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Sun K, Fu K, Hu T, Shentu X, Yu X. Leveraging insect viruses and genetic manipulation for sustainable agricultural pest control. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2515-2527. [PMID: 37948321 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The potential of insect viruses in the biological control of agricultural pests is well-recognized, yet their practical application faces obstacles such as host specificity, variable virulence, and resource scarcity. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies have significantly advanced our capabilities in discovering and identifying new insect viruses, thereby enriching the arsenal for pest management. Concurrently, progress in reverse genetics has facilitated the development of versatile viral expression vectors. These vectors have enhanced the specificity and effectiveness of insect viruses in targeting specific pests, offering a more precise approach to pest control. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the methodologies employed in the identification of insect viruses using HTS. Additionally, it explores the domain of genetically modified insect viruses and their associated challenges in pest management. The adoption of these cutting-edge approaches holds great promise for developing environmentally sustainable and effective pest control solutions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kang Fu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Hu
- Zhejinag Seed Industry Group Xinchuang Bio-breeding Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuping Shentu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
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2
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Ortolá B, Urbaneja A, Eiras M, Pérez-Hedo M, Daròs JA. RNAi-mediated silencing of Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) endogenous genes using orally-supplied double-stranded RNAs produced in Escherichia coli. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:1087-1098. [PMID: 37851867 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann, is a major pest affecting fruit and vegetable production worldwide, whose control is mainly based on insecticides. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) able to down-regulate endogenous genes, thus affecting essential vital functions via RNA interference (RNAi) in pests and pathogens, is envisioned as a more specific and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional insecticides. However, this strategy has not been explored in medfly yet. RESULTS Here, we screened seven candidate target genes by injecting in adult medflies gene-specific dsRNA hairpins transcribed in vitro. Several genes were significantly down-regulated, resulting in increased insect mortality compared to flies treated with a control dsRNA targeting the green fluorescent protein (GFP) complementary DNA (cDNA). Three of the dsRNAs, homologous to the beta subunit of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase (ATPsynbeta), a vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase), and the ribosomal protein S13 (RPS13), were able to halve the probability of survival in only 48 h after injection. We then produced new versions of these three dsRNAs and that of the GFP control as circular molecules in Escherichia coli using a two-self-splicing-intron-based expression system and tested them as orally-delivered insecticidal compounds against medfly adults. We observed a significant down-regulation of V-ATPase and RPS13 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) (approximately 30% and 90%, respectively) compared with the control medflies after 3 days of treatment. No significant mortality was recorded in medflies, but egg laying and hatching reduction was achieved by silencing V-ATPase and RPS13. CONCLUSION In sum, we report the potential of dsRNA molecules as oral insecticide in medfly. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beltrán Ortolá
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València), Valencia, Spain
| | - Alberto Urbaneja
- Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marcelo Eiras
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València), Valencia, Spain
- Laboratório de Fitovirologia e Fisiopatologia, Instituto Biológico, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Meritxell Pérez-Hedo
- Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - José-Antonio Daròs
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València), Valencia, Spain
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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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4
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Palli SR. RNAi turns 25:contributions and challenges in insect science. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1209478. [PMID: 38469536 PMCID: PMC10926446 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1209478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1998, RNA interference (RNAi), a Nobel prize-winning technology, made significant contributions to advances in biology because of its ability to mediate the knockdown of specific target genes. RNAi applications in medicine and agriculture have been explored with mixed success. The past 25 years of research on RNAi resulted in advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of its action, target specificity, and differential efficiency among animals and plants. RNAi played a major role in advances in insect biology. Did RNAi technology fully meet insect pest and disease vector management expectations? This review will discuss recent advances in the mechanisms of RNAi and its contributions to insect science. The remaining challenges, including delivery to the target site, differential efficiency, potential resistance development and possible solutions for the widespread use of this technology in insect management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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5
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Sartaj Sohrab S, Aly El-Kafrawy S, Mirza Z, Hassan AM, Alsaqaf F, Ibraheem Azhar E. Delivery of siRNAs against MERS-CoV in Vero and HEK-293 cells: A comparative evaluation of transfection reagents. JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY. SCIENCE 2023; 35:102540. [PMID: 36624781 PMCID: PMC9814285 DOI: 10.1016/j.jksus.2023.102540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background A new coronavirus was identified in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2012 and designated as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). To date, this virus has been reported in 27 countries. The virus transmission to humans has already been reported from camels. Currently, there is no vaccine or antiviral therapy available against this virus. Methods The siRNAs were in silico predicted, designed, and chemically synthesized by using the MERS-CoV-orf1ab region as a target. The antiviral activity was experimentally evaluated by delivering the siRNAs with Lipofectamine™ 2000 and JetPRIMER as transfection reagents in both Vero cell and HEK-293-T cell lines at two different concentrations (10.0 nM and 5.0 nM). The Ct value of quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to calculate and determine the reduction of viral RNA level in both cell supernatant and cell lysate isolated from both cell lines. Results The sequence alignment resulted in the selection of highly conserved regions. The orf1ab region was used to predict and design the siRNAs and a total of twenty-one siRNAs were finally selected from four hundred and twenty-six siRNAs generated by online software. Inhibition of viral replication and significant reduction of viral RNA was observed against selected siRNAs in both cell lines at both concentrations. Based on the Ct value, the siRNAs # 11, 12, 18, and 20 were observed to be the best performing in both cell lines at both concentrations. Conclusion Based on the results and data analysis, it is concluded that the use of two different transfection reagents was significantly effective. But the Lipofectamine™ 2000 was found to be a better transfection reagent than the JetPRIMER for the delivery of siRNAs in both cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Sartaj Sohrab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sherif Aly El-Kafrawy
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeenat Mirza
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Hassan
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatima Alsaqaf
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam Ibraheem Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Computational Design and Experimental Evaluation of MERS-CoV siRNAs in Selected Cell Lines. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13010151. [PMID: 36611443 PMCID: PMC9818142 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is caused by a well-known coronavirus first identified in a hospitalized patient in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MERS-CoV is a serious pathogen affecting both human and camel health globally, with camels being known carriers of viruses that spread to humans. In this work, MERS-CoV genomic sequences were retrieved and analyzed by multiple sequence alignment to design and predict siRNAs with online software. The siRNAs were designed from the orf1ab region of the virus genome because of its high sequence conservation and vital role in virus replication. The designed siRNAs were used for experimental evaluation in selected cell lines: Vero cells, HEK-293-T, and Huh-7. Virus inhibition was assessed according to the cycle threshold value during a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Out of 462 potential siRNAs, we filtered out 21 based on specific selection criteria without off-target effect. The selected siRNAs did not show any cellular toxicity in the tested cell lines at various concentrations. Based on our results, it was obvious that the combined use of siRNAs exhibited a reduction in MERS-CoV replication in the Vero, HEK-293-T, and Huh-7 cell lines, with the highest efficacy displayed in the Vero cells.
