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Gao Y, Cai T, Yu C, Zeng Q, Wan Y, Song L, He S, Li J, Wan H. A putative endonuclease reduces the efficiency of oral RNA interference in Nilaparvata lugens. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 39007259 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery to insects by various methods is different and the reduced efficacy of feeding dsRNA is partly due to the presence of DNA/RNA non-specific endonuclease in the insect gut. However, the mechanism leading to the low RNAi efficiency of Nilaparvata lugens by feeding remains elusive. RESULTS In this study, we identified a putatively DNA/RNA non-specific endonuclease gene in the N. lugens genome database that was highly expressed in the first nymphal instar and the midgut. Different expression levels of NldsRNase after feeding and injection suggested that NldsRNase might interfere with oral RNAi in N. lugens. A co-delivery RNAi strategy further revealed that the presence of NldsRNase reduces RNAi efficiency. In vitro dsRNA degradation experiments also showed that the stability of dsRNA was higher in a gut mixture from nymphs injected with dsNldsRNase. These results support the idea that the low oral RNAi response observed in N. lugens is likely due to the presence of NldsRNase. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides insight into the differences in RNAi response between the injection and feeding of dsRNA in N. lugens and sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the reduced efficacy of RNAi via feeding. These findings may help to inform the development of more-effective RNAi-based strategies controlling N. lugens and other insect pests. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinghong Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ludan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shun He
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianhong Li
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hu Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Han HL, Li JM, Chen D, Zhai XD, Smagghe G, Jiang H, Wang JJ, Wei D. Overexpression of miR-927-5p suppresses stalky expression and negatively reduces the spermatid production in Zeugodacus cucurbitae. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:3412-3422. [PMID: 38407521 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett, is one of the major pests attacking Cucurbitaceae crops. Identifying critical genes or proteins regulating fertility is essential for sustainable pest control and a research hotspot in insect physiology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNAs that do not directly participate in protein translation, but instead function in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression involved in male fertility. RESULTS We found that miR-927-5p is highly expressed in the testes and investigated its function in spermatogenesis in Z. cucurbitae. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed miR-927-5p in the transformation and maturation region of the testis, and overexpression of miR-927-5p reduced the number of sperms by 53%. In continuation, we predicted 12 target genes of miR-927-5p using bioinformatics combined with transcriptome sequencing data, and found that miR-927-5p targets the new gene Stalky in insects, which was validated by quantitative real-time PCR, RNA pull-down and dual luciferase reporter assays. FISH also confirmed the co-localization of miR-927-5p and the transcript Stalky_1 in the testis. Moreover, silencing of Stalky_1 by RNA interference reduced the number of sperms by 32% and reduced sperm viability by 39% in physiologically mature male adults. Meanwhile, the silencing of Stalky_1 also resulted in low hatchability. CONCLUSION Our work not only presents a new, so far unreported mechanism regulating spermatogenesis by miR-927-5p targeting a new unknown target, Stalky, which is providing new knowledge on the regulatory network of insect spermatogenesis, but also lays a foundation for the development of SIT against important tephritid fly pests. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Liang Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing-Ming Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Di Zhai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hongbo Jiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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3
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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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4
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He J, Kang L. Regulation of insect behavior by non-coding RNAs. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1106-1118. [PMID: 38443665 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2482-2] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The adaptation of insects to environments relies on a sophisticated set of behaviors controlled by molecular and physiological processes. Over the past several decades, accumulating studies have unveiled the roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in regulating insect behaviors. ncRNAs assume particularly pivotal roles in the behavioral plasticity of insects by rapidly responding to environmental stimuli. ncRNAs also contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis of insects by fine-tuning the expression of target genes. However, a comprehensive review of ncRNAs' roles in regulating insect behaviors has yet to be conducted. Here, we present the recent progress in our understanding of how ncRNAs regulate various insect behaviors, including flight and movement, social behavior, reproduction, learning and memory, and feeding. We refine the intricate mechanisms by which ncRNAs modulate the function of neural, motor, reproductive, and other physiological systems, as well as gene expression in insects like fruit flies, social insects, locusts, and mosquitos. Furthermore, we discuss potential avenues for future studies in ncRNA-mediated insect behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing He
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Le Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institutes of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China.
