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Rinaldi A, Mat Jalaluddin NS, Mohd Hussain RB, Abdul Ghapor A. Building public trust and acceptance towards spray-on RNAi biopesticides: lessons from current ethical, legal and social discourses. GM CROPS & FOOD 2025; 16:398-412. [PMID: 40432204 PMCID: PMC12123945 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2025.2510735] [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: 03/30/2025] [Revised: 05/18/2025] [Accepted: 05/19/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025]
Abstract
Advances in New Plant Breeding Techniques (NBTs), particularly spray-on RNA interference (RNAi) biopesticides, necessitates a reevaluation of existing regulatory and governance frameworks. While spray-on RNAi technologies offer promising solutions for sustainable crop protection and targeted pest control without altering plant genomes, they also raise important ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI). This paper explores current ELSI discourses surrounding spray-on RNAi biopesticides, such as issues of environmental risk, regulatory ambiguity, corporate control and public acceptance. The study also highlights the importance to incorporate trust as an ethical element in developing regulatory and governance framework for the RNAi technology to increase public acceptance toward the technology. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on the governance of novel biotechnologies in agriculture, offering guidance for future regulatory design tailored to the unique characteristics of spray-on RNAi-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariyani Rinaldi
- Institute for Advanced Studies, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nurzatil Sharleeza Mat Jalaluddin
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rosila Bee Mohd Hussain
- Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Faculty of Arts And Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Adilah Abdul Ghapor
- Department of Decision Science, Faculty of Business and Economics, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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2
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Attallah C, Conti G, Zuljan F, Zavallo D, Ariel F. Noncoding RNAs as tools for advancing translational biology in plants. THE PLANT CELL 2025; 37:koaf054. [PMID: 40090356 PMCID: PMC12079378 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koaf054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2025] [Revised: 02/05/2025] [Accepted: 02/18/2025] [Indexed: 03/18/2025]
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), once considered the "dark matter" of the genome, have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression in plants. Research initially focused on model organisms has laid the groundwork for harnessing the potential of ncRNAs in agriculture, particularly for crop protection, improvement, and modulation. This review explores the role of long and small ncRNAs in plant biology, highlighting their application as powerful tools in agricultural biotechnology. We examine the latest strategies for ncRNA expression and delivery in crops, including transgenic and nontransgenic approaches, as well as emerging technologies that enable precise and efficient modulation of gene activity in plants and pathogens. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in the regulation of RNA-based products, addressing the challenges and opportunities for integrating these innovations into sustainable agricultural practices. As the regulatory landscape evolves, understanding the safety, efficacy, and environmental impact of ncRNA-based technologies will be crucial for their successful deployment. By leveraging the advances in plant science research, long and small ncRNAs hold promise for designing highly specific tools to boost crop productivity while preserving genetic diversity, contributing to global food security and sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Attallah
- APOLO Biotech, Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CP1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas Universidad Nacional del Litoral, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Conti
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular (IABIMO)—Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA) -CONICET, CP1686 Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Agronomía-Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), CP1417 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Zuljan
- APOLO Biotech, Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Diego Zavallo
- APOLO Biotech, Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Federico Ariel
- Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas Universidad Nacional del Litoral, CP3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, and Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-UBA, CP1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
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3
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Hussain MD, Farooq T, Kamran A, Basit A, Wang Y, Smagghe G, Chen X. Endosymbionts as hidden players in tripartite pathosystem of interactions and potential candidates for sustainable viral disease management. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2025:1-23. [PMID: 39848650 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2024.2449403] [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: 09/30/2024] [Revised: 11/26/2024] [Accepted: 12/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2025]
Abstract
