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Saakre M, Jaiswal S, Rathinam M, Raman KV, Tilgam J, Paul K, Sreevathsa R, Pattanayak D. Host-Delivered RNA Interference for Durable Pest Resistance in Plants: Advanced Methods, Challenges, and Applications. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00833-9. [PMID: 37523020 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00833-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Insect-pests infestation greatly affects global agricultural production and is projected to become more severe in upcoming years. There is concern about pesticide application being ineffective due to insect resistance and environmental toxicity. Reduced effectiveness of Bt toxins also made the scientific community shift toward alternative strategies to control devastating agricultural pests. With the advent of host-delivered RNA interference, also known as host-induced gene silencing, targeted insect genes have been suppressed through genetic engineering tools to deliver a novel insect-pest resistance strategy for combating a number of agricultural pests. This review recapitulates the possible mechanism of host-delivered RNA interference (HD-RNAi), in particular, the silencing of target genes of insect-pests. We emphasize the development of the latest strategies against evolving insect targets including designing of artificial microRNAs, vector constructs, and the benefit of using plastid transformation to transform target RNA-interfering genes. Advantages of using HD-RNAi over other small RNA delivery modes and also the supremacy of HD-RNAi over the CRISPR-Cas system particularly for insect resistance have been described. However, the broader application of this technology is restricted due to its several limitations. Using artificial miRNA designs, the host-delivered RNAi + Bt combinatorial approach and chloroplast transformation can overcome limitations of RNAi. With careful design and delivery approaches, RNAi promises to be extremely valuable and effective plant protection strategy to attain durable insect-pest resistance in crops. Development of transgenic plant using novel strategies to achieve durable resistance against the target insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjesh Saakre
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Sandeep Jaiswal
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
- ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya- 793103, India
| | - Maniraj Rathinam
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - K Venkat Raman
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Jyotsana Tilgam
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Krishnayan Paul
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Rohini Sreevathsa
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Debasis Pattanayak
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India.
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Zhang J, Li H, Zhong X, Tian J, Segers A, Xia L, Francis F. Silencing an aphid-specific gene SmDSR33 for aphid control through plant-mediated RNAi in wheat. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:1100394. [PMID: 36699834 PMCID: PMC9868936 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1100394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Grain aphid (Sitobion miscanthi) is one of the most dominant and devastating insect pests in wheat, which causes substantial losses to wheat production each year. Engineering transgenic plants expressing double strand RNA (dsRNA) targeting an insect-specific gene has been demonstrated to provide an alternative environmentally friendly strategy for aphid management through plant-mediated RNA interference (RNAi). Here we identified and characterized a novel potential RNAi target gene (SmDSR33) which was a gene encoding a putative salivary protein. We then generated stable transgenic wheat lines expressing dsRNA for targeted silencing of SmDSR33 in grain aphids through plant-mediated RNAi. After feeding on transgenic wheat plants expressing SmDSR33-dsRNA, the attenuated expression levels of SmDSR33 in aphids were observed when compared to aphids feeding on wild-type plants. The decreased SmDSR33 expression levels thus resulted in significantly reduced fecundity and survival, and decreased reproduction of aphids. We also observed altered aphid feeding behaviors such as longer duration of intercellular stylet pathway and shorter duration of passive ingestion in electroneurography assays. Furthermore, both the surviving aphids and their offspring exhibited decreased survival rates and fecundity, indicating that the silencing effect could be persistent and transgenerational in grain aphids. The results demonstrated that SmDSR33 can be selected as an effective RNAi target for wheat aphid control. Silencing of an essential salivary protein gene involved in ingestion through plant-mediated RNAi could be exploited as an effective strategy for aphid control in wheat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Zhang
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Huiyuan Li
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Xue Zhong
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Jinfu Tian
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Segers
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Lanqin Xia
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Frédéric Francis
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
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Wang Z, Long GY, Jin DC, Yang H, Zhou C, Yang XB. Knockdown of Two Trehalase Genes by RNA Interference Is Lethal to the White-Backed Planthopper Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) (Hemiptera:Delphacidae). Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12111699. [PMID: 36421713 PMCID: PMC9687761 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Trehalase (Tre) is a crucial enzyme involved in trehalose metabolism, and it plays pivotal roles in insect development and metamorphosis. However, the biological function of Tre genes in Sogatella furcifera remains unclear. In the present study, two Tre genes—SfTre1 and SfTre2—were cloned and identified based on the S. furcifera transcriptome data. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the full-length complementary DNA of SfTre1 and SfTre2 genes were 3700 and 2757 bp long, with 1728- and 1902-bp open reading frame encoding 575 and 633 amino acid residues, respectively. Expression analysis indicated that SfTre1 and SfTre2 were expressed at all developmental stages, with the highest expression in day two adults. Furthermore, the highest expression levels of SfTre1 and SfTre2 were observed in the ovary; enriched expression was also noted in head tissues. The knockdown of SfTre1 and SfTre2 via injecting double-stranded RNAs decreased the transcription levels of the corresponding mRNAs and led to various malformed phenotypes and high lethality rates. The results of our present study indicate that SfTre1 and SfTre2 play crucial roles in S. furcifera growth and development, which can provide referable information for Tre genes as a potential target for planthopper control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Wang
- College of Environment and Life Sciences, Kaili University, Kaili 556011, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, and Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Gui-Yun Long
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, and Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Dao-Chao Jin
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, and Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Correspondence: (D.-C.J.); (H.Y.); Tel.: +86-139-8403-0739 (D.-C.J.); +86-139-8547-0482 (H.Y.)