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5
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Figueiredo Prates LH, Fiebig J, Schlosser H, Liapi E, Rehling T, Lutrat C, Bouyer J, Sun Q, Wen H, Xi Z, Schetelig MF, Häcker I. Challenges of Robust RNAi-Mediated Gene Silencing in Aedes Mosquitoes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5218. [PMID: 38791257 PMCID: PMC11121262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we report the complexities and challenges associated with achieving robust RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene knockdown in the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, a pivotal approach for genetic analysis and vector control. Despite RNAi's potential for species-specific gene targeting, our independent efforts to establish oral delivery of RNAi for identifying genes critical for mosquito development and fitness encountered significant challenges, failing to reproduce previously reported potent RNAi effects. We independently evaluated a range of RNAi-inducing molecules (siRNAs, shRNAs, and dsRNAs) and administration methods (oral delivery, immersion, and microinjection) in three different laboratories. We also tested various mosquito strains and utilized microorganisms for RNA delivery. Our results reveal a pronounced inconsistency in RNAi efficacy, characterized by minimal effects on larval survival and gene expression levels in most instances despite strong published effects for the tested targets. One or multiple factors, including RNase activity in the gut, the cellular internalization and processing of RNA molecules, and the systemic dissemination of the RNAi signal, could be involved in this variability, all of which are barely understood in mosquitoes. The challenges identified in this study highlight the necessity for additional research into the underlying mechanisms of mosquito RNAi to develop more robust RNAi-based methodologies. Our findings emphasize the intricacies of RNAi application in mosquitoes, which present a substantial barrier to its utilization in genetic control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Henrique Figueiredo Prates
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Jakob Fiebig
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Henrik Schlosser
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Eleni Liapi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Tanja Rehling
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | | | - Jeremy Bouyer
- ASTRE, CIRAD, 34398 Montpellier, France (J.B.)
- ASTRE, CIRAD, INRAE, Univ. Montpellier, Plateforme Technologique CYROI, 97491 Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Qiang Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (Q.S.); (H.W.); (Z.X.)
| | - Han Wen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (Q.S.); (H.W.); (Z.X.)
| | - Zhiyong Xi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (Q.S.); (H.W.); (Z.X.)
| | - Marc F. Schetelig
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Irina Häcker
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
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Anu CN, Ashok K, Bhargava CN, Dhawane Y, Manamohan M, Jha GK, Asokan R. CRISPR/Cas9 mediated validation of spermatogenesis-related gene, tssk2 as a component of genetic pest management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 116:e22121. [PMID: 38783691 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22121] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Invasive insect pests, currently, pose a serious economic threat to several staple crops all over the world, one such being the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. It was first observed in Africa since 2016, outside of its natural habitat in the Americas. Subsequently, it invaded several countries in South and South East Asia and also very recently in Australia. In all the newly invaded regions, maize is the principal crop attacked causing a serious economic concern to the poor farmers, particularly in the developing countries. Owing to the innate genetic ability, it defies many of the management options that include insecticides, Bt transgenics, and so forth. This is due to its high mobility, polyphagy and ability for quick development of resistance to several classes of insecticides. At this critical juncture, CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing has shown a lot of promise in developing a novel area-wide pest management strategy called precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT). pgSIT was initially demonstrated in Drosophila melanogaster which holds a greater promise for the environmentally friendly management of several globally significant agricultural pests such as S. frugiperda. Therefore, before developing both sgRNA and Cas9 transgenic lines, we have validated the target gene such as tssk2 through a non-transgenic approach by microinjecting ribo nucleo protein complex (Cas9 protein and tssk2 sgRNA) into G0 eggs of S. frugiperda. In the current investigation, we have obtained five edited males with distinct mutations which were further used for crossing studies to ascertain the effect of tssk2 editing affecting egg hatchability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cholenahalli Narayanappa Anu
- Division of Basic Sciences, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Karuppannasamy Ashok
- Division of Basic Sciences, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Department of Agricultural Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Chikmagalur Nagaraja Bhargava
- Division of Basic Sciences, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Yogi Dhawane
- Division of Basic Sciences, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Maligeppagol Manamohan
- Division of Basic Sciences, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Grish Kumar Jha
- Division of Bioinformatics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Ramasamy Asokan
