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Spada M, Pugliesi C, Fambrini M, Pecchia S. Challenges and Opportunities Arising from Host- Botrytis cinerea Interactions to Outline Novel and Sustainable Control Strategies: The Key Role of RNA Interference. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6798. [PMID: 38928507 PMCID: PMC11203536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The necrotrophic plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea (Pers., 1794), the causative agent of gray mold disease, causes significant losses in agricultural production. Control of this fungal pathogen is quite difficult due to its wide host range and environmental persistence. Currently, the management of the disease is still mainly based on chemicals, which can have harmful effects not only on the environment and on human health but also because they favor the development of strains resistant to fungicides. The flexibility and plasticity of B. cinerea in challenging plant defense mechanisms and its ability to evolve strategies to escape chemicals require the development of new control strategies for successful disease management. In this review, some aspects of the host-pathogen interactions from which novel and sustainable control strategies could be developed (e.g., signaling pathways, molecules involved in plant immune mechanisms, hormones, post-transcriptional gene silencing) were analyzed. New biotechnological tools based on the use of RNA interference (RNAi) are emerging in the crop protection scenario as versatile, sustainable, effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives to the use of chemicals. RNAi-based fungicides are expected to be approved soon, although they will face several challenges before reaching the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Spada
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Pugliesi
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Fambrini
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Susanna Pecchia
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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2
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Zhang M, Zhang X, Chen T, Liao Y, Yang B, Wang G. RNAi-mediated pest control targeting the Troponin I (wupA) gene in sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38863245 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius) is a critical pest producing enormous global losses in sweet potato crops. Traditional pest management approaches for sweet potato weevil, primarily using chemical pesticides, causes pollution, food safety issues, and harming natural enemies. While RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising environmentally friendly approach to pest control, its efficacy in controlling the sweet potato weevil has not been extensively studied. In this study, we selected a potential target for controlling C. formicarius, the Troponin I gene (wupA), which is essential for musculature composition and crucial for fundamental life activities. We determined that wupA is abundantly expressed throughout all developmental stages of the sweet potato weevil. We evaluated the efficiency of double-stranded RNAs in silencing the wupA gene via microinjection and oral feeding of sweet potato weevil larvae at different ages. Our findings demonstrate that both approaches significantly reduced the expression of wupA and produced high mortality. Moreover, the 1st instar larvae administered dswupA exhibited significant growth inhibition. We assessed the toxicity of dswupA on the no-target insect silkworm and assessed its safety. Our study indicates that wupA knockdown can inhibit the growth and development of C. formicarius and offer a potential target gene for environmentally friendly control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaxuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Synthetic Biology Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yonglin Liao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guirong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Synthetic Biology Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
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3
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Xie J, Zhang J, Yang J, Wu S, Teng X, Han H, Xu Y, Qian X, Zhu W, Yang Y. Microfluidic-Based dsRNA Delivery Nanoplatform for Efficient Spodoptera exigua Control. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:12508-12515. [PMID: 38788129 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c03307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Nanotechnology-based RNA interference (RNAi) offers a promising approach to pest control. However, current methods for producing RNAi nanopesticides are mainly implemented in a batch-to-batch manner, lacking consistent quality control. Herein, we present a microfluidic-based nanoplatform for RNA nanopesticide preparation using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as nanocarriers, taking advantage of the enhanced mass transfer and continuous processing capabilities of microfluidic technology. The dsRNA@LNPs were rapidly formed within seconds, which showed uniform size distribution, improved leaf wettability, and excellent dispersion properties. The delivery efficiency of dsRNA@LNPs was evaluated by targeting the chitin synthetase B (CHSB) gene ofSpodoptera exigua. The dsRNA@LNPs can effectively resist nuclease-rich midgut fluid degradation. Importantly, dsCHSB@LNPs exhibited increased mortality rates, significant reduction of larvae growth, and enhanced gene suppression efficiency. Therefore, a continuous nanoplatform for RNAi nanopesticide preparation is demonstrated by utilizing microfluidic technology, representing a new route to produce RNAi nanopesticides with enhanced quality control and might accelerate their practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinshan Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jingyi Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shuqin Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xuanming Teng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hongyu Han
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yufang Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xuhong Qian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Weiping Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yangyang Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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4
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Dalakouras A, Koidou V, Papadopoulou K. DsRNA-based pesticides: Considerations for efficiency and risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141530. [PMID: 38401868 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
In view of the ongoing climate change and the ever-growing world population, novel agricultural solutions are required to ensure sustainable food supply. Microbials, natural substances, semiochemicals and double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) are all considered potential low risk pesticides. DsRNAs function at the molecular level, targeting specific regions of specific genes of specific organisms, provided that they share a minimal sequence complementarity of approximately 20 nucleotides. Thus, dsRNAs may offer a great alternative to conventional chemicals in environmentally friendly pest control strategies. Any low-risk pesticide needs to be efficient and exhibit low toxicological potential and low environmental persistence. Having said that, in the current review, the mode of dsRNA action is explored and the parameters that need to be taken into consideration for the development of efficient dsRNA-based pesticides are highlighted. Moreover, since dsRNAs mode of action differs from those of synthetic pesticides, custom-made risk assessment schemes may be required and thus, critical issues related to the risk assessment of dsRNA pesticides are discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Venetia Koidou
- ELGO-DIMITRA, Institute of Industrial and Forage Crops, Larissa, Greece; University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliope Papadopoulou
- University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Larissa, Greece
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5
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Gal'chinsky NV, Yatskova EV, Novikov IA, Sharmagiy AK, Plugatar YV, Oberemok VV. Mixed insect pest populations of Diaspididae species under control of oligonucleotide insecticides: 3'-end nucleotide matters. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 200:105838. [PMID: 38582600 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105838] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Diaspididae are one of the most serious small herbivorous insects with piercing-sucking mouth parts and are major economic pests as they attack and destroy perennial ornamentals and food crops. Chemical control is the primary management approach for armored scale infestation. However, chemical insecticides do not possess selectivity in action and not always effective enough for the control of armored scale insects. Our previous work showed that green oligonucleotide insecticides (olinscides) are highly effective against armored and soft scale insects. Moreover, olinscides possess affordability, selectivity in action, fast biodegradability, and a low carbon footprint. Insect pest populations undergo microevolution and olinscides should take into account the problem of insecticide resistance. Using sequencing results, it was found that in the mixed populations of insect pests Dynaspidiotus britannicus Newstead and Aonidia lauri Bouche, predominates the population of A. lauri. Individuals of A. lauri comprised for 80% of individuals with the sequence 3'-ATC-GTT-GGC-AT-5' in the 28S rRNA site, and 20% of the population comprised D. britannicus individuals with the sequence 3'-ATC-GTC-GGT-AT-5'. We created olinscides Diasp80-11 (5'-ATG-CCA-ACG-AT-3') and Diasp20-11 (5'-ATA-CCG-ACG-AT-3') with perfect complementarity to each of the sequences. Mortality of insects on the 14th day comprised 98.19 ± 3.12% in Diasp80-11 group, 64.66 ± 0.67% in Diasp20-11 group (p < 0.05), and 3.77 ± 0.94% in the control group. Results indicate that for maximum insecticidal effect it is necessary to use an oligonucleotide insecticide that corresponds to the dominant species. Mortality in Diasp80-11 group was accompanied with significant decrease in target 28S rRNA concentration and was 8.44 ± 0.14 and 1.72 ± 0.36 times lower in comparison with control (p < 0.05) on the 10th and 14th days, respectively. We decided to make single nucleotide substitutions in Diasp20-11 olinscide to understand which nucleotide will play the most important role in insecticidal effect. We created three sequences with single nucleotide transversion substitutions at the 5'-end - Diasp20(5')-11 (A to T), 3'-end - Diasp20(3')-11 (T to A), and in the middle of the sequence - Diasp20(6)-11 (6th nitrogenous base of the sequence; G to C), respectively. As a result, mortality of mixed population of the field experiment decreased and comprised 53.89 ± 7.25% in Diasp20(5')-11 group, 40.68 ± 4.33% in Diasp20(6)-11 group, 35.74 ± 5.51% in Diasp20(3')-11 group, and 3.77 ± 0.94% in the control group on the 14th day. Thus, complementarity of the 3'-end nucleotide to target 28S rRNA was the most important for pronounced insecticidal effect (significance of complementarity of nucleotides for insecticidal effect: 5' nt < 6 nt < 3' nt). As was found in our previous research works, the most important rule to obtain maximum insecticidal effect is complete complementarity to the target rRNA sequence and maximum coverage of target sequence in insect pest populations. However, in this article we also show that the complementarity of 3'-end is a second important factor for insecticidal potential of olinscides. Also in this article we propose 2-step DNA containment mechanism of action of olinscides, recruiting RNase H. The data obtained indicate the selectivity of olinscides and at the same time provide a simple and flexible platform for the creation of effective plant protection products, based on antisense DNA oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita V Gal'chinsky
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, Institute of Biochemical Technologies, Ecology and Pharmacy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Crimea, Ukraine.