| | - Hong Yang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, and Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Correspondence: (D.-C.J.); (H.Y.); Tel.: +86-139-8403-0739 (D.-C.J.); +86-139-8547-0482 (H.Y.)
| | - Cao Zhou
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, and Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xi-Bin Yang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, and Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guiyang, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
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Yang S, Zou Z, Xin T, Cai S, Wang X, Zhang H, Zhong L, Xia B. Knockdown of hexokinase in Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) by RNAi inhibits chitin synthesis and leads to abnormal phenotypes. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:4303-4313. [PMID: 35731692 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silencing specific genes in pests using RNA interference (RNAi) technology is a promising new pest-control strategy. The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is the most important citrus pest because it transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which causes huanglongbing. Chitin is essential for insect development, and enzymes in this pathway are attractive targets for pest control. RESULTS The hexokinase gene DcHK was characterized from D. citri to impair proper growth and chitin synthesis through RNAi. The transcription of DcHK was more highly developed in third-instar nymphs, adults and the Malpighian tube. The RNAi needed for D. citri is dose-dependent, with 600 ng μl-1 dsDcHK sufficient to knockdown endogenous DcHK expression. The messenger RNA (mRNA) level was lowest at 36 h after dosing, and there were significant effects on the relative levels of mRNA in the chitin synthesis pathway (DcTre, DcG6PI, DcGNAT, DcGFAT, DcPGM, DcUAP and DcCHS), leading to mortality, reduced body weight and abnormal or lethal phenotypes. CONCLUSION RNAi can be triggered by orally delivered double-stranded RNA in D. citri. These results can provide support for HK genes as a new potential target for citrus psyllid control. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Yang
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhiwen Zou
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tianrong Xin
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shiyu Cai
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xi Wang
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Administration of Plant Protection and Quarantine of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ling Zhong
- Administration of Plant Protection and Quarantine of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Xia
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Li X, Liu X, Lu W, Yin X, An S. Application progress of plant-mediated RNAi in pest control. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:963026. [PMID: 36003536 PMCID: PMC9393288 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.963026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based biopesticides are novel biologic products, developed using RNAi principles. They are engineered to target genes of agricultural diseases, insects, and weeds, interfering with their target gene expression so as to hinder their growth and alleviate their damaging effects on crops. RNAi-based biopesticides are broadly classified into resistant plant-based plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) and non-plant-incorporated protectants. PIP RNAi-based biopesticides are novel biopesticides that combine the advantages of RNAi and resistant transgenic crops. Such RNAi-based biopesticides are developed through nuclear or plastid transformation to breed resistant plants, i.e., dsRNA-expressing transgenic plants. The dsRNA of target genes is expressed in the plant cell, with pest and disease control being achieved through plant-target organism interactions. Here, we review the action mechanism and strategies of RNAi for pest management, the development of RNAi-based transgenic plant, and the current status and advantages of deploying these products for pest control, as well as the future research directions and problems in production and commercialization. Overall, this study aims to elucidate the current development status of RNAi-based biopesticides and provide guidelines for future research.
