyzed, originating from different Japanese localities, most individuals from two of the strains were sensitive to injections of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) against the corazonin (CRZ) and ecdysone receptor genes, whereas those from the other two strains were resistant. Selection for individuals sensitive to dsCRZ produced a dramatic increase in the RNAi sensitivity in the following generations, although phenotypes also varied in the selected line, suggesting that several genes might control RNAi sensitivity. Reciprocal crosses between a sensitive and a resistant strain suggested that the resistant phenotype is dominant. The expression levels of nine RNAi-associated genes known for other organisms were not correlated with the variation in RNAi sensitivity observed in L. migratoria. Variations in RNAi sensitivity as the ones observed in this study should be considered when using RNAi in basic and applied research as well as in pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Sugahara
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 1-2 Ohwashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan.
| | - Seiji Tanaka
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 1-2 Ohwashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Akiya Jouraku
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 1-2 Ohwashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Takahiro Shiotsuki
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 1-2 Ohwashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
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Cappelle K, Smagghe G, Dhaenens M, Meeus I. Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus Infection Leads to an Enhanced RNA Interference Response and Not Its Suppression in the Bumblebee Bombus terrestris. Viruses 2016; 8:v8120334. [PMID: 27999371 PMCID: PMC5192395 DOI: 10.3390/v8120334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is the primary antiviral defense system in insects and its importance for pollinator health is indisputable. In this work, we examined the effect of Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) infection on the RNAi process in the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris, and whether the presence of possible functional viral suppressors could alter the potency of the host's immune response. For this, a two-fold approach was used. Through a functional RNAi assay, we observed an enhancement of the RNAi system after IAPV infection instead of its suppression, despite only minimal upregulation of the genes involved in RNAi. Besides, the presence of the proposed suppressor 1A and the predicted OrfX protein in IAPV could not be confirmed using high definition mass spectrometry. In parallel, when bumblebees were infected with cricket paralysis virus (CrPV), known to encode a suppressor of RNAi, no increase in RNAi efficiency was seen. For both viruses, pre-infection with the one virus lead to a decreased replication of the other virus, indicating a major effect of competition. These results are compelling in the context of Dicistroviridae in multi-virus/multi-host networks as the effect of a viral infection on the RNAi machinery may influence subsequent virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Cappelle
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Maarten Dhaenens
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Ivan Meeus
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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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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Swevers L, Ioannidis K, Kolovou M, Zografidis A, Labropoulou V, Santos D, Wynant N, Broeck JV, Wang L, Cappelle K, Smagghe G. Persistent RNA virus infection of lepidopteran cell lines: Interactions with the RNAi machinery. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 93-94:81-93. [PMID: 27595655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
RNAi is broadly used as a technique for specific gene silencing in insects but few studies have investigated the factors that can affect its efficiency. Viral infections have the potential to interfere with RNAi through their production of viral suppressors of RNAi (VSRs) and the production of viral small RNAs that can saturate and inactivate the RNAi machinery. In this study, the impact of persistent infection of the RNA viruses Flock house virus (FHV) and Macula-like virus (MLV) on RNAi efficiency was investigated in selected lepidopteran cell lines. Lepidopteran cell lines were found to be readily infected by both viruses without any apparent pathogenic effects, with the exception of Bombyx-derived Bm5 and BmN4 cells, which could not be infected by FHV. Because Sf21 cells were free from both FHV and MLV and Hi5-SF were free from FHV and only contained low levels of MLV, they were tested to evaluate the impact of the presence of the virus. Two types of RNAi reporter assays however did not detect a significant interference with gene silencing in infected Sf21 and Hi5-SF cells when compared to virus-free cells. In Hi5 cells, the presence of FHV could be easily cleared through the expression of an RNA hairpin that targets its VSR gene, confirming that the RNAi mechanism was not inhibited. Sequencing indicated that the B2 RNAi inhibitor gene of FHV and a putative VSR gene from MLV were intact in persistently infected cell lines, indicating that protection against RNAi remains essential for virus survival. It is proposed that infection levels of persistent viruses in the cell lines are too low to have an impact on RNAi efficiency in the lepidopteran cell lines and that encoded VSRs act locally at the sites of viral replication (mitochondrial membranes) without affecting the rest of the cytoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos Ioannidis
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Kolovou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Aris Zografidis
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Labropoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Dulce Santos
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Niels Wynant
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luoluo Wang