| | - Ekaterina V Yatskova
- Laboratory of Entomology and Phytopathology, Dendrology and Landscape Architecture, Nikita Botanical Gardens-National Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yalta 298648, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Ilya A Novikov
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, Institute of Biochemical Technologies, Ecology and Pharmacy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Alexander K Sharmagiy
- Laboratory of Entomology and Phytopathology, Dendrology and Landscape Architecture, Nikita Botanical Gardens-National Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yalta 298648, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Yuri V Plugatar
- Department of Natural Ecosystems, Nikita Botanical Garden-National Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yalta 298648, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Vladimir V Oberemok
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, Institute of Biochemical Technologies, Ecology and Pharmacy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Crimea, Ukraine; Laboratory of Entomology and Phytopathology, Dendrology and Landscape Architecture, Nikita Botanical Gardens-National Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yalta 298648, Crimea, Ukraine
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6
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Keppanan R, Karuppannasamy A, Nagaraja BC, Thiruvengadam V, Kesavan S, Dhawane YA, Ramasamy A. Effectiveness of chitosan nanohydrogel mediated encapsulation of EcR dsRNA against the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Asia-I (Gennedius) (Hemiptera: Aleyordidae). PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 198:105712. [PMID: 38225070 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105712] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Bemisia tabaci is a global invasive pest causing substantial loss on several economically important crops and has developed a very high level of resistance to insecticides making current management practices ineffective. Thus, the novel pest management strategy like RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a potential molecular tool in the management of insect pests particularly B. tabaci. The present study investigated RNAi mediated silencing of the Ecdysone Receptor (EcR) gene in B. tabaci Asia-I using biodegradable Chitosan Nanoparticles (CNPs) hydrogel containing EcR dsRNA. The formation of nanohydrogel and dsRNA loading were characterized by gel retardation assay, scanning electron microscopy (SEM); transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared microscopy (FTIR). The stability of CNPs/dsRNA was assessed by exposure to direct sunlight and UV light for different time periods. The CNPs/dsRNA exhibited increased stability over the untreated control and further confirmed by bioassay studies which yielded mortality over 80% and effectively down regulated the expression of the EcR gene as confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis. These investigations provide potential avenues for advancing innovative pest management strategies using biopolymer CNPs hydrogel, which can enhance the efficiency of dsRNA as a safe and targeted solution in the management of whiteflies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindran Keppanan
- ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru 560089, India
| | - Ashok Karuppannasamy
- ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru 560089, India; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, Tamil Nadu, India; Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Bengaluru 560065, Karnataka, India.
| | - Bhargava Chikmagalur Nagaraja
- ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru 560089, India; University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru 560065, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Subaharan Kesavan
- ICAR - National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru 560024, Karnataka, India
| | - Yogi Arun Dhawane
- ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru 560089, India
| | - Asokan Ramasamy
- ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru 560089, India.