The convoluted relationships between plants, viruses, and arthropod vectors housing bacterial endosymbionts are pivotal in the spread of harmful plant viral diseases. Endosymbionts play key roles in: manipulating host responses, influencing insect resistance to pesticides, shaping insect evolution, and bolstering virus acquisition, retention, and transmission. This interplay presents an innovative approach for developing sustainable strategies to manage plant diseases. Recent progress in targeting specific endosymbionts through genetic modifications, biotechnological advancements, and RNA interference shows potential for curbing viral spread and disease progression. Additionally, employing synthetic biology techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 to engineer endosymbionts and disrupt crucial interactions necessary for viral transmission in arthropod vectors holds promise for effective control measures. In this review, these obligate and facultative bacterial cruxes have been discussed to elaborate on their mechanistic involvement in the regulation and/or inhibition of tripartite pathways of interactions. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth understanding of endosymbionts' synergistic and antagonistic effects on: insect biology, plant immunity, and virus acquisition and transmission. Finally, we point out open questions for future research and provide research directions concerning the deployment of genetically engineered symbionts to affect plant-virus-vector interactions for sustainable disease management. By addressing existing knowledge gaps and charting future research paths, a deeper comprehension of the role of endosymbionts in plant-virus-vector interactions can pave the way for innovative and successful disease management strategies. The exploration of antiviral therapies, paratransgenesis, and pathogen-blocking tactics using engineered endosymbionts introduces pioneering solutions for lessening the impact of plant viral diseases and green pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Dilshad Hussain
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Tahir Farooq
- Plant Protection Research Institute and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ali Kamran
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Abdul Basit
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, P.R. China
- Institute of Plant Health and Medicine, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, P.R. China
- Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, Department of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xiangru Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, P.R. China
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4
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Sellamuthu G, Chakraborty A, Vetukuri RR, Sarath S, Roy A. RNAi-biofungicides: a quantum leap for tree fungal pathogen management. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024:1-28. [PMID: 39647992 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2024.2430478] [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: 07/06/2024] [Revised: 10/03/2024] [Accepted: 10/27/2024] [Indexed: 12/10/2024]
Abstract
Fungal diseases threaten the forest ecosystem, impacting tree health, productivity, and biodiversity. Conventional approaches to combating diseases, such as biological control or fungicides, often reach limits regarding efficacy, resistance, non-target organisms, and environmental impact, enforcing alternative approaches. From an environmental and ecological standpoint, an RNA interference (RNAi) mediated double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-based strategy can effectively manage forest fungal pathogens. The RNAi approach explicitly targets and suppresses gene expression through a conserved regulatory mechanism. Recently, it has evolved to be an effective tool in combating fungal diseases and promoting sustainable forest management approaches. RNAi bio-fungicides provide efficient and eco-friendly disease control alternatives using species-specific gene targeting, minimizing the off-target effects. With accessible data on fungal disease outbreaks, genomic resources, and effective delivery systems, RNAi-based biofungicides can be a promising tool for managing fungal pathogens in forests. However, concerns regarding the environmental fate of RNAi molecules and their potential impact on non-target organisms require an extensive investigation on a case-to-case basis. The current review critically evaluates the feasibility of RNAi bio-fungicides against forest pathogens by delving into the accessible delivery methods, environmental persistence, regulatory aspects, cost-effectiveness, community acceptance, and plausible future of RNAi-based forest protection products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gothandapani Sellamuthu
- Faculty of Forestry & Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Amrita Chakraborty
- Faculty of Forestry & Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ramesh R Vetukuri
- Department of Plant Breeding, Horticum, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Saravanasakthi Sarath
- Faculty of Forestry & Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Amit Roy
- Faculty of Forestry & Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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5
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Zhao Y, Zhou Y, Xu J, Fan S, Zhu N, Meng Q, Dai S, Yuan X. Cross-Kingdom RNA Transport Based on Extracellular Vesicles Provides Innovative Tools for Plant Protection. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:2712. [PMID: 39409582 PMCID: PMC11479161 DOI: 10.3390/plants13192712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/20/2024]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) shows great potential in plant defense against pathogens through RNA-mediated sequence-specific gene silencing. Among RNAi-based plant protection strategies, spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) is considered a more promising approach because it utilizes the transfer of exogenous RNA between plants and microbes to silence target pathogen genes. The application of nanovesicles significantly enhances RNA stability and delivery efficiency, thereby improving the effectiveness of SIGS and further enhancing plant resistance to diseases and pathogens. This review explores the role of RNAi in plant protection, focusing on the cross-kingdom transport of small RNAs (sRNAs) via extracellular vesicles. It also explores the potential of nanotechnology to further optimize RNA-based plant protection, offering innovative tools and methods in modern plant biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiaofeng Yuan
- School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.X.); (S.F.); (N.Z.); (Q.M.); (S.D.)