- Division of Basic Sciences, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Li X, Xiao J, Cheng X, Zhang H, Zheng W. Nanomaterial-encapsulated dsRNA of ecdysone-induced early gene E75, a potential RNAi-based SIT strategy for pest control against Bactrocera dorsalis. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130607. [PMID: 38447848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130607] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Bactrocera dorsalis is a notorious pest widely distributed across most Asian countries. With the rapid development of pesticide resistance, new pest control methods are urgently needed. RNAi-based sterile insect technique (SIT) is a species-specific pest management strategy for B. dorsalis control. It is of great significance to identify more target genes from B. dorsalis, and improve the RNAi efficiency. In this study, microinjection-based RNAi results showed that six 20E response genes were necessary for male fertility of B. dorsalis, of which E75 was identified as the key target according to the lowest egg-laying number and hatching rate after E75 knockdown. Three nanoparticles chitosan (CS), chitosan‑sodium tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP), and star polycation (SPc) were used to encapsulate dsE75 expressed by HT115 strain. Properties analysis of nanoparticle-dsRNA complexes showed that both CS-TPP-dsRNA and SPc-dsRNA exhibited better properties (smaller size and polydispersity index) than CS-dsRNA. Moreover, oral administration of CS-TPP-dsE75 and SPc-dsE75 by males resulted in more abnormal testis and significantly lower fertility than feeding naked dsE75. Semi-field trials further confirmed that the number of hatched larvae was dramatically reduced in these two groups. Our study not only provides more valuable targets for RNAi-based SIT, but also promotes the application of environment-friendly management against B. dorsalis in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Li
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiedan Xiao
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoqin Cheng
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiwei Zheng
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
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8
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Li Y, Wu S, Xu Y, Li Y, Liu Y, Wang J. Transcriptomic Identification and Characterization of Trehalose-6-Phosphate Synthase in Fat Body of the Oriental Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:5725-5733. [PMID: 38452362 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06197] [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: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The destructive agricultural pest oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), has been causing huge damage to the fruits and vegetable industry. Although many pertinent studies have been conducted on B. dorsalis, the functions of fat body still remain largely unknown. To this end, the comparative transcriptome analysis between fat body and carcass was performed in an attempt to provide insights into functions of fat body of B. dorsalis in the present study. A total of 1431 upregulated and 2511 downregulated unigenes were discovered in the fat body vs carcass comparison, respectively. The enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEG) revealed that most of the enriched pathways were related to metabolism. The reliability of DEG analysis was validated by qRT-PCR measurements of 12 genes in starch and sucrose metabolism pathway, including the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (BdTPS) which was highly expressed in eggs, 5 d-old adults, and fat body. The RNAi of BdTPS significantly affected trehalose and chitin metabolism, larval growth, and larva-pupa metamorphosis. Collectively, the findings in this study enriched our understanding of fat body functions in metabolism and demonstrated the indispensable roles of BdTPS in trehalose-related physiological pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Shunjiao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yonghong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yaying Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yinghong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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Tan SY, Liu CL, Han HL, Zhai XD, Jiang H, Wang BJ, Wang JJ, Wei D. Two heat shock cognate 70 genes involved in spermatogenesis regulate the male fertility of Zeugodacus cucurbitae, as potential targets for pest control. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 200:105816. [PMID: 38582574 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105816] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an agricultural quarantine pest threatening fruit and vegetable production. Heat shock cognate 70 (Hsc70), which is a homolog of the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), was first discovered in mice testes and plays an important role in spermatogenesis. In this study, we identified and cloned five Hsc70 genes from melon fly, namely ZcHsc70_1/2/3/4/5. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these proteins are closely related to Hsc70s from other Diptera insects. Spatiotemporal expression analysis showed that ZcHsc70_1 and ZcHsc70_2 are highly expressed in Z. cucurbitae testes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization further demonstrated that ZcHsc70_1 and ZcHsc70_2 are expressed in the transformation and maturation regions of testes, respectively. Moreover, RNA interference-based suppression of ZcHsc70_1 or ZcHsc70_2 resulted in a significant decrease of 74.61% and 63.28% in egg hatchability, respectively. Suppression of ZcHsc70_1 expression delayed the transformation of sperm cells to mature sperms. Meanwhile, suppression of ZcHsc70_2 expression decreased both sperm cells and mature sperms by inhibiting the meiosis of spermatocytes. Our findings show that ZcHsc70_1/2 regulates spermatogenesis and further affects the male fertility in the melon fly, showing potential as targets for pest control in sterile insect technique by genetic manipulation of males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Yuan Tan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Chuan-Lian Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hong-Liang Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiao-Di Zhai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hongbo Jiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Bao-Jun Wang
- Chongqing Agricultural Technology Extension Station, Chongqing 401121, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management of Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, Guiyang University, Guiyang 550005, China.