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Das PK, Panda G, Patra K, Jena N, Dash M. The role of polyplexes in developing a green sustainable approach in agriculture. RSC Adv 2022; 12:34463-34481. [PMID: 36545618 PMCID: PMC9709925 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra06541j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Rise in global population has increased the food demands and thus the competition among farmers to produce more and more. In the race to obtain higher productivity, farmers have resorted to injudicious farming practices that include the reckless use of nitrogenous fertilizers and intensive cropping on farmlands. Such practices have paved the path for large scale infestations of crops and plants by pests thus affecting the plant productivity and crop vigour. There are several traditional techniques to control pest infestations in plants such as the use of chemical or bio-pesticides, and integrated pest management practices which face several drawbacks. Delivery of gene/nucleic acid in plants through genetic engineering approaches is a more sustainable and effective method of protection against pests. The technology of RNA interference (RNAi) provides a sustainable solution to counter pest control problems faced by other traditional techniques. The RNAi technique involves delivery of dsDNA/dsRNA or other forms of nucleic acids into target organisms thereby bringing about gene silencing. However, RNAi is also limited to its use because of their susceptibility to degradation wherein the use of cationic polymers can provide a tangible solution. Cationic polymers form stable complexes with the nucleic acids known as "polyplexes", which may be attributed to their high positive charge densities thus protecting the exogenous nucleic acids from extracellular degradation. The current paper focuses on the utility of nucleic acids as a sustainable tool for pest control in crops and the use of cationic polymers for the efficient delivery of nucleic acids in pests thus protecting the plant from infestations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nivedita Jena
- Institute of Life Sciences, DBT-ILSBhubaneswarOdishaIndia
| | - Mamoni Dash
- Institute of Life Sciences, DBT-ILSBhubaneswarOdishaIndia
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8
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Hall RN, Weill U, Drees L, Leal-Ortiz S, Li H, Khariton M, Chai C, Xue Y, Rosental B, Quake SR, Sánchez Alvarado A, Melosh NA, Fire AZ, Rink JC, Wang B. Heterologous reporter expression in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea through somatic mRNA transfection. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100298. [PMID: 36313809 PMCID: PMC9606109 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Planarians have long been studied for their regenerative abilities. Moving forward, tools for ectopic expression of non-native proteins will be of substantial value. Using a luminescent reporter to overcome the strong autofluorescence of planarian tissues, we demonstrate heterologous protein expression in planarian cells and live animals. Our approach is based on the introduction of mRNA through several nanotechnological and chemical transfection methods. We improve reporter expression by altering untranslated region (UTR) sequences and codon bias, facilitating the measurement of expression kinetics in both isolated cells and whole planarians using luminescence imaging. We also examine protein expression as a function of variations in the UTRs of delivered mRNA, demonstrating a framework to investigate gene regulation at the post-transcriptional level. Together, these advances expand the toolbox for the mechanistic analysis of planarian biology and establish a foundation for the development and expansion of transgenic techniques in this unique model system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Uri Weill
- Department of Tissue Dynamics and Regeneration, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Leonard Drees
- Department of Tissue Dynamics and Regeneration, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Sergio Leal-Ortiz
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hongquan Li
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Margarita Khariton
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Chew Chai
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yuan Xue
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Benyamin Rosental
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Stephen R. Quake
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Melosh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andrew Z. Fire
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jochen C. Rink
- Department of Tissue Dynamics and Regeneration, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Identification and Characterization of Two Novel Noda-like Viruses from Rice Plants Showing the Dwarfing Symptom. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061159. [PMID: 35746632 PMCID: PMC9231309 DOI: 10.3390/v14061159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nodaviruses are small bipartite RNA viruses and are considered animal viruses. Here, we identified two novel noda-like viruses (referred to as rice-associated noda-like virus 1 (RNLV1) and rice-associated noda-like virus 2 (RNLV2)) in field-collected rice plants showing a dwarfing phenotype through RNA-seq. RNLV1 genome consists of 3335 nt RNA1 and 1769 nt RNA2, and RNLV2 genome consists of 3279 nt RNA1 and 1525 nt RNA2. Three conserved ORFs were identified in each genome of the two novel viruses, encoding an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, an RNA silencing suppressor, and a capsid protein, respectively. The results of sequence alignment, protein domain prediction, and evolutionary analysis indicate that these two novel viruses are clearly different from the known nodaviruses, especially the CPs. We have also determined that the B2 protein encoded by the two new noda-like viruses can suppress RNA silencing in plants. Two reverse genetic systems were constructed and used to show that RNLV1 RNA1 can replicate in plant cells and RNLV1 can replicate in insect Sf9 cells. We have also found two unusual peptidase family A21 domains in the RNLV1 CP, and RNLV1 CP can self-cleave in acidic environments. These findings provide new knowledge of novel nodaviruses.