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7
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Pal G, Ingole KD, Yavvari PS, Verma P, Kumari A, Chauhan C, Chaudhary D, Srivastava A, Bajaj A, Vemanna RS. Exogenous application of nanocarrier-mediated double-stranded RNA manipulates physiological traits and defence response against bacterial diseases. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2024; 25:e13417. [PMID: 38279851 PMCID: PMC10799200 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13417] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Stability and delivery are major challenges associated with exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) application into plants. We report the encapsulation and delivery of dsRNA in cationic poly-aspartic acid-derived polymer (CPP6) into plant cells. CPP6 stabilizes the dsRNAs during long exposure at varied temperatures and pH, and protects against RNase A degradation. CPP6 helps dsRNA uptake through roots or foliar spray and facilitates systemic movement to induce endogenous gene silencing. The fluorescence of Arabidopsis GFP-overexpressing transgenic plants was significantly reduced after infiltration with gfp-dsRNA-CPP6 by silencing of the transgene compared to plants treated only with gfp-dsRNA. The plant endogenous genes flowering locus T (FT) and phytochrome interacting factor 4 (PIF4) were downregulated by a foliar spray of ft-dsRNA-CPP6 and pif4-dsRNA-CPP6 in Arabidopsis, with delayed flowering and enhanced biomass. The rice PDS gene targeted by pds-dsRNA-CPP6 through root uptake was effectively silenced and plants showed a dwarf and albino phenotype. The NaCl-induced OsbZIP23 was targeted through root uptake of bzip23-dsRNA-CPP6 and showed reduced transcripts and seedling growth compared to treatment with naked dsRNA. The negative regulators of plant defence SDIR1 and SWEET14 were targeted through foliar spray to provide durable resistance against bacterial leaf blight disease caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Overall, the study demonstrates that transient silencing of plant endogenous genes using polymer-encapsulated dsRNA provides prolonged and durable resistance against Xoo, which could be a promising tool for crop protection and for sustaining productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Pal
- Laboratory of Plant Functional GenomicsRegional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
| | - Kishor D. Ingole
- Laboratory of Plant Functional GenomicsRegional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
| | | | - Priyanka Verma
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical BiologyRegional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
| | - Ankit Kumari
- Plant Genetic Engineering LabCentre for Biotechnology, Maharshi Dayananda UniversityRohtakIndia
| | - Chetan Chauhan
- Laboratory of Plant Functional GenomicsRegional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
| | - Darshna Chaudhary
- Plant Genetic Engineering LabCentre for Biotechnology, Maharshi Dayananda UniversityRohtakIndia
| | - Aasheesh Srivastava
- Department of ChemistryIndian Institute of Science Education and ResearchBhopalIndia
| | - Avinash Bajaj
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical BiologyRegional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
| | - Ramu S. Vemanna
- Laboratory of Plant Functional GenomicsRegional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
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8
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Degnan RM, Shuey LS, Radford-Smith J, Gardiner DM, Carroll BJ, Mitter N, McTaggart AR, Sawyer A. Double-stranded RNA prevents and cures infection by rust fungi. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1234. [PMID: 38057635 PMCID: PMC10700371 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05618-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal pathogens that impact perennial plants or natural ecosystems require management strategies beyond fungicides and breeding for resistance. Rust fungi, some of the most economically and environmentally important plant pathogens, have shown amenability to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mediated control. To date, dsRNA treatments have been applied prior to infection or together with the inoculum. Here we show that a dsRNA spray can effectively prevent and cure infection by Austropuccinia psidii (cause of myrtle rust) at different stages of the disease cycle. Significant reductions in disease coverage were observed in plants treated with dsRNA targeting essential fungal genes 48 h pre-infection through to 14 days post-infection. For curative treatments, improvements in plant health and photosynthetic capacity were seen 2-6 weeks post-infection. Two-photon microscopy suggests inhibitory activity of dsRNA on intercellular hyphae or haustoria. Our results show that dsRNA acts both preventively and curatively against myrtle rust disease, with treated plants recovering from severe infection. These findings have immediate potential in the management of the more than 10-year epidemic of myrtle rust in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Degnan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Louise S Shuey
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland Government, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, Queensland, Australia
| | - Julian Radford-Smith
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald M Gardiner
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Horticultural Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bernard J Carroll
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Neena Mitter
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Horticultural Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alistair R McTaggart
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Horticultural Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anne Sawyer
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Horticultural Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
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9
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Chen A, Halilovic L, Shay JH, Koch A, Mitter N, Jin H. Improving RNA-based crop protection through nanotechnology and insights from cross-kingdom RNA trafficking. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 76:102441. [PMID: 37696727 PMCID: PMC10777890 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2023.102441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) is a powerful and eco-friendly method for crop protection. Based off the discovery of RNA uptake ability in many fungal pathogens, the application of exogenous RNAs targeting pathogen/pest genes results in gene silencing and infection inhibition. However, SIGS remains hindered by the rapid degradation of RNA in the environment. As extracellular vesicles are used by plants, animals, and microbes in nature to transport RNAs for cross-kingdom/species RNA interference between hosts and microbes/pests, nanovesicles and other nanoparticles have been used to prevent RNA degradation. Efforts examining the effect of nanoparticles on RNA stability and internalization have identified key attributes that can inform better nanocarrier designs for SIGS. Understanding sRNA biogenesis, cross-kingdom/species RNAi, and how plants and pathogens/pests naturally interact are paramount for the design of SIGS strategies. Here, we focus on nanotechnology advancements for the engineering of innovative RNA-based disease control strategies against eukaryotic pathogens and pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Lida Halilovic
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jia-Hong Shay
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Aline Koch
- Institute of Plant Sciences Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, Plant RNA Transport, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Neena Mitter
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Horticultural Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
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10
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Scarpin D, Nerva L, Chitarra W, Moffa L, D'Este F, Vuerich M, Filippi A, Braidot E, Petrussa E. Characterisation and functionalisation of chitosan nanoparticles as carriers for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules towards sustainable crop protection. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20230817. [PMID: 37881894 PMCID: PMC10643051 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20230817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The need to minimise the impact of phytosanitary treatments for disease control boosted researchers to implement techniques with less environmental impact. The development of technologies using molecular mechanisms based on the modulation of metabolism by short dsRNA sequences appears promising. The intrinsic fragility of polynucleotides and the high cost of these techniques can be circumvented by nanocarriers that protect the bioactive molecule enabling high efficiency delivery to the leaf surface and extending its half-life. In this work, a specific protocol was developed aiming to assess the best methodological conditions for the synthesis of low-size chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) to be loaded with nucleotides. In particular, NPs have been functionalised with partially purified Green Fluorescent Protein dsRNAs (GFP dsRNA) and their size, surface charge and nucleotide retention capacity were analysed. Final NPs were also stained with FITC and sprayed on Nicotiana benthamiana leaves to assess, by confocal microscopy, both a distribution protocol and the fate of NPs up to 6 days after application. Finally, to confirm the ability of NPs to increase the efficacy of dsRNA interference, specific tests were performed: by means of GFP dsRNA-functionalised NPs, the nucleotide permanence during time was assessed both in vitro on detached wild-type N. benthamiana leaves and in planta; lastly, the inhibition of Botrytis cinerea on single leaves was also evaluated, using a specific fungal sequence (Bc dsRNA) as the NPs' functionalising agent. The encouraging results obtained are promising in the perspective of long-lasting application of innovative treatments based on gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Scarpin
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Animal Sciences (DI4A), University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Luca Nerva
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano (TV), Italy
| | - Walter Chitarra
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano (TV), Italy
| | - Loredana Moffa
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano (TV), Italy
| | - Francesca D'Este
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Marco Vuerich
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Animal Sciences (DI4A), University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Antonio Filippi
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Enrico Braidot
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Animal Sciences (DI4A), University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Elisa Petrussa
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Animal Sciences (DI4A), University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
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11
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Cheng AP, Kwon S, Adeshara T, Göhre V, Feldbrügge M, Weiberg A. Extracellular RNAs released by plant-associated fungi: from fundamental mechanisms to biotechnological applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:5935-5945. [PMID: 37572124 PMCID: PMC10485130 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12718-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular RNAs are an emerging research topic in fungal-plant interactions. Fungal plant pathogens and symbionts release small RNAs that enter host cells to manipulate plant physiology and immunity. This communication via extracellular RNAs between fungi and plants is bidirectional. On the one hand, plants release RNAs encapsulated inside extracellular vesicles as a defense response as well as for intercellular and inter-organismal communication. On the other hand, recent reports suggest that also full-length mRNAs are transported within fungal EVs into plants, and these fungal mRNAs might get translated inside host cells. In this review article, we summarize the current views and fundamental concepts of extracellular RNAs released by plant-associated fungi, and we discuss new strategies to apply extracellular RNAs in crop protection against fungal pathogens. KEY POINTS: • Extracellular RNAs are an emerging topic in plant-fungal communication. • Fungi utilize RNAs to manipulate host plants for colonization. • Extracellular RNAs can be engineered to protect plants against fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Po Cheng
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München (LMU), 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Seomun Kwon
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Trusha Adeshara
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Vera Göhre
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Feldbrügge
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Arne Weiberg
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München (LMU), 82152, Martinsried, Germany.