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10
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Gokulanathan A, Mo HH, Park Y. Insights on reproduction-related genes in the striped fruit fly, Zeugodacus scutellata (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22064. [PMID: 37929852 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22064] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The striped fruit fly, Zeugodacus scutellata is a significant pest in East and Southeast Asia by damaging Cucurbitaceae blossoms and fruits. To control this pest, a novel strategy to suppress the gene(s) associated with sexually dimorphic phenotypes has been devised and implemented in a laboratory scale. However, comprehensive transcriptomic analysis related to this sex differentiation of Z. scutellata was necessary to determine effective target genes for the genetic control. We performed de novo assembly of the transcript obtained by paired-end sequencing using an Illumina HiSeq platform and let to 217,967 unigenes (i.e., unique genes) with a minimum length of 200 bp. The female produced 31, 604, 442 reads with 97.93% of Q20, 94.76% of Q30, and the male produced 130, 592, 828 reads with 97.93% of Q20 and 94.76 of Q30%. The differentially expressed genes were used to predict genetic factors associated with sex differentiation, which included Rho1, extra-macrochaetae (emc), hopscotch (hop), doublesex (dsx), sex-lethal (sxl), transformer-2 (tra-2), testis-specific serine/threonine-protein kinase (tssk1), tektin1 (tkt1) and 2 (tkt2), odorant binding proteins (OBPs), fruitless (fru), vitellogenin receptor, and hormone receptors in Z. scutellata. In addition, this transcriptome analysis provides the additional gene associated with sex determination and mating behaviors, which would be applied to develop a novel sterile insect technique against Z. scutellata.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyoung-Ho Mo
- Plant Quarantine Technology Center, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, South Korea
| | - Youngjin Park
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, South Korea
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11
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Zhai XD, Zhang SY, Chen D, Li WJ, Wang JJ, Wei D. Comparative multi-tissue analyses identify testis-specific serine/threonine protein kinase (TSSK) genes involved in male fertility in the melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:2040-2049. [PMID: 36693781 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zeugodacus cucurbitae is an agricultural pest species with robust reproductive capabilities capable of causing extensive damage. The advent of novel male fertility-related pest control strategies has been an area of active entomological research focused on the sterile insect technique (SIT) strategy. RESULTS RNA-sequencing analyses were conducted using 16 tissue samples from adult male Z. cucurbitae, leading to the identification of 5338 genes that were differentially expressed between the testes and three other analyzed tissue types. Of these genes, 808 exhibited high levels of testis expression. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) approach was used to validate the expression of ten of these genes selected at random, including ZcTSSK1 and ZcTSSK3, which are testis-specific serine/threonine protein kinase (TSSK) genes. Evaluation via a loss-of-function-based knockdown assay showed that the down-regulation of either of these two genes in males was associated with significantly decreased egg hatching rates. In situ hybridization analyses revealed the expression of both of these transcripts in the transformation zone, and significant decreases in Z. cucurbitae sperm numbers were observed following double-stranded RNA treatment. Together, these results suggested that inhibiting ZcTSSK1 and ZcTSSK3 expression was sufficient to alter male fertility in Z. cucurbitae. CONCLUSION These transcriptional sequencing results provide a foundation for further efforts to clarify the regulators of Z. cucurbitae male fertility. These preliminary analyses of the functions of ZcTSSK family genes as regulators of spermatogenesis underscore their importance in the processes integral to male fecundity and their potential as targets for pest control efforts centered on the genetic manipulation of males. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Di Zhai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Su-Yun Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei-Jun Li