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Li W, De Schutter K, Van Damme EJM, Smagghe G. Developmental O-glycan profile analysis shows pentasaccharide mucin-type O-glycans are linked with pupation of Tribolium castaneum. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 109:e21852. [PMID: 34796531 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells can decorate their proteins with carbohydrate structures or glycans, significantly affecting the properties and activities of these proteins. Despite the importance of protein glycosylation in numerous biological processes, our knowledge of this modification in insects is far from complete. While N-glycosylation is the most studied, the study of O-glycans in insects is still very fragmentary and these studies are limited to a specific developmental stage or a specific tissue. In this article, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry (MS) technology was used to analyze the O-glycan profile for the different developmental stages of egg, larva, pupa, and adult of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, an important insect model and pest worldwide. The results on the O-glycan profile showed that the mucin-type glycans dominate the O-glycome of the red flour beetle. Interestingly, some of the more complex mucin-type O-glycans, such as a tetra- (O-GalNAcGalGlcAGalNAc) and pentasaccharide O-glycan (O-GalNAc(GalGlcA)GalNAcGlcA), were highly abundant during the pupa stage, the intermediate stage between larval and adult stage in holometabolous insects, demonstrating that insect metamorphosis is accompanied with a change in the insect O-glycan profile. Together with the N-glycan profile, the current data are a foundation to better understand the role of protein glycosylation in the development of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Li
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Glycobiology, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristof De Schutter
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Els J M Van Damme
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Glycobiology, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Parekh F, Daughenbaugh KF, Flenniken ML. Chemical Stimulants and Stressors Impact the Outcome of Virus Infection and Immune Gene Expression in Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera). Front Immunol 2021; 12:747848. [PMID: 34804032 PMCID: PMC8596368 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.747848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) are ecologically, agriculturally, and economically important plant pollinators. High average annual losses of honey bee colonies in the US have been partially attributed to agrochemical exposure and virus infections. To examine the potential negative synergistic impacts of agrochemical exposure and virus infection, as well as the potential promise of phytochemicals to ameliorate the impact of pathogenic infections on honey bees, we infected bees with a panel of viruses (i.e., Flock House virus, deformed wing virus, or Sindbis virus) and exposed to one of three chemical compounds. Specifically, honey bees were fed sucrose syrup containing: (1) thyme oil, a phytochemical and putative immune stimulant, (2) fumagillin, a beekeeper applied fungicide, or (3) clothianidin, a grower-applied insecticide. We determined that virus abundance was lower in honey bees fed 0.16 ppb thyme oil augmented sucrose syrup, compared to bees fed sucrose syrup alone. Parallel analysis of honey bee gene expression revealed that honey bees fed thyme oil augmented sucrose syrup had higher expression of key RNAi genes (argonaute-2 and dicer-like), antimicrobial peptide expressing genes (abaecin and hymenoptaecin), and vitellogenin, a putative honey bee health and age indicator, compared to bees fed only sucrose syrup. Virus abundance was higher in bees fed fumagillin (25 ppm or 75 ppm) or 1 ppb clothianidin containing sucrose syrup relative to levels in bees fed only sucrose syrup. Whereas, honey bees fed 10 ppb clothianidin had lower virus levels, likely because consuming a near lethal dose of insecticide made them poor hosts for virus infection. The negative impact of fumagillin and clothianidin on honey bee health was indicated by the lower expression of argonaute-2, dicer-like, abaecin, and hymenoptaecin, and vitellogenin. Together, these results indicate that chemical stimulants and stressors impact the outcome of virus infection and immune gene expression in honey bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenali Parekh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States.,Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States.,Pollinator Health Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Katie F Daughenbaugh
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States.,Pollinator Health Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Michelle L Flenniken
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States.,Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States.,Pollinator Health Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
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12
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Swevers L, Kontogiannatos D, Kolliopoulou A, Ren F, Feng M, Sun J. Mechanisms of Cell Entry by dsRNA Viruses: Insights for Efficient Delivery of dsRNA and Tools for Improved RNAi-Based Pest Control. Front Physiol 2021; 12:749387. [PMID: 34858204 PMCID: PMC8632066 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.749387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While RNAi is often heralded as a promising new strategy for insect pest control, a major obstacle that still remains is the efficient delivery of dsRNA molecules within the cells of the targeted insects. However, it seems overlooked that dsRNA viruses already have developed efficient strategies for transport of dsRNA molecules across tissue barriers and cellular membranes. Besides protecting their dsRNA genomes in a protective shell, dsRNA viruses also display outer capsid layers that incorporate sophisticated mechanisms to disrupt the plasma membrane layer and to translocate core particles (with linear dsRNA genome fragments) within the cytoplasm. Because of the perceived efficiency of the translocation mechanism, it is well worth analyzing in detail the molecular processes that are used to achieve this feat. In this review, the mechanism of cell entry by dsRNA viruses belonging to the Reoviridae family is discussed in detail. Because of the large amount of progress in mammalian versus insect models, the mechanism of infections of reoviruses in mammals (orthoreoviruses, rotaviruses, orbiviruses) will be treated as a point of reference against which infections of reoviruses in insects (orbiviruses in midges, plant viruses in hemipterans, insect-specific cypoviruses in lepidopterans) will be compared. The goal of this discussion is to uncover the basic principles by which dsRNA viruses cross tissue barriers and translocate their cargo to the cellular cytoplasm; such knowledge subsequently can be incorporated into the design of dsRNA virus-based viral-like particles for optimal delivery of RNAi triggers in targeted insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kontogiannatos