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Dong Y, Wu M, Zhang Q, Fu J, Loiacono FV, Yang Y, Wang Z, Li S, Chang L, Bock R, Zhang J. Control of a sap-sucking insect pest by plastid-mediated RNA interference. MOLECULAR PLANT 2022; 15:1176-1191. [PMID: 35619559 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Expression of double-stranded RNAs in plastids offers great potential for the efficient control of chewing insects. However, many insect pests do not consume plant tissue but rather feed on the host plant by sucking sap from the vascular system. Whether or not plastid-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) can be employed to control sap-sucking insects is unknown. Here, we show that five species of sap-sucking hemipteran insects acquire plastid RNA upon feeding on plants. We generated both nuclear transgenic and transplastomic tobacco plants expressing double-stranded RNAs targeting the MpDhc64C gene, a newly identified efficient target gene of RNAi whose silencing causes lethality to the green peach aphid Myzus persicae. In a whole-plant bioassay, transplastomic plants exhibited significant resistance to aphids, as evidenced by reduced insect survival, impaired fecundity, and decreased weight of survivors. The protective effect was comparable with that conferred by the best-performing nuclear transgenic plants. We found that the proportion of aphids on mature leaves of transplastomic plants was significantly lower compared with that of nuclear transgenic plants. When aphids were allowed to infest only the mature leaves, transplastomic plants grew significantly faster and were overall better protected from the pest compared with nuclear transgenic plants. When monitored by electrical-penetration-graph analyses and aphid avoidance response experiments, the insects displayed remarkable alterations in feeding behavior, which was different in nuclear transgenic and transplastomic plants, likely reflecting specific avoidance strategies to toxic RNA molecules. Taken together, our study demonstrates that plastid-mediated RNAi provides an efficient strategy for controlling at least some sap-sucking insect pests, even though there is most likely no or only very little chloroplast RNA in the sap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Mengting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Jinqiu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - F Vanessa Loiacono
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Yong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Zican Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Shengchun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Ling Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Ralph Bock
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Jiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
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Wu M, Dong Y, Zhang Q, Li S, Chang L, Loiacono FV, Ruf S, Zhang J, Bock R. Efficient control of western flower thrips by plastid-mediated RNA interference. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2120081119. [PMID: 35380896 PMCID: PMC9169809 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120081119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastid-mediated RNA interference (PM-RNAi) has emerged as a promising strategy for pest control. Expression from the plastid genome of stable double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) targeted against essential insect genes can effectively control some herbivorous beetles, but little is known about the efficacy of the transplastomic approach in other groups of pest insects, especially nonchewing insects that do not consume large amounts of leaf material. Here we have investigated the susceptibility of the western flower thrip (WFT, Frankliniella occidentalis), a notorious pest in greenhouses and open fields, to PM-RNAi. We show that WFTs ingest chloroplasts and take up plastid-expressed dsRNAs. We generated a series of transplastomic tobacco plants expressing dsRNAs and hairpin RNAs (hpRNAs) targeted against four essential WFT genes. Unexpectedly, we discovered plastid genome instability in transplastomic plants expressing hpRNAs, suggesting that dsRNA cassettes are preferable over hpRNA cassettes when designing PM-RNAi strategies. Feeding studies revealed that, unlike nuclear transgenic plants, transplastomic plants induced a potent RNAi response in WFTs, causing efficient suppression of the targeted genes and high insect mortality. Our study extends the application range of PM-RNAi technology to an important group of nonchewing insects, reveals design principles for the construction of dsRNA-expressing transplastomic plants, and provides an efficient approach to control one of the toughest insect pests in agriculture and horticulture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
- Max Planck Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department III, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Yi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Shengchun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Ling Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - F. Vanessa Loiacono
- Max Planck Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department III, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Stephanie Ruf
- Max Planck Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department III, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Jiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Ralph Bock
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
- Max Planck Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department III, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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Dhatwalia D, Aminedi R, Kalia V, Pande V, Bhattacharya R. Host-mediated attenuation of gut sucrase in mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi impaired its parthenogenetic reproduction on Indian mustard Brassica juncea. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:803-811. [PMID: 34713547 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nefarious hemipteran mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) inflicts colossal yield losses in Brassica crops including Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). Lack of an accessible resistance source has been the primary impediment in breeding varietal resistance against aphids. In recent years, in planta RNAi-mediated resistance has been demonstrated in model plants as a potential tool for protection against insect pests. However, translational application in crop species is imperative for critical assessment of this technology in breeding effective resistance. RESULTS The essential role of sucrase 1 (SUC1) in mitigating osmotic pressure imposed by sucrose-rich phloem sap inside the insect gut is corroborated by its expression pattern in L. erysimi. Transgenic lines of Indian mustard were developed expressing SUC1 hairpin RNA for its host-mediated delivery into the infesting aphids. The expression of the dsRNA encoding cassette, and generation of siRNA molecules in transgenic B. juncea lines were verified by quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, stem-loop RT-PCR and Northern hybridization. Rearing of L. erysimi on the transgenic lines resulted in 22-40% reduction in aphid fecundity. The observed retardation in aphid reproduction was coherent with the detection of SUC1-specific siRNA molecules and attenuation of the SUC1 transcript level in L. erysimi fed on the transgenic lines. CONCLUSION Augmenting varietal resistance can substantially reduce usage of toxic agrochemicals in crop protection. This attempt was the first successful demonstration of host-mediated RNAi of an aphid gene in any Brassica crop. It paves the way for more rigorous attempt of engineering RNAi-based resistance against aphids in Brassica crops. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Dhatwalia
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | | | - Vinay Kalia
- Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Veena Pande
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
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Cuticular protein genes showing peaks at different stages are probably regulated by different ecdysone responsive transcription factors during larval-pupal transformation. Gene 2022; 809:146002. [PMID: 34648919 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.146002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to explain the reason and function of the successive expression of ecdysone-responsive transcription factors (ERTFs) and related cuticular protein (CP) genes during transformation from larva to pupa. The regulation of the expression of CP genes by ERTFs was examined by in vitro wing disc culture and reporter assay using a gene gun transduction system. Two CP genes that showed expression peaks at different stages-BmorCPG12 at W3L and BmorCPH2 at P0 stage-were selected and examined. Reporter constructs conveying putative BHR3, ßFTZ-F1, BHR39, and E74A binding sites of BmorCPG12 and BmorCPH2 showed promoter activity when introduced into wing discs. In the present study, we showed the functioning of the putative BHR3 and E74A binding sites, together with putative ßFTZ-F1 binding sites, on the activation of CP genes, and different ERTF binding sites functioned in one CP gene. From these, we conclude that BHR3, ßFTZ-F1, and E74A that are successively expressed bring about the successive expression of CP genes, resulting in insect metamorphosis. In addition to this, reporter constructs conveying putative BHR39 binding sites of BmorCPG12 and BmorCPH2 showed negative regulation.