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12
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Wu Z, Luo D, Zhang S, Zhang C, Zhang Y, Chen M, Li X. A systematic review of southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus in the age of omics. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:3397-3407. [PMID: 37291065 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7605] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) is one of the most damaging rice viruses. The virus decreases rice quality and yield, and poses a serious threat to food security. From this perspective, this review performed a survey of published studies in recent years to understand the current status of SRBSDV and white-backed planthopper (WBPH, Sogatella furcifera) transmission processes in rice. Recent studies have shown that the interactions between viral virulence proteins and rice susceptibility factors shape the transmission of SRBSDV. Moreover, the transmission of SRBSDV is influenced by the interactions between viral virulence proteins and S. furcifera susceptibility factors. This review focused on the molecular mechanisms of key genes or proteins associated with SRBSDV infection in rice via the S. furcifera vector, and the host defense response mechanisms against viral infection. A sustainable control strategy using RNAi was summarized to address this pest. Finally, we also present a model for screening anti-SRBSDV inhibitors using viral proteins as targets. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilin Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Dan Luo
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shanqi Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Moxian Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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13
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Cai Q, Halilovic L, Shi T, Chen A, He B, Wu H, Jin H. Extracellular vesicles: cross-organismal RNA trafficking in plants, microbes, and mammalian cells. EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES AND CIRCULATING NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 4:262-282. [PMID: 37575974 PMCID: PMC10419970 DOI: 10.20517/evcna.2023.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed nanometer-scale particles that transport biological materials such as RNAs, proteins, and metabolites. EVs have been discovered in nearly all kingdoms of life as a form of cellular communication across different cells and between interacting organisms. EV research has primarily focused on EV-mediated intra-organismal transport in mammals, which has led to the characterization of a plethora of EV contents from diverse cell types with distinct and impactful physiological effects. In contrast, research into EV-mediated transport in plants has focused on inter-organismal interactions between plants and interacting microbes. However, the overall molecular content and functions of plant and microbial EVs remain largely unknown. Recent studies into the plant-pathogen interface have demonstrated that plants produce and secrete EVs that transport small RNAs into pathogen cells to silence virulence-related genes. Plant-interacting microbes such as bacteria and fungi also secrete EVs which transport proteins, metabolites, and potentially RNAs into plant cells to enhance their virulence. This review will focus on recent advances in EV-mediated communications in plant-pathogen interactions compared to the current state of knowledge of mammalian EV capabilities and highlight the role of EVs in cross-kingdom RNA interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Lida Halilovic
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, United States
| | - Ting Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Angela Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, United States
| | - Baoye He
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, United States
| | - Huaitong Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, United States
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, United States
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14
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Zhang R, Lun X, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Xu X, Zhang Z. Characterization of Ionotropic Receptor Gene EonuIR25a in the Tea Green Leafhopper, Empoasca onukii Matsuda. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2034. [PMID: 37653951 PMCID: PMC10223087 DOI: 10.3390/plants12102034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Ionotropic receptors (IRs) play a central role in detecting chemosensory information from the environment and guiding insect behaviors and are potential target genes for pest control. Empoasca onukii Matsuda is a major pest of the tea plant Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Ktze, and seriously influences tea yields and quality. In this study, the ionotropic receptor gene EonuIR25a in E. onukii was cloned, and the expression pattern of EonuIR25a was detected in various tissues. Behavioral responses of E. onukii to volatile compounds emitted by tea plants were determined using olfactometer bioassay and field trials. To further explore the function of EonuIR25a in olfactory recognition of compounds, RNA interference (RNAi) of EonuIR25a was carried out by ingestion of in vitro synthesized dsRNAs. The coding sequence (CDS) length of EonuIR25a was 1266 bp and it encoded a 48.87 kD protein. EonuIR25a was enriched in the antennae of E. onukii. E. onukii was more significantly attracted by 1-phenylethanol at a concentration of 100 µL/mL. Feeding with dsEonuIR25a significantly downregulated the expression level of EonuIR25a, after 3 h of treatment, which disturbed the behavioral responses of E. onukii to 1-phenylethanol at a concentration of 100 µL/mL. The response rate of E. onukii to 1-phenylethanol was significantly decreased after dsEonuIR25a treatment for 12 h. In summary, the ionotropic receptor gene EonuIR25a was highly expressed in the antennae of E. onukii and was involved in olfactory recognition of the tea plant volatile 1-phenylethanol. The present study may help us to use the ionotropic receptor gene as a target for the behavioral manipulation of E. onukii in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Zhang
- College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271000, China; (R.Z.)
| | - Xiaoyue Lun
- College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271000, China; (R.Z.)
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271000, China; (R.Z.)
| | - Yunhe Zhao
- College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271000, China; (R.Z.)
| | - Xiuxiu Xu
- Tea Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Science, Ji’nan 250100, China
| | - Zhengqun Zhang
- College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271000, China; (R.Z.)