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Kolliopoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Feifei Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingchen Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Hernández-Soto A, Chacón-Cerdas R. RNAi Crop Protection Advances. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12148. [PMID: 34830030 PMCID: PMC8625170 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAi technology is a versatile, effective, safe, and eco-friendly alternative for crop protection. There is plenty of evidence of its use through host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) and emerging evidence that spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) techniques can work as well to control viruses, bacteria, fungi, insects, and nematodes. For SIGS, its most significant challenge is achieving stability and avoiding premature degradation of RNAi in the environment or during its absorption by the target organism. One alternative is encapsulation in liposomes, virus-like particles, polyplex nanoparticles, and bioclay, which can be obtained through the recombinant production of RNAi in vectors, transgenesis, and micro/nanoencapsulation. The materials must be safe, biodegradable, and stable in multiple chemical environments, favoring the controlled release of RNAi. Most of the current research on encapsulated RNAi focuses primarily on oral delivery to control insects by silencing essential genes. The regulation of RNAi technology focuses on risk assessment using different approaches; however, this technology has positive economic, environmental, and human health implications for its use in agriculture. The emergence of alternatives combining RNAi gene silencing with the induction of resistance in crops by elicitation and metabolic control is expected, as well as multiple silencing and biotechnological optimization of its large-scale production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Hernández-Soto
- Doctorado en Ciencia Naturales para el Desarrollo (DOCINADE), Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Universidad Nacional, Universidad Estatal a Distancia, Cartago P.O. Box 159-7050, Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, Biology School, Biotechnology Research Center, Cartago P.O. Box 159-7050, Costa Rica;
| | - Randall Chacón-Cerdas
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, Biology School, Biotechnology Research Center, Cartago P.O. Box 159-7050, Costa Rica;
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In Vitro Inhibitory Analysis of Rationally Designed siRNAs against MERS-CoV Replication in Huh7 Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092610. [PMID: 33947034 PMCID: PMC8125306 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MERS-CoV was identified for the first time in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2012 in a hospitalized patient. This virus subsequently spread to 27 countries with a total of 939 deaths and 2586 confirmed cases and now has become a serious concern globally. Camels are well known for the transmission of the virus to the human population. In this report, we have discussed the prediction, designing, and evaluation of potential siRNA targeting the ORF1ab gene for the inhibition of MERS-CoV replication. The online software, siDirect 2.0 was used to predict and design the siRNAs, their secondary structure and their target accessibility. ORF1ab gene folding was performed by RNAxs and RNAfold software. A total of twenty-one siRNAs were selected from 462 siRNAs according to their scoring and specificity. siRNAs were evaluated in vitro for their cytotoxicity and antiviral efficacy in Huh7 cell line. No significant cytotoxicity was observed for all siRNAs in Huh7 cells. The in vitro study showed the inhibition of viral replication by three siRNAs. The data generated in this study provide preliminary and encouraging information to evaluate the siRNAs separately as well as in combination against MERS-CoV replication in other cell lines. The prediction of siRNAs using online software resulted in the filtration and selection of potential siRNAs with high accuracy and strength. This computational approach resulted in three effective siRNAs that can be taken further to in vivo animal studies and can be used to develop safe and effective antiviral therapies for other prevalent disease-causing viruses.
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15
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Kalhori MR, Saadatpour F, Arefian E, Soleimani M, Farzaei MH, Aneva IY, Echeverría J. The Potential Therapeutic Effect of RNA Interference and Natural Products on COVID-19: A Review of the Coronaviruses Infection. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:616993. [PMID: 33716745 PMCID: PMC7953353 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.616993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus was reported for the first time in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and causes respiratory infection. This pandemic pneumonia killed about 1,437,835 people out of 61,308,161cases up to November 27, 2020. The disease's main clinical complications include fever, recurrent coughing, shortness of breath, acute respiratory syndrome, and failure of vital organs that could lead to death. It has been shown that natural compounds with antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral activities and RNA interference agents could play an essential role in preventing or treating coronavirus infection by inhibiting the expression of crucial virus genes. This study aims to introduce a summary of coronavirus's genetic and morphological structure and determine the role of miRNAs, siRNAs, chemical drugs, and natural compounds in stimulating the immune system or inhibiting the virus's structural and non-structural genes that are essential for replication and infection of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Kalhori
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saadatpour
- Molecular Virology Lab, Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Arefian
- Molecular Virology Lab, Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hosien Farzaei
- Medical Technology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ina Yosifova Aneva
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Javier Echeverría
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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16
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Sohrab SS, Aly El-Kafrawy S, Mirza Z, Hassan AM, Alsaqaf F, Azhar EI. In silico prediction and experimental validation of siRNAs targeting ORF1ab of MERS-CoV in Vero cell line. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:1348-1355. [PMID: 33519276 PMCID: PMC7833792 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.11.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus is well known to cause respiratory syndrome and this virus was identified and isolated for the first time from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2012 from infected patient. In this report, we have conducted the in-silico prediction, designing and evaluation of siRNAs targeting Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus orf1ab gene to inhibit the virus replication. By using bioinformatics software, total twenty-one functional, off-target reduced siRNA were selected from four hundred and sixty-two siRNAs based on their greater potency and specificity. We have evaluated only seven siRNAs to analyze their performance and efficacy as antivirals by reverse transfection approach in Vero cells. There was no cytotoxicity of siRNAs at various concentrations was observed in Vero cells. Based on the real-time PCR results, better inhibition of viral replication was observed in the siRNA-1 and 4 as compared to other siRNAs. The results generated from this work provided suitable information about the efficacy of siRNAs which encouraged us to further evaluate the remaining siRNAs to determine their inhibitory effect on the virus replication. We concluded that the insilico prediction and designing resulted in the screening of potential siRNAs with better efficiency, and strength. This can be used to develop oligonucleotide-based antiviral therapeutics against MERS-CoV in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Sartaj Sohrab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sherif Aly El-Kafrawy