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6
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Chen Y, De Schutter K. Biosafety aspects of RNAi-based pests control. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:3697-3706. [PMID: 38520331 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
While the overuse of classical chemical pesticides has had a detrimental impact on the environment and human health, the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) offered the opportunity to develop new and sustainable approaches for pest management. RNAi is a naturally occurring regulation and defense mechanism that can be exploited to effectively protect crops by silencing key genes affecting the growth, development, behavior or fecundity of pests. However, as with all technologies, there is a range of potential risks and challenges associated with the application of RNAi, such as dsRNA stability, the potential for off-target effects, the safety of non-target organisms, and other application challenges. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in RNAi and in-depth discussion and analysis of these associated safety risks, is required to limit or mitigate potential adverse effects. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Chen
- Molecular Entomology Lab, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristof De Schutter
- Molecular Entomology Lab, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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7
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Spada M, Pugliesi C, Fambrini M, Pecchia S. Challenges and Opportunities Arising from Host- Botrytis cinerea Interactions to Outline Novel and Sustainable Control Strategies: The Key Role of RNA Interference. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6798. [PMID: 38928507 PMCID: PMC11203536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The necrotrophic plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea (Pers., 1794), the causative agent of gray mold disease, causes significant losses in agricultural production. Control of this fungal pathogen is quite difficult due to its wide host range and environmental persistence. Currently, the management of the disease is still mainly based on chemicals, which can have harmful effects not only on the environment and on human health but also because they favor the development of strains resistant to fungicides. The flexibility and plasticity of B. cinerea in challenging plant defense mechanisms and its ability to evolve strategies to escape chemicals require the development of new control strategies for successful disease management. In this review, some aspects of the host-pathogen interactions from which novel and sustainable control strategies could be developed (e.g., signaling pathways, molecules involved in plant immune mechanisms, hormones, post-transcriptional gene silencing) were analyzed. New biotechnological tools based on the use of RNA interference (RNAi) are emerging in the crop protection scenario as versatile, sustainable, effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives to the use of chemicals. RNAi-based fungicides are expected to be approved soon, although they will face several challenges before reaching the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Spada
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Pugliesi
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Fambrini
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Susanna Pecchia
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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8
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Kallavus T, Kaasik R, Leemet T, Soots K, Soonvald L, Sulg S, Veromann E. Laboratory sprayer for dsRNA application: Design and bioassay validation. MethodsX 2024; 12:102734. [PMID: 38707218 PMCID: PMC11068844 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The shortage of commercially available and reliable laboratory spraying equipment for testing different preparations can be a major obstacle to achieve field-comparable results in the laboratory conditions. RNA interference is natural biological process which, when used for plant protection, can be designed method combining sustainability and minimal environmental side effects. Spraying of dsRNA is a field-relevant method that should ensure consistency and repeatability if conducted in laboratory. We built a portable spray device for laboratory use and tested its suitability for dsRNA application. For that, we carried out bioassay on three plant species with different leaf surface textures. DsRNA were detected in all samples 3 days post-treatment indicating its suitability for dsRNA delivery. We built a portable spray device for laboratory use and tested its suitability for dsRNA application. For that, we carried out:•Bioassay on three plant species with different leaf surface textures. DsRNA were detected in all samples 3 days post-treatment indicating its suitability for dsRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Triin Kallavus