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15
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Timani K, Bastarache P, Morin PJ. Leveraging RNA Interference to Impact Insecticide Resistance in the Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14050418. [PMID: 37233046 DOI: 10.3390/insects14050418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, is a potato pest that can cause important economic losses to the potato industry worldwide. Diverse strategies have been deployed to target this insect such as biological control, crop rotation, and a variety of insecticides. Regarding the latter, this pest has demonstrated impressive abilities to develop resistance against the compounds used to regulate its spread. Substantial work has been conducted to better characterize the molecular signatures underlying this resistance, with the overarching objective of leveraging this information for the development of novel approaches, including RNAi-based techniques, to limit the damage associated with this insect. This review first describes the various strategies utilized to control L. decemlineata and highlights different examples of reported cases of resistances against insecticides for this insect. The molecular leads identified as potential players modulating insecticide resistance as well as the growing interest towards the use of RNAi aimed at these leads as part of novel means to control the impact of L. decemlineata are described subsequently. Finally, select advantages and limitations of RNAi are addressed to better assess the potential of this technology in the broader context of insecticide resistance for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenan Timani
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Pierre Bastarache
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Pier Jr Morin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada
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16
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Willow J, Silva AI, Taning CNT, Smagghe G, Veromann E. Towards dsRNA-integrated protection of medical Cannabis crops: considering human safety, recent- and developing RNAi methods, and research inroads. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:1267-1272. [PMID: 36514999 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7323] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the expanding industry of medical Cannabis, we discuss recent milestones in RNA interference (RNAi)-based crop protection research and development that are transferable to medical Cannabis cultivation. Recent and prospective increases in pest pressure in both indoor and outdoor Cannabis production systems, and the need for effective nonchemical pest control technologies (particularly crucial in the context of cultivating plants for medical purposes), are discussed. We support the idea that developing RNAi tactics towards protection of medical Cannabis could play a major role in maximizing success in this continuously expanding industry. However, there remain critical knowledge gaps, especially with regard to RNA pesticide biosafety from a human toxicological viewpoint, as a result of the medical context of Cannabis product use. Furthermore, efforts are needed to optimize transformation and micropropagation of Cannabis plants, examine cutting edge RNAi techniques for various Cannabis-pest scenarios, and investigate the combined application of RNAi- and biological control tactics in medical Cannabis cultivation. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Willow
- Chair of Plant Health, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ana I Silva
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Clauvis Nji Tizi 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
| | - Eve Veromann
- Chair of Plant Health, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
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17
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Knockdown of Bmp1 and Pls1 Virulence Genes by Exogenous Application of RNAi-Inducing dsRNA in Botrytis cinerea. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054869. [PMID: 36902297 PMCID: PMC10003348 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Botrytis cinerea is a pathogen of wide agronomic and scientific importance partly due to its tendency to develop fungicide resistance. Recently, there has been great interest in the use of RNA interference as a control strategy against B. cinerea. In order to reduce the possible effects on non-target species, the sequence-dependent nature of RNAi can be used as an advantage to customize the design of dsRNA molecules. We selected two genes related to virulence: BcBmp1 (a MAP kinase essential for fungal pathogenesis) and BcPls1 (a tetraspanin related to appressorium penetration). After performing a prediction analysis of small interfering RNAs, dsRNAs of 344 (BcBmp1) and 413 (BcPls1) nucleotides were synthesized in vitro. We tested the effect of topical applications of dsRNAs, both in vitro by a fungal growth assay in microtiter plates and in vivo on artificially inoculated detached lettuce leaves. In both cases, topical applications of dsRNA led to gene knockdown with a delay in conidial germination for BcBmp1, an evident growth retardation for BcPls1, and a strong reduction in necrotic lesions on lettuce leaves for both genes. Furthermore, a strongly reduced expression of the BcBmp1 and BcPls1 genes was observed in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, suggesting that these genes could be promising targets for the development of RNAi-based fungicides against B. cinerea.
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18
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Bowerman AF, Byrt CS, Roy SJ, Whitney SM, Mortimer JC, Ankeny RA, Gilliham M, Zhang D, Millar AA, Rebetzke GJ, Pogson BJ. Potential abiotic stress targets for modern genetic manipulation. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:139-161. [PMID: 36377770 PMCID: PMC9806601 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Research into crop yield and resilience has underpinned global food security, evident in yields tripling in the past 5 decades. The challenges that global agriculture now faces are not just to feed 10+ billion people within a generation, but to do so under a harsher, more variable, and less predictable climate, and in many cases with less water, more expensive inputs, and declining soil quality. The challenges of climate change are not simply to breed for a "hotter drier climate," but to enable resilience to floods and droughts and frosts and heat waves, possibly even within a single growing season. How well we prepare for the coming decades of climate variability will depend on our ability to modify current practices, innovate with novel breeding methods, and communicate and work with farming communities to ensure viability and profitability. Here we define how future climates will impact farming systems and growing seasons, thereby identifying the traits and practices needed and including exemplars being implemented and developed. Critically, this review will also consider societal perspectives and public engagement about emerging technologies for climate resilience, with participatory approaches presented as the best approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F Bowerman
- ARC Training Centre for Accelerated Future Crops Development, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Caitlin S Byrt
- ARC Training Centre for Accelerated Future Crops Development, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Stuart John Roy
- ARC Training Centre for Accelerated Future Crops Development, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, South Australia, Australia
| | - Spencer M Whitney
- ARC Training Centre for Accelerated Future Crops Development, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Jenny C Mortimer
- ARC Training Centre for Accelerated Future Crops Development, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, South Australia, Australia
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Rachel A Ankeny
- ARC Training Centre for Accelerated Future Crops Development, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Humanities, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, South Australia, Australia
| | - Matthew Gilliham
- ARC Training Centre for Accelerated Future Crops Development, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dabing Zhang
- ARC Training Centre for Accelerated Future Crops Development, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, South Australia, Australia
| | - Anthony A Millar
- ARC Training Centre for Accelerated Future Crops Development, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Greg J Rebetzke
- CSIRO Agriculture & Food, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Barry J Pogson
- ARC Training Centre for Accelerated Future Crops Development, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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19
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Finetti L, Benetti L, Leyria J, Civolani S, Bernacchia G. Topical delivery of dsRNA in two hemipteran species: Evaluation of RNAi specificity and non-target effects. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 189:105295. [PMID: 36549821 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105295] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded (ds) RNA-based technologies could provide novel and potential tool for pest management with efficiency and specificity of action. However, before applying this technique in the field, it is necessary to identify effective delivery methods and evaluate the non-target effects that may occur. In this article, we evaluated the effectiveness of dsRNA by topical delivery on a species of great agricultural interest, Halyomorpha halys. The specificity of action of the dsRNA was also investigated in Rhodnius prolixus, an insect phylogenetically close to H. halys. Of the three investigated genes (putative ATPase N2B, ATPase, serine/threonine-protein phosphatase PP1-β catalytic subunit, PP1, and IAP repeat-containing protein 7-B-like, IAP), IAP and ATPase were able to induce higher mortality in H. halys nymphs compared to the control, with specific concentrations for each gene targeted. However, when the same RNAs were topically delivered to both R. prolixus 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs, no gene silencing and mortality were observed. For this reason, to assess dsRNA application-mediated non-target effects, we injected both H. halys and R. prolixus specific dsRNA in R. prolixus 5th instar nymphs. When the dsRNA targeting H. halys IAP was microinjected into R. prolixus 5th instar nymphs, no mortality was observed, suggesting a strong RNAi specificity. Together, these data suggest that the topical delivery could be suitable for the dsRNA to control H. halys population. Furthermore, its specificity of action would allow treatments towards single harmful species with limited non-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Finetti