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10
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Hou QL, Chen EH, Dou W, Wang JJ. Knockdown of specific cuticular proteins analogous to peritrophin 3 genes disrupt larval and ovarian development in Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae). INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1326-1337. [PMID: 32856386 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cuticular proteins (CPs) are critical components of the insect cuticle and play important roles in maintaining normal insect development and defense against various environmental stresses. The oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) is one of the most destructive pests worldwide, and its eight CPs analogous to peritrophin 3 (BdCPAP3) family genes have been identified in our previous study. In the present study, we further explored the possible roles of CPAP3 genes in B. dorsalis development. Each sequence of BdCPAP3 genes contained three conserved ChtBD2 (chitin-binding) domains. Spatial and temporal expression patterns revealed that the four BdCPAP3 genes (BdCPAP3-A1, B, E, and E2) might play important roles in larval pupariation of B. dorsalis. Moreover, treatment with a juvenile hormone analog (methoprene) significantly restricted expression of these four CPAP3 genes, whereas treatment with 20-hydroxy-ecdysone induced expression. The RNA interference (RNAi) results revealed that down-regulated CPAP3 genes led to significant delay of pupariation, and injection of dsBdCPAP3-E into 5-d-old B. dorsalis larvae caused approximately 40% mortality. Interestingly, we also confirmed that BdCPAP3-D2 was involved in B. dorsalis ovarian development. This study showed that some specific CPAP3 genes had crucial roles in B. dorsalis development, and these CP genes could be used as potential targets to control this pest via RNAi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Li Hou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China
| | - Er-Hu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
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11
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Chen EH, Hou QL. Identification and expression analysis of cuticular protein genes in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 178:104943. [PMID: 34446209 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.104943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Structural cuticular proteins (CPs) are major components of the insect cuticle, and they play critical roles in insect development and insecticide resistance. Here, a total of 196 CP genes were successfully annotated in the Plutella xylostella genome. On the basis of motif analysis, these CPs were classified into 10 different families, including 122 CPR, 12 CPAP1, 8 CPAP3, 9 CPLCP, 2 Tweedle, 1 CPF, 1 CPFL, 1 CPCFC, 17 CPG and 2 18 aa proteins, and the remaining 21 unclassified CPs were classed as cuticular proteins hypothetical (CPH). A phylogenetic analysis of CPs from different insects revealed species-specific clades of RR-1 and RR-2 genes, suggesting that CP gene duplication might occur independently among insect taxa, while we also found that some other CPs (such as CPAP1 and CPAP3) had a closer relationship based on their conserved domain architecture. Using available RNAseq libraries, the expression profiles of the CPs were analyzed over the four developmental stages of the insect (i.e., egg, larva, pupa, and adult), revealing stage-specific expression patterns for the CPs. In a chlorpyrifos resistant strain, 18 CP genes were found to be more than two-fold upregulated compared to the susceptible control strain, and qRT-PCR analysis showed that these CP genes were overexpressed after exposure to chlorpyrifos, suggesting a potential role in the molecular mechanism of insecticide resistance in P. xylostella. This study provides the tools and molecular basis to study the role of CPs in the post-embryonal development and the mechanisms of insecticide resistance of P. xylostella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Er-Hu Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Qiu-Li Hou
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China.