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kaat Cappelle
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Fishilevich E, Vélez AM, Storer NP, Li H, Bowling AJ, Rangasamy M, Worden SE, Narva KE, Siegfried BD. RNAi as a management tool for the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2016; 72:1652-1663. [PMID: 27218412 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is the most important pest of corn in the US Corn Belt. Economic estimates indicate that costs of control and yield loss associated with WCR damage exceed $US 1 billion annually. Historically, corn rootworm management has been extremely difficult because of its ability to evolve resistance to both chemical insecticides and cultural control practices. Since 2003, the only novel commercialized developments in rootworm management have been transgenic plants expressing Bt insecticidal proteins. Four transgenic insecticidal proteins are currently registered for rootworm management, and field resistance to proteins from the Cry3 family highlights the importance of developing traits with new modes of action. One of the newest approaches for controlling rootworm pests involves RNA interference (RNAi). This review describes the current understanding of the RNAi mechanisms in WCR and the use of this technology for WCR management. Further, the review addresses ecological risk assessment of RNAi and insect resistance management of RNAi for corn rootworm. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana M Vélez
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Blair D Siegfried
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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34
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Yu XD, Liu ZC, Huang SL, Chen ZQ, Sun YW, Duan PF, Ma YZ, Xia LQ. RNAi-mediated plant protection against aphids. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2016; 72:1090-8. [PMID: 26888776 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Aphids (Aphididae) are major agricultural pests that cause significant yield losses of crop plants each year by inflicting damage both through the direct effects of feeding and by vectoring harmful plant viruses. Expression of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) directed against suitable insect target genes in transgenic plants has been shown to give protection against pests through plant-mediated RNA interference (RNAi). Thus, as a potential alternative and effective strategy for insect pest management in agricultural practice, plant-mediated RNAi for aphid control has received close attention in recent years. In this review, the mechanism of RNAi in insects and the so far explored effective RNAi target genes in aphids, their potential applications in the development of transgenic plants for aphid control and the major challenges in this regard are reviewed, and the future prospects of using plant-mediated RNAi for aphid control are discussed. This review is intended to be a helpful insight into the generation of aphid-resistant plants through plant-mediated RNAi strategy. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Dao Yu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, Henan, China
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zong-Cai Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Si-Liang Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Zhi-Qin Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Yong-Wei Sun
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng-Fei Duan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - You-Zhi Ma
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lan-Qin Xia
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Bengyella L, Waikhom SD, Allie F, Rey C. Virus tolerance and recovery from viral induced-symptoms in plants are associated with transcriptome reprograming. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 89:243-52. [PMID: 26358043 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-015-0362-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Plant recovery from viral infection is characterized by initial severe systemic symptoms which progressively decrease, leading to reduced symptoms or symptomless leaves at the apices. A key feature to plant recovery from invading nucleic acids such as viruses is the degree of the host's initial basal immunity response. We review current links between RNA silencing, recovery and tolerance, and present a model in which, in addition to regulation of resistance (R) and other defence-related genes by RNA silencing, viral infections incite perturbations of the host physiological state that trigger reprogramming of host responses to by-pass severe symptom development, leading to partial or complete recovery. Recovery, in particular in perennial hosts, may trigger tolerance or virus accommodation. We discuss evidence suggesting that plant viruses can avoid total clearance but persistently replicate at low levels, thereby modulating the host transcriptome response which minimizes fitness cost and triggers recovery from viral-symptoms. In some cases a susceptible host may fail to recover from initial viral systemic symptoms, yet, accommodates the persistent virus throughout the life span, a phenomenon herein referred to as non-recovery accommodation, which differs from tolerance in that there is no distinct recovery phase, and differs from susceptibility in that the host is not killed. Recent advances in plant recovery from virus-induced symptoms involving host transcriptome reprogramming are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Bengyella
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, 1, Jan Smuts 6, Ave, Johannesburg, Braamfontein, 2000, South Africa
| | - Sayanika D Waikhom
- Centre of Advanced Study in Life Sciences, Manipur University, Imphal, Manipur, 795003, India
- School of Basic and Biomedical Science, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Farhahna Allie
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, 1, Jan Smuts 6, Ave, Johannesburg, Braamfontein, 2000, South Africa
| | - Chrissie Rey
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, 1, Jan Smuts 6, Ave, Johannesburg, Braamfontein, 2000, South Africa.