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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12
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Abstract
Mating produces profound changes in the behavior of female flies, such as an increase in oviposition, reduction in sexual receptivity, increase in feeding, and even excretion. Many of these changes are produced by copulation, sperm, and accessory gland products that males transfer to females during mating. Our knowledge on the function of the male ejaculate and its effect on female insects is still incipient. In this article, we review peri- and postcopulatory behaviors in tephritid flies. We address the effects of male copulatory behavior; copula duration; and the male ejaculate, sperm, and accessory gland products on female remating behavior. Many species from these families are pests of economic importance; thus, understanding male mating effects on female behavior contributes to both developing more effective environmentally friendly control methods and furthering our understanding of evolutionary implications of intersexual competition and sexual conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Solana Abraham
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Ecoetológicas de Moscas de la Fruta y sus Enemigos Naturales (LIEMEN), PROIMI-Biotecnología, CONICET, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
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13
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Kebede M, Fite T. RNA interference (RNAi) applications to the management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Its current trends and future prospects. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:944774. [PMID: 36158573 PMCID: PMC9490220 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.944774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is among the invasive insect pests that damages maize and sorghum, the high-priority crops in newly colonized agro-ecologies, including African contexts. Owing to the increasing infestation of the pest and the limitations of current conventional methods for its management, there is a call for discovering advanced pest management approaches. RNA interference (RNAi) is an emerging molecular tool showing flexible potential for the management of S. frugiperda. We conducted a search of the recent application of RNAi literature using Google Scholar and Mendeley to find advanced papers on S. frugiperda management using RNAi molecular tools that led to growth inhibition, developmental aberrations, reduced fecundity, and mortality, mainly by disruption of normal biological processes of the pest. Although efforts have been made to accelerate the utility of RNAi, many factors limit the efficiency of RNAi to achieve successful control over S. frugiperda. Owing to RNAi’s potential bioactivity and economic and ecological acceptability, continued research efforts should focus on improving its broad applicability, including field conditions. Screening and identification of key target genes should be a priority task to achieve effective and sustainable management of this insect via RNAi. In addition, a clear understanding of the present status of RNAi utilization in S. frugiperda management is of paramount importance to improve its efficiency. Therefore, in this review, we highlight the biology of S. frugiperda and the RNAi mechanism as a foundation for the molecular management of the pest. Then, we discuss the current knowledge of the RNAi approach in S. frugiperda management and the factors affecting the efficiency of RNAi application. Finally, the prospects for RNAi-based insect pest management are highlighted for future research to achieve effective management of S. frugiperda.