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
| | - Lorenzo Benetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jimena Leyria
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Stefano Civolani
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bernacchia
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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20
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He L, Huang Y, Tang X. RNAi-based pest control: Production, application and the fate of dsRNA. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1080576. [PMID: 36524052 PMCID: PMC9744970 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1080576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The limitations of conventional pesticides have raised the demand for innovative and sustainable solutions for plant protection. RNA Interference (RNAi) triggered by dsRNA has evolved as a promising strategy to control insects in a species-specific manner. In this context, we review the methods for mass production of dsRNA, the approaches of exogenous application of dsRNA in the field, and the fate of dsRNA after application. Additionally, we describe the opportunities and challenges of using nanoparticles as dsRNA carriers to control insects. Furthermore, we provide future directions to improve pest management efficiency by utilizing the synergistic effects of multiple target genes. Meanwhile, the establishment of a standardized framework for assessment and regulatory consensus is critical to the commercialization of RNA pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li He
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanna Huang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueming Tang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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21
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Niño-Sánchez J, Sambasivam PT, Sawyer A, Hamby R, Chen A, Czislowski E, Li P, Manzie N, Gardiner DM, Ford R, Xu ZP, Mitter N, Jin H. BioClay™ prolongs RNA interference-mediated crop protection against Botrytis cinerea. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 64:2187-2198. [PMID: 36040241 PMCID: PMC10464624 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
One of the most promising tools for the control of fungal plant diseases is spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS). In SIGS, small interfering RNA (siRNA) or double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting essential or virulence-related pathogen genes are exogenously applied to plants and postharvest products to trigger RNA interference (RNAi) of the targeted genes, inhibiting fungal growth and disease. However, SIGS is limited by the unstable nature of RNA under environmental conditions. The use of layered double hydroxide or clay particles as carriers to deliver biologically active dsRNA, a formulation termed BioClay™, can enhance RNA durability on plants, prolonging its activity against pathogens. Here, we demonstrate that dsRNA delivered as BioClay can prolong protection against Botrytis cinerea, a major plant fungal pathogen, on tomato leaves and fruit and on mature chickpea plants. BioClay increased the protection window from 1 to 3 weeks on tomato leaves and from 5 to 10 days on tomato fruits, when compared with naked dsRNA. In flowering chickpea plants, BioClay provided prolonged protection for up to 4 weeks, covering the critical period of poding, whereas naked dsRNA provided limited protection. This research represents a major step forward for the adoption of SIGS as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fungicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonatan Niño-Sánchez
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, RiversideCalifornia, 92521, USA
- Department of Plant Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, Palencia 34004, Spain
- iuFOR- Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid–INIA, Palencia 34004, Spain
| | - Prabhakaran T. Sambasivam
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Anne Sawyer
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Horticultural Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Rachael Hamby
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, RiversideCalifornia, 92521, USA
| | - Angela Chen
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, RiversideCalifornia, 92521, USA
| | - Elizabeth Czislowski
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Horticultural Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Peng Li
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Narelle Manzie
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Donald M. Gardiner
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Rebecca Ford
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Horticultural Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Zhi Ping Xu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Neena Mitter
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Horticultural Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, RiversideCalifornia, 92521, USA
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22
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Ma H, Liu Y, Zhao X, Zhang S, Ma H. Exploring and applying genes to enhance the resistance to Fusarium head blight in wheat. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1026611. [PMID: 36388594 PMCID: PMC9647131 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1026611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a destructive disease in wheat worldwide. Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) is the main causal pathogen causing severe damage to wheat with reduction in both grain yield and quality. Additionally, mycotoxins produced by the FHB pathogens are hazardous to the health of human and livestock. Large numbers of genes conferring FHB resistance to date have been characterized from wheat and its relatives, and some of them have been widely used in breeding and significantly improved the resistance to FHB in wheat. However, the disease spreads rapidly and has been severe due to the climate and cropping system changes in the last decade. It is an urgent necessity to explore and apply more genes related to FHB resistant for wheat breeding. In this review, we summarized the genes with FHB resistance and mycotoxin detoxication identified from common wheat and its relatives by using forward- and reverse-genetic approaches, and introduced the effects of such genes and the genes with FHB resistant from other plant species, and host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) in enhancing the resistance to FHB in wheat. We also outlined the molecular rationale of the resistance and the application of the cloned genes for FHB control. Finally, we discussed the future challenges and opportunities in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haigang Ma
- *Correspondence: Haigang Ma, ; Hongxiang Ma,
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23
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Nwokeoji AO, Nwokeoji EA, Chou T, Togola A. A novel sustainable platform for scaled manufacturing of double-stranded RNA biopesticides. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2022; 9:107. [PMID: 38647833 PMCID: PMC10992233 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-022-00596-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) represents one of the most conserved pathways evolved by eukaryotic cells for regulating gene expression. RNAi utilises non-translatable double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules to sequester or degrade mRNA molecules gene. In RNAi, specifically designed exogenous dsRNA delivered to the cell can silence a target gene, a phenomenon that has been exploited in many functional studies and explored in biopesticide applications. The search for safe and sustainable crop pest management options drives the need to offset the effect of inorganic pesticides on biodiversity. The prospect of replacing inorganic pesticides with dsRNA crop spray is gaining popularity, enhanced by its high-target specificity and low environmental impact. However, for dsRNA to reach the pesticide market, it must be produced cost-effectively and sustainably. In this paper, we develop a high-yield expression media that generates up to 15-fold dsRNA yield compared to existing expression media utilising 1 mM IPTG. We also optimise a low-cost purification method that generates high-quality and purified dsRNA. The developed method circumvents the need for hazardous chemical reagents often found in commercial kits or commercial nucleases to eliminate contaminating DNA or single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) species. We also demonstrate that the production platform is scalable, generating 6.29 mg dsRNA from 259 mg wet E. coli cell pellet. The results also provide structural insights into the heterogeneous dsRNA species within the microbial-derived dsRNA pool. Finally, we also show that the purified 'naked' dsRNA, without prior formulation, can induce insect toxicity under field conditions. This study provides a novel, complete, low-cost process dsRNA platform with potential for application in industrial dsRNA production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tachung Chou
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
- All First Technologies Co. Ltd, No.208, Longnan Rd, Pingzhen Dist, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Abou Togola
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Kano Station, PMB 3112, Sabo Bakin Zuwo road, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria
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24