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeenat Mirza
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Hassan
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatima Alsaqaf
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam Ibraheem Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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17
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Abstract
As an overarching immune mechanism, RNA interference (RNAi) displays pathogen specificity and memory via different pathways. The small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway is the primary antiviral defense mechanism against RNA viruses of insects and plays a lesser role in defense against DNA viruses. Reflecting the pivotal role of the siRNA pathway in virus selection, different virus families have independently evolved unique strategies to counter this host response, including protein-mediated, decoy RNA-based, and microRNA-based strategies. In this review, we outline the interplay between insect viruses and the different pathways of the RNAi antiviral response; describe practical application of these interactions for improved expression systems and for pest and disease management; and highlight research avenues for advancement of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony C Bonning
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA;
| | - Maria-Carla Saleh
- Viruses and RNA Interference Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3569, 75724 Paris CEDEX 15, France;
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18
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Sharma R, Christiaens O, Taning CN, Smagghe G. RNAi-mediated mortality in southern green stinkbug Nezara viridula by oral delivery of dsRNA. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:77-84. [PMID: 32696565 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The southern green stinkbug, Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an important emerging polyphagous pest infesting soybean in the United States, Brazil and Argentina. The indiscriminate use of synthetic insecticides to control stinkbugs has limited the effectiveness of current management strategies. Alternatively, RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a novel mode of action to control pests in an eco-friendly manner. RESULTS Here, we assessed the potential of RNAi technology by oral delivery of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for the control of N. viridula. Initially, ten candidate genes were tested by microinjection assay to select the best target genes for oral delivery. Seven genes resulted in more than 90% mortality after microinjection. To evaluate RNAi efficacy by oral delivery of dsRNA, five genes were tested by feeding the insects on gene-specific dsRNA mixed with an artificial diet. Significant mortality of 43% and 45% was observed after 14 days of treatment with dsαCop and dsvATPase A, respectively. To elucidate the lower RNAi efficacy via oral delivery of dsRNA, ex vivo dsRNA degradation in the saliva and the midgut juice was performed, which indicated that the reduced RNAi efficacy is accompanied by a rapid degradation of dsRNA by digestive secretions. CONCLUSION This study proves that RNAi can be triggered by orally delivered dsRNA in N. viridula and can be exploited to control this economically important pest. The reduced stability of dsRNA in saliva and midgut that was observed indicates a need to further improve RNAi efficacy, for example by use of specific formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Sharma
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Clauvis Nt Taning
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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19
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Sohrab SS, El-Kafrawy SA, Mirza Z, Hassan AM, Alsaqaf F, Azhar EI. Designing and evaluation of MERS-CoV siRNAs in HEK-293 cell line. J Infect Public Health 2020; 14:238-243. [PMID: 33493920 PMCID: PMC7771261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2020.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The MERS-CoV was identified for the first time from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2012 from a hospitalized patient. This virus has now been spread to 27 countries with a total of 858 deaths and 2494 confirmed cases and has become a serious concern for the human population. Camels are well known for the transmission of the virus to the human population. Methods In this report, we have discussed the designing, prediction, and evaluation of potential siRNAs against the orf1ab gene of MERS-CoV. The online software was used to predict and design the siRNAs and finally, total twenty-one siRNA were filtered out from four hundred and sixty-two sIRNAs as per their scoring and specificity criteria. We have used only ten siRNAs to evaluate their cytotoxicity and efficacy by reverse transfection approach in HEK-293-T cell lines. Results Based on the results and data generated; no cytotoxicity was observed for any siRNAs at various concentrations in HEK-293-T cells. The ct value of real-time PCR showed the inhibition of viral replication in siRNA-1, 2, 4, 6, and 9. The data generated provided the preliminary information and encouraged us to evaluate the remaining siRNAs separately as well as in combination to analyses the replication of MERS-CoV inhibition in other cell lines. Conclusion Based on the results obtained; it is concluded that the prediction of siRNAs using online software resulted in the filtration of potential siRNAs with high accuracy and strength. This technology can be used to design and develop antiviral therapy not only for MERS-CoV but also against other viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Sartaj Sohrab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box, No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sherif Aly El-Kafrawy
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box, No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeenat Mirza
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Hassan
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box, No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatima Alsaqaf
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box, No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam Ibraheem Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box, No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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20