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14
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Shi W, Ye H, Roderick G, Cao J, Kerdelhué C, Han P. Role of Genes in Regulating Host Plants Expansion in Tephritid Fruit Flies (Diptera) and Potential for RNAi-Based Control. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2022; 22:10. [PMID: 35983691 PMCID: PMC9389179 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieac047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Host plant expansion is an important survival strategy for tephritids as they expand their range. Successful host expansion requires tephritids to adapt to the chemical and nonchemical properties of a novel host fruit, such as fruit color, phenology, and phytochemicals. These plant properties trigger a series of processes in tephritids, with each process having its own genetic basis, which means that various genes are involved in regulating host plant expansion by tephritids. This review summarizes current knowledge on the categories and roles of genes involved in host plant expansion in several important tephritid species, including genes related to chemoreception (olfactory and gustation), vision, digestion, detoxification, development, ribosomal and energy metabolism. Chemoreception- and detoxification- and digestion-related genes are stimulated by volatile chemicals and secondary chemicals of different hosts, respectively, which are involved in the regulation of nervous signal transduction that triggers behavioral, physical, and chemical responses to the novel host fruit. Vision-, nerve-, and development-related genes and metabolism-associated genes are activated in response to nonchemical stimuli from different hosts, such as color and phenology, to regulate a comprehensive adaptation of the extending host for tephritids. The chemical and nonchemical signals of hosts activate ribosomal and energy-related genes that result in the basic regulation of many processes of host expansion, including detoxification and development. These genes do not regulate novel host use individually, but multiple genes regulate multilevel adaptation to novel host fruits via multiple mechanisms. These genes may also be potential target genes for RNAi-based control of tephritid pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shi
- School of Ecology and Environment Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Hui Ye
- School of Ecology and Environment Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - George Roderick
- Department of Environmental Science Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jun Cao
- School of Ecology and Environment Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Carole Kerdelhué
- INRAE, CBGP (INRAE, CIRAD, RD, Montpellier Supagro, University Montpellier), Montpellier, France
| | - Peng Han
- School of Ecology and Environment Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
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15
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Gregoriou ME, Mathiopoulos KD. Knocking down the sex peptide receptor by dsRNA feeding results in reduced oviposition rate in olive fruit flies. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 104:e21665. [PMID: 32091155 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Insect pests can cause crop damage in yield or quality, resulting in profit losses for farmers. The primary approach to control them is still the use of chemical pesticides resulting in significant hazards to the environment and human health. Biological control and the sterile insect technique are alternative strategies to improve agriculture protection. However, both strategies have significant limitations. A newly introduced approach that could be both effective and species-specific is the RNA interference mechanism. One key point for the success of this strategy is the delivery method of double-strand RNA (dsRNA) to the insects. A method of dsRNA delivery to insects with potential use in the field is the oral delivery, feeding the insects engineered microorganisms that produce dsRNA. Here, we present the first protocol for dsRNA feeding using modified bacteria, in the olive fruit fly, the most important insect pest of cultivated olives. We chose to target the sex peptide receptor gene. The sex peptide receptor interacts with the sex peptide, a peptide that is responsible for the postmating behavior in the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster. Feeding the female olive fruit fly with bacteria that produced dsRNA for the sex peptide receptor gene resulted in the development of female insects with significantly lower oviposition rates. Administration of dsRNA producing bacteria in insect diet against target genes that lead to genetic sexing or female-specific lethality could be added in the armory of control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Eleni Gregoriou
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kostas D Mathiopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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16
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Taning CN, Arpaia S, Christiaens O, Dietz-Pfeilstetter A, Jones H, Mezzetti B, Sabbadini S, Sorteberg HG, Sweet J, Ventura V, Smagghe G. RNA-based biocontrol compounds: current status and perspectives to reach the market. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020. [PMID: 31743573 DOI: 10.1007/s10340-020-01238-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Facing current climate challenges and drastically reduced chemical options for plant protection, the exploitation of RNA interference (RNAi) as an agricultural biotechnology tool has unveiled possible new solutions to the global problems of agricultural losses caused by pests and other biotic and abiotic stresses. While the use of RNAi as a tool in agriculture is still limited to a few transgenic crops, and only adopted in restricted parts of the world, scientists and industry are already seeking innovations in leveraging and exploiting the potential of RNAi in the form of RNA-based biocontrol compounds for external applications. Here, we highlight the expanding research and development pipeline, commercial landscape and regulatory environment surrounding the pursuit of RNA-based biocontrol compounds with improved environmental profiles. The commitments of well-established agrochemical companies to invest in research endeavours and the role of start-up companies are crucial for the successful development of practical applications for these compounds. Additionally, the availability of standardized guidelines to tackle regulatory ambiguities surrounding RNA-based biocontrol compounds will help to facilitate the entire commercialization process. Finally, communication to create awareness and public acceptance will be key to the deployment of these compounds. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clauvis Nt Taning