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12
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Rajput M, Choudhary K, Kumar M, Vivekanand V, Chawade A, Ortiz R, Pareek N. RNA Interference and CRISPR/Cas Gene Editing for Crop Improvement: Paradigm Shift towards Sustainable Agriculture. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10091914. [PMID: 34579446 PMCID: PMC8467553 DOI: 10.3390/plants10091914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid population growth, there is an urgent need for innovative crop improvement approaches to meet the increasing demand for food. Classical crop improvement approaches involve, however, a backbreaking process that cannot equipoise with increasing crop demand. RNA-based approaches i.e., RNAi-mediated gene regulation and the site-specific nuclease-based CRISPR/Cas9 system for gene editing has made advances in the efficient targeted modification in many crops for the higher yield and resistance to diseases and different stresses. In functional genomics, RNA interference (RNAi) is a propitious gene regulatory approach that plays a significant role in crop improvement by permitting the downregulation of gene expression by small molecules of interfering RNA without affecting the expression of other genes. Gene editing technologies viz. the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) have appeared prominently as a powerful tool for precise targeted modification of nearly all crops' genome sequences to generate variation and accelerate breeding efforts. In this regard, the review highlights the diverse roles and applications of RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 system as powerful technologies to improve agronomically important plants to enhance crop yields and increase tolerance to environmental stress (biotic or abiotic). Ultimately, these technologies can prove to be important in view of global food security and sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Rajput
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer 305801, Rajasthan, India; (M.R.); (K.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Khushboo Choudhary
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer 305801, Rajasthan, India; (M.R.); (K.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Manish Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer 305801, Rajasthan, India; (M.R.); (K.C.); (M.K.)
| | - V. Vivekanand
- Centre for Energy and Environment, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur 302017, Rajasthan, India;
| | - Aakash Chawade
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 101, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden;
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (N.P.)
| | - Rodomiro Ortiz
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 101, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden;
| | - Nidhi Pareek
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer 305801, Rajasthan, India; (M.R.); (K.C.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (N.P.)
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13
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Yu HZ, Huang YL, Lu ZJ, Zhang Q, Su HN, Du YM, Yi L, Zhong BL, Chen CX. Inhibition of trehalase affects the trehalose and chitin metabolism pathways in Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:718-734. [PMID: 32428381 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri is the principal vector of huanglongbing, which transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus. Trehalase is a key enzyme involved in trehalose hydrolysis and plays an important role in insect growth and development. The specific functions of this enzyme in D. citri have not been determined. In this study, three trehalase genes (DcTre1-1, DcTre1-2, and DcTre2) were identified based on the D. citri genome database. Bioinformatic analysis showed that DcTre1-1 and DcTre1-2 are related to soluble trehalase, whereas DcTre2 is associated with membrane-bound trehalase. Spatiotemporal expression analysis indicated that DcTre1-1 and DcTre1-2 had the highest expression levels in the head and wing, respectively, and DcTre2 had high expression levels in the fat body. Furthermore, DcTre1-1 and DcTre1-2 expression levels were induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone and juvenile hormone Ⅲ, but DcTre2 was unaffected. The expression levels of DcTre1-1, DcTre1-2, and DcTre2 were significantly upregulated, which resulted in high mortality after treatment with validamycin. Trehalase activities and glucose contents were downregulated, but the trehalose content increased after treatment with validamycin. In addition, the expression levels of chitin metabolism-related genes significantly decreased at 24 and 48 h after treatment with validamycin. Furthermore, silencing of DcTre1-1, DcTre1-2, and DcTre2 reduced the expression levels of chitin metabolism-related genes and led to a malformed phenotype of D. citri. These results indicate that D. citri trehalase plays an essential role in regulating chitin metabolism and provides a new target for control of D. citri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Zhong Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yu-Ling Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhan-Jun Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- China-USA Citrus Huanglongbing Joint Laboratory, A Joint Laboratory of The University of Florida and Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hua-Nan Su
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yi-Ming Du
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- China-USA Citrus Huanglongbing Joint Laboratory, A Joint Laboratory of The University of Florida and Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Long Yi
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ba-Lian Zhong
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
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14
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Tian T, Ji R, Fu J, Li J, Wang L, Zhang H, Yang S, Ye W, Fang J, Zhu-Salzman K. A salivary calcium-binding protein from Laodelphax striatellus acts as an effector that suppresses defense in rice. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:2272-2281. [PMID: 33421243 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcium (Ca2+ )-binding proteins in the saliva of herbivorous insects function as effectors to attenuate host plant defenses and thus improve insect feeding performance. Silencing these genes via transgenic plant-mediated RNAi is thus a promising pest control strategy. However, their sequences and functions in the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus (SBPH) remain to be investigated. RESULTS We identified a putative EF-hand Ca2+ -binding protein (LsECP1) in SBPH watery saliva. LsECP1 was expressed extremely high in the salivary glands but at a low level during the egg stage. Transient LsECP1 expression in rice cells indicated its cytoplasm and nucleus localization. The bacterially expressed recombinant LsECP1 protein exhibited Ca2+ -binding activity. Rice plants fed by SBPH nymphs with knocked down LsECP1 exhibited higher levels of cytosolic Ca2+ , jasmonic acid (JA), jasmonoyl-isoleucine (JA-Ile) and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ). Consistently, application of heterogeneously expressed LsECP1 protein suppressed wound-induced JA, JA-Ile and H2 O2 accumulation in rice. Thus, LsECP1 knockdown by dsRNA injection resulted in reduced feeding, fecundity and survival rates of SBPH reared on rice plants. Transgenic rice plants constitutively expressing LsECP1 dsRNA were produced, and plant-mediated LsECP1 knockdown enhanced rice resistance to SBPH. CONCLUSION SBPH LsECP1 acts as an effector to impair host rice defense responses and promotes SBPH performance. This discovery provides a potential gene target for plant-mediated RNAi-based pest management. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Tian