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Kadoić Balaško M, Mikac KM, Bažok R, Lemic D. Modern Techniques in Colorado Potato Beetle ( Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) Control and Resistance Management: History Review and Future Perspectives. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11090581. [PMID: 32882790 PMCID: PMC7563253 DOI: 10.3390/insects11090581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is one of the most important potato pest worldwide. It is native to U.S. but during the 20th century it has dispersed through Europe, Asia and western China. It continues to expand in an east and southeast direction. Damages are caused by larvae and adults. Their feeding on potato plant leaves can cause complete defoliation and lead to a large yield loss. After the long period of using only chemical control measures, the emergence of resistance increased and some new and different methods come to the fore. The main focus of this review is on new approaches to the old CPB control problem. We describe the use of Bacillus thuringiensis and RNA interference (RNAi) as possible solutions for the future in CPB management. RNAi has proven successful in controlling many pests and shows great potential for CPB control. Better understanding of the mechanisms that affect efficiency will enable the development of this technology and boost potential of RNAi to become part of integrated plant protection in the future. We described also the possibility of using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as a way to go deeper into our understanding of resistance and how it influences genotypes. Abstract Colorado potato beetle, CPB (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say), is one of the most important pests of the potato globally. Larvae and adults can cause complete defoliation of potato plant leaves and can lead to a large yield loss. The insect has been successfully suppressed by insecticides; however, over time, has developed resistance to insecticides from various chemical groups, and its once successful control has diminished. The number of available active chemical control substances is decreasing with the process of testing, and registering new products on the market are time-consuming and expensive, with the possibility of resistance ever present. All of these concerns have led to the search for new methods to control CPB and efficient tools to assist with the detection of resistant variants and monitoring of resistant populations. Current strategies that may aid in slowing resistance include gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi, besides providing an efficient tool for gene functional studies, represents a safe, efficient, and eco-friendly strategy for CPB control. Genetically modified (GM) crops that produce the toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have many advantages over agro-technical, mechanical, biological, and chemical measures. However, pest resistance that may occur and public acceptance of GM modified food crops are the main problems associated with Bt crops. Recent developments in the speed, cost, and accuracy of next generation sequencing are revolutionizing the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and field of population genomics. There is a need for effective resistance monitoring programs that are capable of the early detection of resistance and successful implementation of integrated resistance management (IRM). The main focus of this review is on new technologies for CPB control (RNAi) and tools (SNPs) for detection of resistant CPB populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Kadoić Balaško
- Department of Agricultural Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (R.B.); (D.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-1-239-3654
| | - Katarina M. Mikac
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia;
| | - Renata Bažok
- Department of Agricultural Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (R.B.); (D.L.)
| | - Darija Lemic
- Department of Agricultural Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (R.B.); (D.L.)
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21
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Petek M, Coll A, Ferenc R, Razinger J, Gruden K. Validating the Potential of Double-Stranded RNA Targeting Colorado Potato Beetle Mesh Gene in Laboratory and Field Trials. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:1250. [PMID: 32973826 PMCID: PMC7466441 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.01250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is an agricultural pest of solanaceous crops, notorious for its rapid resistance development to chemical pesticides. Foliar spraying of dsRNA formulations is a promising innovative technology providing highly specific and environmentally acceptable option for CPB management. We designed dsRNA to silence CPB mesh gene (dsMESH) and performed laboratory feeding trials to assess impacts on beetle survival and development. We compared the effectiveness of in vivo and in vitro produced dsRNA in a series of laboratory experiments. We additionally performed a field trial in which the efficacy of dsRNA sprayed onto potato foliage was compared to a spinosad-based insecticide. We showed that dsMESH ingestion consistently and significantly impaired larval growth and decreased larval survival in laboratory feeding experiments. In vivo produced dsRNA performed similarly as in vitro synthesized dsRNA in laboratory settings. In the field trial, dsMESH was as effective in controlling CPB larvae as a commercial spinosad insecticide, its activity was however slower. We discuss limitations and benefits of a potential dsMESH-based CPB management strategy and list some important RNAi based CPB research topics, which will have to be addressed in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Petek
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anna Coll
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rok Ferenc
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jaka Razinger
- Plant Protection Department, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kristina Gruden
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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22
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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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23
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Dias NP, Cagliari D, Dos Santos EA, Smagghe G, Jurat-Fuentes JL, Mishra S, Nava DE, Zotti MJ. Insecticidal Gene Silencing by RNAi in the Neotropical Region. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 49:1-11. [PMID: 31749122 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-019-00722-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Insecticidal gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) involves a post-transcriptional mechanism with great potential for insect control. Here, we aim to summarize the progress on RNAi research toward control of insect pests in the Neotropical region and discuss factors determining its efficacy and prospects for pest management. We include an overview of the available RNAi information for Neotropical pests in the Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, and Hemiptera orders. Emphasis is put on significant findings in the use of RNAi against relevant Neotropical pests, including diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.), Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama), and the cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis Boheman). We also examine the main factors involved in insecticidal RNAi efficiency and major advances to improve screening of lethal genes, formulation, and delivery. Few studies detail resistance mechanisms to RNAi, demonstrating a need for more research. Advances in formulation, delivery, and resistance management tools for insecticidal RNAi in the Neotropics can provide a basis for efficient field application.