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Salvatore Arpaia
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), DTE-BBC, Rotondella, Italy
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Antje Dietz-Pfeilstetter
- Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Huw Jones
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, UK
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche (UPM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Sabbadini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche (UPM), Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | - Vera Ventura
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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17
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Kunte N, McGraw E, Bell S, Held D, Avila LA. Prospects, challenges and current status of RNAi through insect feeding. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:26-41. [PMID: 31419022 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference is a phenomenon in which the introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into cells triggers the degradation of the complementary messenger RNA in a sequence-specific manner. Suppressing expression of vital genes could lead to insect death, therefore this technology has been considered as a potential strategy for insect pest control. There are three main routes of dsRNA administration into insects: (i) injections to the hemolymph, (ii) topical, and (iii) feeding. In this review, we focus on dsRNA administration through feeding. We summarize novel strategies that have been developed to improve the efficacy of this method, such as the use of nano-based formulations, engineered microorganisms, and transgenic plants. We also expose the hurdles that have to be overcome in order to use this technique as a reliable pest management method. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitish Kunte
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Erin McGraw
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Sydney Bell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - David Held
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Luz-Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
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18
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Tayler A, Heschuk D, Giesbrecht D, Park JY, Whyard S. Efficiency of RNA interference is improved by knockdown of dsRNA nucleases in tephritid fruit flies. Open Biol 2019; 9:190198. [PMID: 31795920 PMCID: PMC6936256 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.190198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) in insects is routinely used to ascertain gene function, but also has potential as a technology to control pest species. For some insects, such as beetles, ingestion of small quantities of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is able to knock down a targeted gene's expression. However, in other species, ingestion of dsRNA can be ineffective owing to the presence of nucleases within the gut, which degrade dsRNA before it reaches target cells. In this study, we observed that nucleases within the gut of the Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni) rapidly degrade dsRNA and reduce RNAi efficacy. By complexing dsRNA with liposomes within the adult insect's diet, RNAi-mediated knockdown of a melanin synthesis gene, yellow, was improved significantly, resulting in strong RNAi phenotypes. RNAi efficiency was also enhanced by feeding both larvae and adults for several days on dsRNAs that targeted two different dsRNase gene transcripts. Co-delivery of both dsRNase-specific dsRNAs and yellow dsRNA resulted in almost complete knockdown of the yellow transcripts. These findings show that the use of liposomes or co-feeding of nuclease-specific dsRNAs significantly improves RNAi inhibition of gene expression in B. tryoni and could be a useful strategy to improve RNAi-based control in other insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Steve Whyard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CanadaR3T 2N2
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19
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Sohail S, Tariq K, Zheng W, Ali MW, Peng W, Raza MF, Zhang H. RNAi-Mediated Knockdown of Tssk1 and Tektin1 Genes Impair Male Fertility in Bactrocera dorsalis. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10060164. [PMID: 31185651 PMCID: PMC6627857 DOI: 10.3390/insects10060164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The genetic-based sterile insect technique (SIT) is an effective and environmentally safe strategy to diminish populations of agricultural and horticultural insect pests. Functional characterization of genes related to male fertility can enhance the genetic-based SIT. Tssk1 has been involved to control male fertility in both mammals and insects. Moreover, Tektin1 has also been revealed to influence male fertility in both human and mammals. These findings suggested that Tssk1 and Tektin1 identified from Bactrocera dorsalis could be required for male fertility in B. dorsalis. In this study, expression profiles of these two genes were studied at different developmental stages and in various tissues of adult males. Remarkably, it was found that Tssk1 and Tektin1 were highly expressed in the testis of mature adult males of B. dorsalis. Furthermore, Tssk1 and Tektin1 genes were downregulated by using the RNA interference (RNAi) method. Fertility assays including egg laying, hatching, and spermatozoa count were also performed to investigate male fertility of B. dorsalis. Results showed that knockdown of Tssk1 and Tektin1 caused male sterility up to 58.99% and 64.49%, respectively. As expected, the total numbers of spermatozoa were also significantly reduced by 65.83% and 73.9%, respectively. These results suggested that male sterility was happened wing to the low number of spermatozoa. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Tssk1 and Tektin1 are the novel agents that could be used to enhance the genetic-based SIT, or their double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can be used as biopesticides to control the population of B. dorsalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summar Sohail
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Kaleem Tariq
- Department of Agriculture, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan.
| | - Weiwei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Muhammad Waqar Ali
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Wei Peng
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Muhammad Fahim Raza
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
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