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Zotti MJ, Smagghe G. RNAi Technology for Insect Management and Protection of Beneficial Insects from Diseases: Lessons, Challenges and Risk Assessments. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 44:197-213. [PMID: 26013264 DOI: 10.1007/s137440150291-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The time has passed for us to wonder whether RNA interference (RNAi) effectively controls pest insects or protects beneficial insects from diseases. The RNAi era in insect science began with studies of gene function and genetics that paved the way for the development of novel and highly specific approaches for the management of pest insects and, more recently, for the treatment and prevention of diseases in beneficial insects. The slight differences in components of RNAi pathways are sufficient to provide a high degree of variation in responsiveness among insects. The current framework to assess the negative effects of genetically modified (GM) plants on human health is adequate for RNAi-based GM plants. Because of the mode of action of RNAi and the lack of genomic data for most exposed non-target organisms, it becomes difficult to determine the environmental risks posed by RNAi-based technologies and the benefits provided for the protection of crops. A better understanding of the mechanisms that determine the variability in the sensitivity of insects would accelerate the worldwide release of commercial RNAi-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Zotti
- Dept of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal Univ of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil,
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37
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Zotti MJ, Smagghe G. RNAi Technology for Insect Management and Protection of Beneficial Insects from Diseases: Lessons, Challenges and Risk Assessments. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 44:197-213. [PMID: 26013264 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-015-0291-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The time has passed for us to wonder whether RNA interference (RNAi) effectively controls pest insects or protects beneficial insects from diseases. The RNAi era in insect science began with studies of gene function and genetics that paved the way for the development of novel and highly specific approaches for the management of pest insects and, more recently, for the treatment and prevention of diseases in beneficial insects. The slight differences in components of RNAi pathways are sufficient to provide a high degree of variation in responsiveness among insects. The current framework to assess the negative effects of genetically modified (GM) plants on human health is adequate for RNAi-based GM plants. Because of the mode of action of RNAi and the lack of genomic data for most exposed non-target organisms, it becomes difficult to determine the environmental risks posed by RNAi-based technologies and the benefits provided for the protection of crops. A better understanding of the mechanisms that determine the variability in the sensitivity of insects would accelerate the worldwide release of commercial RNAi-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Zotti
- Dept of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal Univ of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil,
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38
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Papantonis A, Swevers L, Iatrou K. Chorion genes: a landscape of their evolution, structure, and regulation. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 60:177-194. [PMID: 25341099 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-010814-020810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Differential regulation at the level of transcription provides a means for controlling gene expression in eukaryotes, especially during development. Insect model systems have been extensively used to decipher the molecular basis of such regulatory cascades, and one of the oldest such model systems is the regulation of chorion gene expression during ovarian follicle maturation. Recent experimental and technological advances have shed new light onto the system, allowing us to revisit it. Thus, in this review we try to summarize almost 40 years' worth of studies on chorion gene regulation while-by comparing Bombyx mori and Drosophila melanogaster models-attempting to present a comprehensive, unified model of the various regulatory aspects of choriogenesis that takes into account the evolutionary conservation and divergence of the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argyris Papantonis
- Research Group for Systems Biology of Chromatin, Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany;
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Kolliopoulou A, Swevers L. Recent progress in RNAi research in Lepidoptera: intracellular machinery, antiviral immune response and prospects for insect pest control. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2014; 6:28-34. [PMID: 0 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2014.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