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Ji
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianmei Fu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiying Yang
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenfeng Ye
- Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Research in Chemical Ecology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Jichao Fang
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Keyan Zhu-Salzman
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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15
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Chung SH, Feng H, Jander G. Engineering pest tolerance through plant-mediated RNA interference. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 60:102029. [PMID: 33639339 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2021.102029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Expression of insect-targeted RNA interference (RNAi) constructs in transgenic plants is a promising approach for agricultural pest control. Compared to conventional chemical insecticides, RNAi target specificity is high and the potential for negative environmental effects is low. However, although numerous laboratory studies show insect growth inhibition by double stranded RNA or artificial microRNA, few of these constructs have been moved into commercial application as genetically engineered plants. Variation in RNA degradation, uptake, processing, and systemic transport in insects can influence interspecific and intraspecific differences in RNAi efficacy and the development of resistance to RNAi in agricultural settings. Further research is needed, both to identify optimal gene targets for efficient RNAi in pest species and to reduce the potential for off-target effects in beneficial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Ho Chung
- Boyce Thompson Institute, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Honglin Feng
- Boyce Thompson Institute, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Georg Jander
- Boyce Thompson Institute, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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16
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Gao Y, Ren R, Peng J, Wang D, Shi X, Zheng L, Zhang Z, Zhu C, Liu Y, Dai L, Zhang D. The Gustavus Gene Can Regulate the Fecundity of the Green Peach Aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer). Front Physiol 2021; 11:596392. [PMID: 33510645 PMCID: PMC7835840 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.596392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Myzus persicae (Sulzer), commonly known as the green peach aphid, is a notorious pest that causes substantial losses to a range of crops and can transmit several plant viruses, including potato virus Y (PVY). Chemical insecticides provide only partial control of this pest and their use is not environmentally sustainable. In recent years, many genes related to growth, development, and reproduction have been used as targets for pest control. These include Gustavus (Gus), a highly conserved gene that has been reported to play an essential part in the genesis of germline cells and, hence, in fecundity in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster. We hypothesized that the Gustavus (Gus) gene was a potential target that could be used to regulate the M. persicae population. In this study, we report the first investigation of an ortholog of Gus in M. persicae, designated MpGus, and describe its role in the fecundity of this insect. First, we identified the MpGus mRNA sequence in the M. persicae transcriptome database, verified its identity with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and then evaluated the transcription levels of MpGus in M. persicae nymphs of different instars and tissues with real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). To investigate its role in regulating the fecundity of M. persicae, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the expression of MpGus in adult insects; this resulted in a significant reduction in the number of embryos (50.6%, P < 0.01) and newborn nymphs (55.7%, P < 0.01) in the treated aphids compared with controls. Interestingly, MpGus was also significantly downregulated in aphids fed on tobacco plants that had been pre-infected with PVYN, concomitant with a significant reduction (34.1%, P < 0.01) in M. persicae fecundity. Collectively, these data highlight the important role of MpGus in regulating fecundity in M. persicae and indicate that MpGus is a promising RNAi target gene for control of this pest species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Ruifan Ren
- Long Ping Branch, Graduate School of Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Dongwei Wang
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaobin Shi
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Limin Zheng
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Chunhui Zhu
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Liangying Dai
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Deyong Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
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17
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Angelotti-Mendonça J, Bassan MM, Marques JPR, Yamamoto PT, Figueira A, Piedade SMDS, Mourão Filho FAA. Knockdown of calreticulin, laccase, and Snf7 Genes Through RNAi Is Not Effective to Control the Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Livideae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 113:2931-2940. [PMID: 33111946 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toaa240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, transmits the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter associated with huanglongbing (HLB), a devastating disease of the citrus industry. The use of genetically modified plants is an alternative to control this vector. Conversely, technology based on RNA interference (RNAi) for silencing specific genes of a target insect could be attempted. This work evaluated the knockdown effect of the target genes calreticulin (DcCRT), laccase (DcLAC), and Snf7 (DcSnf7) by RNAi through feeding D. citri in Murraya paniculata leaves after the uptake of an aqueous solution with dsRNA homologous to each vector target gene. Confocal microscopy revealed the uptake of the fluorescent-labeled dsRNA by detached leaves and the symplastic movement, allowing the ingestion by the feeding insect. A reduction in the survival rate was observed only 144 h after the beginning of feeding with dsRNA targeting DcSnf7; however, no reduction in transcript accumulation. The knockdown of the DcCRT and DcLAC genes was detected only 12 and 96 h after insect feeding, respectively. Additionally, a reduction in amino acid excretion from insects fed with dsRNA targets to DcCRT and DcLAC was observed 120 h after the beginning of feeding. However, the effects of the dsRNAs tested here appear to be minimal, both at the transcriptional and phenotype levels. For most concentrations and time points, no effects were observed. Therefore, the knockdown of genes DcCRT, DcLAC, and DcSnf7 do not appear to have the potential to control of D. citri through RNAi-mediated gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssika Angelotti-Mendonça