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 51006, Estonia
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Riina Kaasik
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Tõnu Leemet
- Institute of Forestry and Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Kaarel Soots
- Institute of Forestry and Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Liina Soonvald
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Silva Sulg
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Eve Veromann
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 51006, Estonia
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9
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Smeele ZE, Baty JW, Lester PJ. Effects of Deformed Wing Virus-Targeting dsRNA on Viral Loads in Bees Parasitised and Non-Parasitised by Varroa destructor. Viruses 2023; 15:2259. [PMID: 38005935 PMCID: PMC10674661 DOI: 10.3390/v15112259] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The Varroa destructor mite is a devastating parasite of honey bees; however the negative effects of varroa parasitism are exacerbated by its role as an efficient vector of the honey bee pathogen, Deformed wing virus (DWV). While no direct treatment for DWV infection is available for beekeepers to use on their hives, RNA interference (RNAi) has been widely explored as a possible biopesticide approach for a range of pests and pathogens. This study tested the effectiveness of three DWV-specific dsRNA sequences to lower DWV loads and symptoms in honey bees reared from larvae in laboratory mini-hives containing bees and varroa. The effects of DWV-dsRNA treatment on bees parasitised and non-parasitised by varroa mites during development were investigated. Additionally, the impact of DWV-dsRNA on viral loads and gene expression in brood-parasitising mites was assessed using RNA-sequencing. Bees parasitised during development had significantly higher DWV levels compared to non-parasitised bees. However, DWV-dsRNA did not significantly reduce DWV loads or symptoms in mini-hive reared bees, possibly due to sequence divergence between the DWV variants present in bees and varroa and the specific DWV-dsRNA sequences used. Varroa mites from DWV-dsRNA treated mini-hives did not show evidence of an elevated RNAi response or significant difference in DWV levels. Overall, our findings show that RNAi is not always successful, and multiple factors including pathogen diversity and transmission route may impact its efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe E. Smeele
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand; (J.W.B.); (P.J.L.)
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10
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Samarskaya VO, Spechenkova N, Ilina I, Suprunova TP, Kalinina NO, Love AJ, Taliansky ME. A Non-Canonical Pathway Induced by Externally Applied Virus-Specific dsRNA in Potato Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15769. [PMID: 37958754 PMCID: PMC10650801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115769] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The external application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) has recently been developed as a non-transgenic approach for crop protection against pests and pathogens. This novel and emerging approach has come to prominence due to its safety and environmental benefits. It is generally assumed that the mechanism of dsRNA-mediated antivirus RNA silencing is similar to that of natural RNA interference (RNAi)-based defence against RNA-containing viruses. There is, however, no direct evidence to support this idea. Here, we provide data on the high-throughput sequencing (HTS) analysis of small non-coding RNAs (sRNA) as hallmarks of RNAi induced by infection with the RNA-containing potato virus Y (PVY) and also by exogenous application of dsRNA which corresponds to a fragment of the PVY genome. Intriguingly, in contrast to PVY-induced production of discrete 21 and 22 nt sRNA species, the externally administered PVY dsRNA fragment led to generation of a non-canonical pool of sRNAs, which were present as ladders of ~18-30 nt in length; suggestive of an unexpected sRNA biogenesis pathway. Interestingly, these non-canonical sRNAs are unable to move systemically and also do not induce transitive amplification. These findings may have significant implications for further developments in dsRNA-mediated crop protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriya O. Samarskaya
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.O.S.); (N.S.); (I.I.); (N.O.K.)
| | - Nadezhda Spechenkova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.O.S.); (N.S.); (I.I.); (N.O.K.)
| | - Irina Ilina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.O.S.); (N.S.); (I.I.); (N.O.K.)
| | | | - Natalia O. Kalinina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.O.S.); (N.S.); (I.I.); (N.O.K.)
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrew J. Love
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK;
| | - Michael E. Taliansky
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.O.S.); (N.S.); (I.I.); (N.O.K.)