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Affiliation(s)
- N P Dias
- Dept of Crop Protection, Federal Univ of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
| | - D Cagliari
- Dept of Crop Protection, Federal Univ of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - E A Dos Santos
- Dept of Crop Protection, Federal Univ of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - G Smagghe
- Dept of Plants and Crops, Ghent Univ, Ghent, Belgium
| | - J L Jurat-Fuentes
- Dept of Entomology and Plant Pathology, The Univ of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
| | - S Mishra
- Dept of Entomology and Plant Pathology, The Univ of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
| | - D E Nava
- Entomology Lab, EmbrapaClima Temperado, Pelotas, Brasil
| | - M J Zotti
- Dept of Crop Protection, Federal Univ of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
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24
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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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25
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Kolliopoulou A, Kontogiannatos D, Swevers L. The Use of Engineered Plant Viruses in a Trans-Kingdom Silencing Strategy Against Their Insect Vectors. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:917. [PMID: 32733507 PMCID: PMC7360853 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Plants, plant viruses, and their vectors are co-evolving actors that co-exist and interact in nature. Insects are the most important vectors of plant viruses, serving as both carriers and hosts for the virus. This trans-kingdom interaction can be harnessed for the production of recombinant plant viruses designed to target insect genes via the RNAi machinery. The selection of the adequate viruses is important since they must infect and preferentially replicate in both the host plant and the insect vector. The routes of transmission that determine the extent of the infection inside the insect vary among different plant viruses. In the context of the proposed strategy, plant viruses that are capable of transversing the insect gut-hemocoel barrier and replicating in insect tissues are attractive candidates. Thus, the transmission of such viruses in a persistent and propagative manner is considered as a prerequisite for this strategy to be feasible, a characteristic that is found in viruses from the families Bunyaviridae, Reoviridae, and Rhabdoviridae. In addition, several RNA viruses are known that replicate in both plant and insect tissues via a yet unclarified transmission route. In this review, advances in knowledge of trans-kingdom transmission of plant viruses and future perspectives for their engineering as silencing vectors are thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kolliopoulou
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Agia Paraskevi, Greece
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Egaleo, Greece
- *Correspondence: Anna Kolliopoulou,
| | - Dimitrios Kontogiannatos
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Agia Paraskevi, Greece
| | - Luc Swevers
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Agia Paraskevi, Greece
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Ismail SNFB, Baharum SN, Fazry S, Low CF. Comparative genome analysis reveals a distinct influence of nucleotide composition on virus-host species-specific interaction of prawn-infecting nodavirus. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2019; 42:1761-1772. [PMID: 31637743 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Discovery of species-specific interaction between the host and virus has drawn the interest of many researchers to study the evolution of the newly emerged virus. Comparative genome analysis provides insights of the virus functional genome evolution and the underlying mechanisms of virus-host interactions. The analysis of nucleotide composition signified the evolution of nodavirus towards host specialization in a host-specific mutation manner. GC-rich genome of betanodavirus was significantly deficient in UpA and UpU dinucleotides composition, whilst the AU-rich genome of gammanodavirus was deficient in CpG dinucleotide. The capsid of MrNV and PvNV of gammanodavirus retains the highest abundance of adenine and uracil at the second codon position, respectively, which were found to be very distinctive from the other genera. ENC-GC3 plot inferred the influence of natural selection and mutational pressure in shaping the evolution of MrNV RdRp and capsid, respectively. Furthermore, CAI/eCAI analysis predicts a comparable adaptability of MrNV in squid, Sepia officinalis than its natural host, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Thus, further study is warranted to investigate the capacity of MrNV replication in S. officinalis owing to its high codon adaptation index.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shazrul Fazry
- Tasik Chini Research Center, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Chen Fei Low
- Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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Santos D, Mingels L, Vogel E, Wang L, Christiaens O, Cappelle K, Wynant N, Gansemans Y, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Smagghe G, Swevers L, Vanden Broeck J. Generation of Virus- and dsRNA-Derived siRNAs with Species-Dependent Length in Insects. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080738. [PMID: 31405199 PMCID: PMC6723321 DOI: 10.3390/v11080738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules of viral origin trigger a post-transcriptional gene-silencing mechanism called RNA interference (RNAi). Specifically, virally derived dsRNA is recognized and cleaved by the enzyme Dicer2 into short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which further direct sequence-specific RNA silencing, ultimately silencing replication of the virus. Notably, RNAi can also be artificially triggered by the delivery of gene-specific dsRNA, thereby leading to endogenous gene silencing. This is a widely used technology that holds great potential to contribute to novel pest control strategies. In this regard, research efforts have been set to find methods to efficiently trigger RNAi in the field. In this article, we demonstrate the generation of dsRNA- and/or virus-derived siRNAs—the main RNAi effectors—in six insect species belonging to five economically important orders (Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, and Diptera). In addition, we describe that the siRNA length distribution is species-dependent. Taken together, our results reveal interspecies variability in the (antiviral) RNAi mechanism in insects and show promise to contribute to future research on (viral-based) RNAi-triggering mechanisms in this class of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Santos
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Lina Mingels
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elise Vogel
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luoluo Wang
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kaat Cappelle
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Niels Wynant
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yannick Gansemans
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Group, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Whitten MM. Novel RNAi delivery systems in the control of medical and veterinary pests. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 34:1-6. [PMID: 31247409 PMCID: PMC6990399 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a transformative technology with great potential to control, study or even protect insects and acarines through the knockdown of target gene expression. RNAi offers unprecedented levels of control, but fundamental to its successful deployment is the need to deliver 'trigger' RNA in an appropriate fashion giving due consideration to potential barriers of RNAi efficiency, safety, and the intended purpose of the knockdown. This short review focusses on recent innovations in RNAi delivery that are designed for, or could be adapted for use with, insect and acarine pests of medical or veterinary importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Ma Whitten
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