- Departamento de Produção Vegetal, Universidade de São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz', Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Meire M Bassan
- Departamento de Produção Vegetal, Universidade de São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz', Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Paulo R Marques
- Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo. Avenida Centenário, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro T Yamamoto
- Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz', Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio Figueira
- Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo. Avenida Centenário, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sônia Maria De S Piedade
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Universidade de São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz', Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco A A Mourão Filho
- Departamento de Produção Vegetal, Universidade de São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz', Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Liu X, Zou Z, Zhang C, Liu X, Wang J, Xin T, Xia B. Knockdown of the Trehalose-6-Phosphate Synthase Gene Using RNA Interference Inhibits Synthesis of Trehalose and Increases Lethality Rate in Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11090605. [PMID: 32899929 PMCID: PMC7563701 DOI: 10.3390/insects11090605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In this study, we cloned and characterized a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) gene from D. citri (DcTPS) for the first time. Meanwhile, we used RNA interference (RNAi) technology to efficiently disrupt DcTPS gene function in order to elucidate its role in the growth and development of D. citri. Our results suggest that dsRNA-mediated gene-specific silencing resulted in a strong reduction in relative expression of DcTPS and survival rate of nymphs, as well as an increase in malformation. This work was undertaken to establish a foundation for further research on the functions of D. citri trehalose-6-phosphate synthase. This will provide a new target for the control of D. citri in the field. Abstract Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is the vector of citrus “huanglongbing”, a citrus disease which poses a significant threat to the global citrus industry. Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) plays an important role in the regulation of trehalose levels of insects, while its functions in D. citri are unclear. In this study, full-length cDNA sequences of the TPS gene from D. citri (DcTPS) were cloned and its expression patterns at various developmental stages were investigated. The results indicated that DcTPS mRNA was expressed at each developmental stage and the highest DcTPS expression was found in the fifth-instar nymphs of D. citri. Additionally, mortality and deformity of D. citri were observed after 24 and 48 h by feeding with three different dsRNA concentrations (20, 100 and 500 ng/μL). The results indicated that DcTPS expression was declined, and mortality and malformation in nymphs were increased via feeding with dsDcTPS. Moreover, the enzyme and trehalose content were decreased, while the content of glucose was significantly higher than that of untreated (control) individuals. This suggests that DcTPS might be vital for the growth and development of D. citri and further studies of the genes should be related to molting and metabolism for controlling D. citri.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bin Xia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-13617915100
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19
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Fu S, Liu Z, Chen J, Sun G, Jiang Y, Li M, Xiong L, Chen S, Zhou Y, Asad M, Yang G. Silencing arginine kinase/integrin β 1 subunit by transgenic plant expressing dsRNA inhibits the development and survival of Plutella xylostella. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:1761-1771. [PMID: 31785188 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plutella xylostella is a devastating agricultural insect pest of cruciferous plants, including crops. Plant-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) is currently being developed for plant protection. In this study, we investigated the response of P. xylostella exposed to transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants that expressed double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting P. xylostella genes of arginine kinase (PxAK) and integrin β1 subunit (Pxβ). RESULTS Transgenic plants producing dsRNAs of the 384-bp fragment of PxAK (dsAK plants), the 497-bp fragment of Pxβ (dsβ plants), and the 881 bp of the combination of both genes (dsAK-β plants) were generated and verified. Insect bioassay with these transgenic plants showed that the development of P. xylostella was affected, causing longer developmental time, and lower pupal weight and pupation rate. P. xylostella mortality rates were 25.0% when exposed to dsAK plants, 22.5% with dsβ plants, and 30.0% with dsAK-β plants, which were all higher than 7.5% for the wild-type plant. PxAK and Pxβ in P. xylostella were suppressed by 26.6-79.7% at the transcription level by the transgenic plants. CONCLUSION These results suggest that plant-mediated RNAi targeting single gene or both PxAK and Pxβ may have the potential to control P. xylostella. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhaoxia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jinzhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Gengxiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yingxia Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Miaowen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lei Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shaoping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Asad
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pest Control, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
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20