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Ray P, Sahu D, Aminedi R, Chandran D. Concepts and considerations for enhancing RNAi efficiency in phytopathogenic fungi for RNAi-based crop protection using nanocarrier-mediated dsRNA delivery systems. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:977502. [PMID: 37746174 PMCID: PMC10512274 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.977502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Existing, emerging, and reemerging strains of phytopathogenic fungi pose a significant threat to agricultural productivity globally. This risk is further exacerbated by the lack of resistance source(s) in plants or a breakdown of resistance by pathogens through co-evolution. In recent years, attenuation of essential pathogen gene(s) via double-stranded (ds) RNA-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) in host plants, a phenomenon known as host-induced gene silencing, has gained significant attention as a way to combat pathogen attack. Yet, due to biosafety concerns regarding transgenics, country-specific GMO legislation has limited the practical application of desirable attributes in plants. The topical application of dsRNA/siRNA targeting essential fungal gene(s) through spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) on host plants has opened up a transgene-free avenue for crop protection. However, several factors influence the outcome of RNAi, including but not limited to RNAi mechanism in plant/fungi, dsRNA/siRNA uptake efficiency, dsRNA/siRNA design parameters, dsRNA stability and delivery strategy, off-target effects, etc. This review emphasizes the significance of these factors and suggests appropriate measures to consider while designing in silico and in vitro experiments for successful RNAi in open-field conditions. We also highlight prospective nanoparticles as smart delivery vehicles for deploying RNAi molecules in plant systems for long-term crop protection and ecosystem compatibility. Lastly, we provide specific directions for future investigations that focus on blending nanotechnology and RNAi-based fungal control for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Ray
- Laboratory of Plant-Microbe Interactions, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Debashish Sahu
- Laboratory of Plant-Microbe Interactions, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Raghavendra Aminedi
- Division of Genomic Resources, ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, India
| | - Divya Chandran
- Laboratory of Plant-Microbe Interactions, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
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25
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Tsai WA, Brosnan CA, Mitter N, Dietzgen RG. Perspectives on plant virus diseases in a climate change scenario of elevated temperatures. STRESS BIOLOGY 2022; 2:37. [PMID: 37676437 PMCID: PMC10442010 DOI: 10.1007/s44154-022-00058-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Global food production is at risk from many abiotic and biotic stresses and can be affected by multiple stresses simultaneously. Virus diseases damage cultivated plants and decrease the marketable quality of produce. Importantly, the progression of virus diseases is strongly affected by changing climate conditions. Among climate-changing variables, temperature increase is viewed as an important factor that affects virus epidemics, which may in turn require more efficient disease management. In this review, we discuss the effect of elevated temperature on virus epidemics at both macro- and micro-climatic levels. This includes the temperature effects on virus spread both within and between host plants. Furthermore, we focus on the involvement of molecular mechanisms associated with temperature effects on plant defence to viruses in both susceptible and resistant plants. Considering various mechanisms proposed in different pathosystems, we also offer a view of the possible opportunities provided by RNA -based technologies for virus control at elevated temperatures. Recently, the potential of these technologies for topical field applications has been strengthened through a combination of genetically modified (GM)-free delivery nanoplatforms. This approach represents a promising and important climate-resilient substitute to conventional strategies for managing plant virus diseases under global warming scenarios. In this context, we discuss the knowledge gaps in the research of temperature effects on plant-virus interactions and limitations of RNA-based emerging technologies, which should be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-An Tsai
- Centre for Horticultural Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Christopher A Brosnan
- Centre for Horticultural Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Neena Mitter
- Centre for Horticultural Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ralf G Dietzgen
- Centre for Horticultural Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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26
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Belavilas-Trovas A, Gregoriou ME, Tastsoglou S, Soukia O, Giakountis A, Mathiopoulos K. A species-specific lncRNA modulates the reproductive ability of the asian tiger mosquito. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:885767. [PMID: 36091452 PMCID: PMC9448860 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.885767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) research has emerged as an independent scientific field in recent years. Despite their association with critical cellular and metabolic processes in plenty of organisms, lncRNAs are still a largely unexplored area in mosquito research. We propose that they could serve as exceptional tools for pest management due to unique features they possess. These include low inter-species sequence conservation and high tissue specificity. In the present study, we investigated the role of ovary-specific lncRNAs in the reproductive ability of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. Through the analysis of transcriptomic data, we identified several lncRNAs that were differentially expressed upon blood feeding; we called these genes Norma (NOn-coding RNA in Mosquito ovAries). We observed that silencing some of these Normas resulted in significant impact on mosquito fecundity and fertility. We further focused on Norma3 whose silencing resulted in 43% oviposition reduction, in smaller ovaries and 53% hatching reduction of the laid eggs, compared to anti-GFP controls. Moreover, a significant downregulation of 2 mucins withing a neighboring (∼100 Kb) mucin cluster was observed in smaller anti-Norma3 ovaries, indicating a potential mechanism of in-cis regulation between Norma3 and the mucins. Our work constitutes the first experimental proof-of-evidence connecting lncRNAs with mosquito reproduction and opens a novel path for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Belavilas-Trovas
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleni Gregoriou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Spyros Tastsoglou
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, Lamia, Greece
- Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Olga Soukia
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Antonis Giakountis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kostas Mathiopoulos
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
- *Correspondence: Kostas Mathiopoulos,
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27
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Yang W, Wang B, Lei G, Chen G, Liu D. Advances in nanocarriers to improve the stability of dsRNA in the environment. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:974646. [PMID: 36051593 PMCID: PMC9424858 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.974646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAi technology, known as a revolutionary technology in the history of pesticides, has been identified as a very promising novel approach for crop protection, which is of great significance for achieving the sustainable agricultural development of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Although many studies have shown that RNA biopesticides have strong application prospects, its stability seriously restricts the commercial use. As the core component of RNAi, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is unstable in its natural form. Therefore, how to ensure the stability of dsRNA is one of the most significant challenges in realizing the commercial use of RNA biopesticides. Nanomaterials such as cationic polymers and lipofectamine can improve the stability of dsRNA in the environment, which has been proved. This paper reviews the recent research progress of nanomaterials that can be used to improve the environmental stability of dsRNA, and discusses the advantages and limitations of different nanomaterials combined with dsRNA, which provides reference for the selection of dsRNA nanoformulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Dehai Liu
- *Correspondence: Dehai Liu, ; Guocan Chen,
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28
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Schlemmer T, Lischka R, Wegner L, Ehlers K, Biedenkopf D, Koch A. Extracellular vesicles isolated from dsRNA-sprayed barley plants exhibit no growth inhibition or gene silencing in Fusarium graminearum. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2022; 9:14. [PMID: 35836276 PMCID: PMC9284790 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-022-00143-w] [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: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous reports have shown that incorporating a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-expressing transgene into plants or applying dsRNA by spraying it onto their leaves successfully protects them against invading pathogens exploiting the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi). How dsRNAs or siRNAs are transferred between donor host cells and recipient fungal cells is largely unknown. It is speculated that plant extracellular vesicles (EVs) function as RNA shuttles between plants and their pathogens. Recently, we found that EVs isolated from host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) or spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) plants contained dsRNA-derived siRNAs. In this study, we evaluated whether isolated EVs from dsRNA-sprayed barley (Hordeum vulgare) plants affected the growth of the phytopathogenic ascomycete Fusarium graminearum. Encouraged by our previous finding that dropping barley-derived EVs on F. graminearum cultures caused fungal stress phenotypes, we conducted an in vitro growth experiment in microtiter plates where we co-cultivated F. graminearum with plant EVs isolated from dsRNA-sprayed barley leaves. We observed that co-cultivation of F. graminearum macroconidia with barley EVs did not affect fungal growth. Furthermore, plant EVs containing SIGS-derived siRNA appeared not to affect F. graminearum growth and showed no gene silencing activity on F. graminearum CYP51 genes. Based on our findings, we concluded that either the amount of SIGS-derived siRNA was insufficient to induce target gene silencing in F. graminearum, indicating that the role of EVs in SIGS is minor, or that F. graminearum uptake of plant EVs from liquid cultures was inefficient or impossible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Schlemmer
- Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Institute of Phytopathology, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany.,Institute of Phytomedicine, University of Hohenheim, Otto-Sander-Strasse 5, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Richard Lischka
- Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Institute of Phytopathology, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Linus Wegner
- Intitute of Botany, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 38, 35292, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katrin Ehlers
- Intitute of Botany, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 38, 35292, Giessen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Biedenkopf
- Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Institute of Phytopathology, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Aline Koch
- Institute of Phytomedicine, University of Hohenheim, Otto-Sander-Strasse 5, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
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29
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Mezzetti B, Arpaia S, Baraldi E, Dietz-Pfeilstetter A, Smagghe G, Ventura V, Sweet JB. Editorial: Advances and Challenges of RNAi Based Technologies for Plants-Volume 2. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:930851. [PMID: 35898218 PMCID: PMC9309804 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.930851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Salvatore Arpaia
- Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA) Research Centre Trisaia - Division Bioenergy, Biorefinery and Green Chemistry, Rotondella, Italy
| | - Elena Baraldi
- DISTAL-Department of Agricultural and Food Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antje Dietz-Pfeilstetter
- Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vera Ventura
- Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, Land, Environment and of Mathematics, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jeremy B. Sweet
- Sweet Environmental Consultant (SEC), Cambridge, United Kingdom
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30
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Delgado-Martín J, Ruiz L, Janssen D, Velasco L. Exogenous Application of dsRNA for the Control of Viruses in Cucurbits. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:895953. [PMID: 35832223 PMCID: PMC9272007 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.895953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The recurrent emergence of viral diseases in intensive horticultural crops requires alternative control strategies. The topical application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules homologous to pathogens has been proposed as a tool for virus control in plants. These dsRNAs induce the silencing mechanism, the RNA interference (RNAi), that degrades homologous dsRNAs. Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) represents a serious threat to cucurbit crops. Since genetic resistance to the virus is not yet available in commercial varieties, we aimed to control this virus by RNAi. For this purpose, we obtained constructions both for expressing dsRNA in bacteria to treat cucumber plants by topical application and for agroinoculation in experiments done in the growth chamber. Besides, greenhouse tests were performed in spring and in summer when plants were challenged with the virus, and differences in several parameters were investigated, including the severity of symptoms, dry weight, total height, virus accumulation, and virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs). Spraying of plants with dsRNA reduced significatively CGMMV symptoms in the plants in growth chamber tests. Agroinfiltration experiments done under identical conditions were also effective in limiting the progress of CGMMV disease. In the greenhouse assay performed in spring, symptoms were significantly reduced in dsRNA-sprayed plants, and the development of the plants improved with respect to non-treated plants. Virus titers and vsiRNAs were clearly reduced in dsRNA-treated plants. The effect of protection of the dsRNA was less evident in the greenhouse assay carried out in the summer. Besides, we investigated the mobility of long (ds)RNA derived from spraying or agroinfiltrated dsRNA and found that it could be detected in local, close distal, and far distal points from the site of application. VsiRNAs were also detected in local and distal points and the differences in accumulation were compared. In parallel, we investigated the capacity of dsRNAs derived from genes of tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), another economically important virus in cucurbits, to limit the disease in zucchini, both by agroinfiltration or by direct spraying, but found no protective effect. In view of the results, the topical application of dsRNAs is postulated as a promising strategy for CGMMV control in the cucumber.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josemaría Delgado-Martín
- Instituto Andaluz de Investigación y Formación Agraria (IFAPA) Centro de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Leticia Ruiz
- Instituto Andaluz de Investigación y Formación Agraria (IFAPA) Centro La Mojonera, Almería, Spain
| | - Dirk Janssen
- Instituto Andaluz de Investigación y Formación Agraria (IFAPA) Centro La Mojonera, Almería, Spain
| | - Leonardo Velasco
- Instituto Andaluz de Investigación y Formación Agraria (IFAPA) Centro de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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31
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de Oliveira Filho JG, da Cruz Silva G, Gomes M, de Sousa TL, Ferreira MD, Egea MB. External application of RNA interference (RNAi): An innovative tool for controlling fungi during food storage. Curr Opin Food Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2022.100872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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32
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Willow J, Veromann E. Integrating RNAi Technology in Smallholder Farming: Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.868922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 84% of farms globally are <2 hectares; these and other smallholder farms collectively produce over one third of humanity's food. However, smallholder farms, particularly in developing countries, encounter difficulties in both production and profits due to their vulnerabilities. Sustainable intensification—increasing crop yield without significantly greater resource use—must be globally adopted in smallholder farming to achieve various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) endorsed by the United Nations (UN). While traditional techniques for conservation agriculture must be maintained and further promoted, new technologies will undoubtedly play a major role in achieving high yields in a sustainable and environmentally safe manner. RNA interference (RNAi) technology, particularly the use of transgenic RNAi cultivars and/or sprayable double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) pesticides, could accelerate progress in reaching these goals due to dsRNA's nucleotide sequence-specific mode of action against eukaryotic and viral pests. This sequence-specificity allows silencing of specific genetic targets in focal pest species of interest, potentially resulting in negligible effects on non-target organisms inhabiting the agroecosystem. It is our perspective that recent progress in RNAi technology, together with the UN's endorsement of SDGs that promote support in- and for developing countries, should facilitate an integrated approach to sustainable intensification of smallholder farms, whereby RNAi technology is used in combination with traditional techniques for sustainable intensification. However, the development of such approaches in developing countries will require developed countries to adhere to currently-defined socioeconomic SDGs.
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Successful Silencing of the Mycotoxin Synthesis Gene TRI5 in Fusarium culmorum and Observation of Reduced Virulence in VIGS and SIGS Experiments. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030395. [PMID: 35327949 PMCID: PMC8953179 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Crops constantly experience various biotic stresses during their life cycle, and Fusarium spp. remain one of the most serious groups of pathogens affecting plants. The ability to manipulate the expression of certain microorganism genes via RNAi creates the opportunity for new-generation dsRNA-based preparations to control a large number of diseases. In this study, we applied virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), and spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) to silence the trichothecene-producing gene TRI5 in F. culmorum as a means to reduce its aggressiveness on spring wheat. Treatment of the fungus with dsTRI5RNA in vitro reduced deoxynivalenol (DON) and 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-A-DON) accumulations by 53–85% and 61–87%, respectively, and reduced TRI5 expression by 84–97%. VIGS decreased the proportion of infected wheat spikelets by 73%, but upregulation was observed for TRI5. SIGS on wheat leaves and ears using certain dsTRI5RNA amounts negatively impacted F. culmorum growth. However, when performing in vivo analyses of TRI5 mRNA levels, the upregulation of the gene was determined in the variants where fungal colonization was restricted, suggesting a compensatory reaction of the pathogen to RNAi.
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34
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Zhao JH, Guo HS. RNA silencing: From discovery and elucidation to application and perspectives. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 64:476-498. [PMID: 34964265 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
RNA silencing (or RNA interference, RNAi) is a conserved mechanism for regulating gene expression in eukaryotes. The discovery of natural trans-kingdom RNAi indicated that small RNAs act as signaling molecules and enable communication between organisms in different kingdoms. The phenomenon and potential mechanisms of trans-kingdom RNAi are among the most exciting research topics. To better understand trans-kingdom RNAi, we review the history of the discovery and elucidation of RNAi mechanisms. Based on canonical RNAi mechanisms, we summarize the major points of divergence around RNAi pathways in the main eukaryotes' kingdoms, including plants, animals, and fungi. We review the representative incidents associated with the mechanisms and applications of trans-kingdom RNAi in crop protection, and discuss the critical factors that should be considered to develop successful trans-kingdom RNAi-based crop protection strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hui-Shan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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