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40
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Liu J, Kolliopoulou A, Smagghe G, Swevers L. Modulation of the transcriptional response of innate immune and RNAi genes upon exposure to dsRNA and LPS in silkmoth-derived Bm5 cells overexpressing BmToll9-1 receptor. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 66:10-19. [PMID: 24831177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Injection or feeding of dsRNA is commonly used to induce specific gene silencing by RNAi in insects but very little research has been carried out to investigate non-specific effects on gene expression of dsRNA as pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP). This study focuses on the potential role of the BmToll9-1 receptor to modulate the transcriptional response of innate immune and RNAi genes to dsRNA and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which was used for comparison. To study this role, we took advantage of the silkmoth-derived Bm5 cell line, which does not express BmToll9-1 endogenously, and engineered a transformed cell line that permanently expresses BmToll9-1. Quantitative mRNA expression studies showed that BmToll9-1 can significantly alter the transcriptional response to dsRNA and LPS: (1) BmToll9-1 promotes the transcriptional response of Dicer2, encoding a key component of the RNAi machinery, and, to a lesser extent, that of transcription factors in the Jak-STAT and Toll pathways; and (2) BmToll9-1 represses the transcriptional induction of the IMD and Jak-STAT pathway genes, as well as the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) effector genes, by LPS. Thus, BmToll9-1 was identified as a modulator of innate immune and RNAi machinery gene expression that could be related to its preferential expression in the larval gut, the major barrier of pathogen entry. While BmToll9-1 was found to modulate RNAi-related gene expression, a reporter-based RNAi assay established no evidence for a direct interaction of BmToll9-1 with the intracellular RNAi machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisheng Liu
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anna Kolliopoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece.
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41
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Pijlman GP. Flavivirus RNAi suppression: decoding non-coding RNA. Curr Opin Virol 2014; 7:55-60. [PMID: 24793201 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Flaviviruses are important human pathogens that are transmitted by invertebrate vectors, mostly mosquitoes and ticks. During replication in their vector, flaviviruses are subject to a potent innate immune response known as antiviral RNA interference (RNAi). This defense mechanism is associated with the production of small interfering (si)RNA that lead to degradation of viral RNA. To what extent flaviviruses would benefit from counteracting antiviral RNAi is subject of debate. Here, the experimental evidence to suggest the existence of flavivirus RNAi suppressors is discussed. I will highlight the putative role of non-coding, subgenomic flavivirus RNA in suppression of RNAi in insect and mammalian cells. Novel insights from ongoing research will reveal how arthropod-borne viruses modulate innate immunity including antiviral RNAi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorben P Pijlman
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen 6708PB, The Netherlands.
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42
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Christiaens O, Swevers L, Smagghe G. DsRNA degradation in the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) associated with lack of response in RNAi feeding and injection assay. Peptides 2014; 53:307-14. [PMID: 24394433 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, RNA interference (RNAi), the sequence-specific suppression of gene expression, has proven very promising for molecular research in many species, including model insects as Tribolium castaneum and Apis mellifera. It showed its usefulness to analyze gene function and its potential to manage pest populations and reduce disease pathogens. However, in several insects, the efficiency of RNAi is low or very variable at best. One of the factors that could influence RNAi efficiency in insects is degradation of dsRNA after administration to the insect. In this paper, we report on the importance of dsRNA breakdown in the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) associated with the absence of an RNAi response upon oral feeding and injection with dsRNA targeting different genes such as the ecdysone hormone receptor and ultraspiracle. In essence, we discovered that both the salivary secretions of aphids and the hemolymph were able to degrade the dsRNA. In parallel, introduction of dsRNA in the aphid body was not able to provoke a response in the expression of the siRNA core machinery genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Christiaens
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, NCSR "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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