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Rauf I, Asif M, Amin I, Naqvi RZ, Umer N, Mansoor S, Jander G. Silencing cathepsin L expression reduces Myzus persicae protein content and the nutritional value as prey for Coccinella septempunctata. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 28:785-797. [PMID: 30980445 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Gut-expressed aphid genes, which may be more easily inhibited by RNA interference (RNAi) constructs, are attractive targets for pest control efforts involving transgenic plants. Here we show that expression of cathepsin L, which encodes a cysteine protease that functions in aphid guts, can be reduced by expression of an RNAi construct in transgenic tobacco. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by up to 80% adult mortality, reduced fecundity, and delayed nymph production of Myzus persicae (green peach aphids) when cathepsin L expression was reduced by plant-mediated RNAi. Consistent with the function of cathepsin L as a gut protease, M. persicae fed on the RNAi plants had a lower protein content in their bodies and excreted more protein and/or free amino acids in their honeydew. Larvae of Coccinella septempunctata (seven-spotted ladybugs) grew more slowly on aphids having reduced cathepsin L expression, suggesting that prey insect nutritive value, and not just direct negative effects of the RNAi construct, needs to be considered when producing transgenic plants for RNAi-mediated pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Rauf
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
- Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - M Asif
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - I Amin
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - R Z Naqvi
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - N Umer
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
- Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - S Mansoor
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - G Jander
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY, USA
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21
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Niu J, Yang WJ, Tian Y, Fan JY, Ye C, Shang F, Ding BY, Zhang J, An X, Yang L, Chang TY, Christiaens O, Smagghe G, Wang JJ. Topical dsRNA delivery induces gene silencing and mortality in the pea aphid. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:2873-2881. [PMID: 31038279 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the growing number of available aphid genomes and transcriptomes, an efficient and easy-to-adapt tool for gene function study is urgently required. RNA interference (RNAi), as a post-transcriptional gene silencing mechanism, is important as a research tool for determining gene functions and has potential as a novel insect control strategy. However, these applications have been hampered by the lack of effective dsRNA delivery approaches in aphids. RESULTS Here, we developed a convenient and efficient dsRNA delivery method, topical RNAi, in aphids. An investigation of its dose and time-dependent RNAi efficiencies revealed that with as little as 60 ng dsRNA per adult pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), the indicator gene, Aphunchback, could be significantly silenced within 2 h of exposure. The method was further validated by successfully silencing other different genes, and it was also efficient toward two other aphid species, Aphis citricidus and Myzus persicae. Furthermore, a noticeable mortality was also observed in pea aphids using topical RNAi-mediated gene silencing, within 4 days post-dsRNA application for four out of seven tested genes. CONCLUSION Compared with the currently used dsRNA delivery methods in aphids, microinjection and ingestion, topical RNAi is time- and cost-effective, which could greatly influence RNAi-based gene functional studies and potential candidate gene selection for developing RNAi-based aphid control strategies in the future. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory on China-Belgium Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wan-Jun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory on China-Belgium Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory on China-Belgium Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia-Yao Fan
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory on China-Belgium Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Ye
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory on China-Belgium Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Shang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory on China-Belgium Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bi-Yue Ding
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory on China-Belgium Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory on China-Belgium Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin An
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory on China-Belgium Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory on China-Belgium Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Teng-Yu Chang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory on China-Belgium Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory on China-Belgium 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
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory on China-Belgium Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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22
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Perkin LC, Oppert B. Gene expression in Tribolium castaneum life stages: Identifying a species-specific target for pest control applications. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6946. [PMID: 31198628 PMCID: PMC6535216 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, is a major agricultural pest of post-harvest products and stored grain. Control of T. castaneum in stored products and grain is primarily by fumigants and sprays, but insecticide resistance is a major problem, and new control strategies are needed. T. castaneum is a genetic model for coleopterans, and the reference genome can be used for discovery of candidate gene targets for molecular-based control, such as RNA interference. Gene targets need to be pest specific, and ideally, they are expressed at low levels for successful control. Therefore, we sequenced the transcriptome of four major life stages of T. castaneum, sorted data into groups based on high or low expression levels, and compared relative gene expression among all life stages. We narrowed our candidate gene list to a cuticle protein gene (CPG) for further analysis. We found that the CPG sequence was unique to T. castaneum and expressed only in the larval stage. RNA interference targeting CPG in newly-emerged larvae caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in CPG expression (1,491-fold) compared to control larvae and 64% mortality over 18 d. RNA-Seq of survivors after 18 d identified changes in the expression of other genes as well, including 52 long noncoding RNAs. Expression of three additional cuticle protein genes were increased and two chitinase genes were decreased in response to injection of CPG dsRNA. The data demonstrate that RNA-Seq can identify genes important for insect survival and thus may be used to develop novel biologically-based insect control products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey C Perkin
- Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Brenda Oppert
- Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Manhattan, KS, United States of America
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