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Liu J, Swevers L, Kolliopoulou A, Smagghe G. Arboviruses and the Challenge to Establish Systemic and Persistent Infections in Competent Mosquito Vectors: The Interaction With the RNAi Mechanism. Front Physiol 2019; 10:890. [PMID: 31354527 PMCID: PMC6638189 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses are capable to establish long-term persistent infections in mosquitoes that do not affect significantly the physiology of the insect vectors. Arbovirus infections are controlled by the RNAi machinery via the production of viral siRNAs and the formation of RISC complexes targeting viral genomes and mRNAs. Engineered arboviruses that contain cellular gene sequences can therefore be transformed to "viral silencing vectors" for studies of gene function in reverse genetics approaches. More specifically, "ideal" viral silencing vectors must be competent to induce robust RNAi effects while other interactions with the host immune system should be kept at a minimum to reduce non-specific effects. Because of their inconspicuous nature, arboviruses may approach the "ideal" viral silencing vectors in insects and it is therefore worthwhile to study the mechanisms by which the interactions with the RNAi machinery occur. In this review, an analysis is presented of the antiviral RNAi response in mosquito vectors with respect to the major types of arboviruses (alphaviruses, flaviviruses, bunyaviruses, and others). With respect to antiviral defense, the exo-RNAi pathway constitutes the major mechanism while the contribution of both miRNAs and viral piRNAs remains a contentious issue. However, additional mechanisms exist in mosquitoes that are capable to enhance or restrict the efficiency of viral silencing vectors such as the amplification of RNAi effects by DNA forms, the existence of incorporated viral elements in the genome and the induction of a non-specific systemic response by Dicer-2. Of significance is the observation that no major "viral suppressors of RNAi" (VSRs) seem to be encoded by arboviral genomes, indicating that relatively tight control of the activity of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) may be sufficient to maintain the persistent character of arbovirus infections. Major strategies for improvement of viral silencing vectors therefore are proposed to involve engineering of VSRs and modifying of the properties of the RdRp. Because of safety issues (pathogen status), however, arbovirus-based silencing vectors are not well suited for practical applications, such as RNAi-based mosquito control. In that case, related mosquito-specific viruses that also establish persistent infections and may cause similar RNAi responses may represent a valuable alternative solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisheng Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luc Swevers
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre of Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Kolliopoulou
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre of Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Wang L, Cappelle K, Santos D, Vanden Broeck J, Smagghe G, Swevers L. Short-term persistence precedes pathogenic infection: Infection kinetics of cricket paralysis virus in silkworm-derived Bm5 cells. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 115:1-11. [PMID: 30905610 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Next generation sequencing has revealed the widespread occurrence of persistent virus infections in insects but little is known regarding to what extent persistent infections can affect cellular physiology and how they might contribute to the development of disease. In contrast to the pathogenic infections occurring in Drosophila S2 cells, it was observed that Cricket Paralysis virus (CrPV; Dicistroviridae) causes persistent infections in 9 lepidopteran and 2 coleopteran cell lines. The status of the persistent infection was subsequently investigated in more detail using silkworm-derived Bm5 cells, where the infection eventually becomes pathogenic after 3-4 weeks. The short-term persistence period in Bm5 cells is characterized by low levels of viral replication and virion production as well as by the production of viral siRNAs. However, during this period cellular physiology also becomes altered since the cells become susceptible to infection by the nodavirus Flock House virus (FHV). Pathogenicity and widespread mortality at 4 weeks is preceded by a large increase in virion production and the transcriptional activation of immune-related genes encoding RNAi factors and transcription factors in the Toll, Imd and Jak-STAT pathways. During the infection of Bm5 cells, the infective properties of CrPV are not altered, indicating changes in the physiology of the host cells during the transition from short-term persistence to pathogenicity. The in vitro system of Bm5 cells persistently infected with CrPV can therefore be presented as an easily accessible model to study the nature of persistent virus infections and the processes that trigger the transition to pathogenicity, for instance through the application of different "omics" approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics). The different factors that can cause the transition from persistence to pathogenicity in the Bm5-CrPV infection model are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luoluo Wang
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kaat Cappelle
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Dulce Santos
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece.
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Cagliari D, Dias NP, Galdeano DM, dos Santos EÁ, Smagghe G, Zotti MJ. Management of Pest Insects and Plant Diseases by Non-Transformative RNAi. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1319. [PMID: 31708946 PMCID: PMC6823229 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), scientists have made significant progress towards the development of this unique technology for crop protection. The RNAi mechanism works at the mRNA level by exploiting a sequence-dependent mode of action with high target specificity due to the design of complementary dsRNA molecules, allowing growers to target pests more precisely compared to conventional agrochemicals. The delivery of RNAi through transgenic plants is now a reality with some products currently in the market. Conversely, it is also expected that more RNA-based products reach the market as non-transformative alternatives. For instance, topically applied dsRNA/siRNA (SIGS - Spray Induced Gene Silencing) has attracted attention due to its feasibility and low cost compared to transgenic plants. Once on the leaf surface, dsRNAs can move directly to target pest cells (e.g., insects or pathogens) or can be taken up indirectly by plant cells to then be transferred into the pest cells. Water-soluble formulations containing pesticidal dsRNA provide alternatives, especially in some cases where plant transformation is not possible or takes years and cost millions to be developed (e.g., perennial crops). The ever-growing understanding of the RNAi mechanism and its limitations has allowed scientists to develop non-transgenic approaches such as trunk injection, soaking, and irrigation. While the technology has been considered promising for pest management, some issues such as RNAi efficiency, dsRNA degradation, environmental risk assessments, and resistance evolution still need to be addressed. Here, our main goal is to review some possible strategies for non-transgenic delivery systems, addressing important issues related to the use of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deise Cagliari
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology, Department of Crop Protection, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Deise Cagliari, ; Guy Smagghe, ; Moisés João Zotti,
| | - Naymã P. Dias
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology, Department of Crop Protection, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | | | - Ericmar Ávila dos Santos
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology, Department of Crop Protection, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Deise Cagliari, ; Guy Smagghe, ; Moisés João Zotti,
| | - Moisés João Zotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology, Department of Crop Protection, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Deise Cagliari, ; Guy Smagghe, ; Moisés João Zotti,
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