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK;
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11
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Cheng AP, Kwon S, Adeshara T, Göhre V, Feldbrügge M, Weiberg A. Extracellular RNAs released by plant-associated fungi: from fundamental mechanisms to biotechnological applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:5935-5945. [PMID: 37572124 PMCID: PMC10485130 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12718-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular RNAs are an emerging research topic in fungal-plant interactions. Fungal plant pathogens and symbionts release small RNAs that enter host cells to manipulate plant physiology and immunity. This communication via extracellular RNAs between fungi and plants is bidirectional. On the one hand, plants release RNAs encapsulated inside extracellular vesicles as a defense response as well as for intercellular and inter-organismal communication. On the other hand, recent reports suggest that also full-length mRNAs are transported within fungal EVs into plants, and these fungal mRNAs might get translated inside host cells. In this review article, we summarize the current views and fundamental concepts of extracellular RNAs released by plant-associated fungi, and we discuss new strategies to apply extracellular RNAs in crop protection against fungal pathogens. KEY POINTS: • Extracellular RNAs are an emerging topic in plant-fungal communication. • Fungi utilize RNAs to manipulate host plants for colonization. • Extracellular RNAs can be engineered to protect plants against fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Po Cheng
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München (LMU), 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Seomun Kwon
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Trusha Adeshara
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Vera Göhre
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Feldbrügge
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Arne Weiberg
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München (LMU), 82152, Martinsried, Germany.
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12
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Li T, Wei Y, Zhao C, Li S, Gao S, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Lu C. Facultative symbionts are potential agents of symbiont-mediated RNAi in aphids. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1020461. [PMID: 36504780 PMCID: PMC9727308 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1020461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aphids are major crop pests, and they can be controlled through the application of the promising RNA interference (RNAi) techniques. However, chemical synthesis yield of dsRNA for RNAi is low and costly. Another sustainable aphid pest control strategy takes advantage of symbiont-mediated RNAi (SMR), which can generate dsRNA by engineered microbes. Aphid host the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola and various facultative symbionts that not only have a wide host range but are also vertically and horizontally transmitted. Thus, we described the potential of facultative symbionts in aphid pest control by SMR. We summarized the community and host range of these facultative symbionts, and then reviewed their probable horizontal transmitted routes and ecological functions. Moreover, recent advances in the cultivation and genetic engineering of aphid facultative symbionts were discussed. In addition, current legislation of dsRNA-based pest control strategies and their safety assessments were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Control/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Southern Region of North China, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongjun Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenchen Zhao
- Henan International Laboratory for Green Pest Control /College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shaojian Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Control/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Southern Region of North China, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Suxia Gao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Control/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Southern Region of North China, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuanchen Zhang
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang, China
| | - Yuqing Wu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Control/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Southern Region of North China, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chuantao Lu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Control/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Southern Region of North China, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China,Chuantao Lu
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13
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Gouthu S, Mandelli C, Eubanks BA, Deluc LG. Transgene-free genome editing and RNAi ectopic application in fruit trees: Potential and limitations. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:979742. [PMID: 36325537 PMCID: PMC9621297 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.979742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
For the past fifteen years, significant research advances in sequencing technology have led to a substantial increase in fruit tree genomic resources and databases with a massive number of OMICS datasets (transcriptomic, proteomics, metabolomics), helping to find associations between gene(s) and performance traits. Meanwhile, new technology tools have emerged for gain- and loss-of-function studies, specifically in gene silencing and developing tractable plant models for genetic transformation. Additionally, innovative and adapted transformation protocols have optimized genetic engineering in most fruit trees. The recent explosion of new gene-editing tools allows for broadening opportunities for functional studies in fruit trees. Yet, the fruit tree research community has not fully embraced these new technologies to provide large-scale genome characterizations as in cereals and other staple food crops. Instead, recent research efforts in the fruit trees appear to focus on two primary translational tools: transgene-free gene editing via Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery and the ectopic application of RNA-based products in the field for crop protection. The inherent nature of the propagation system and the long juvenile phase of most fruit trees are significant justifications for the first technology. The second approach might have the public favor regarding sustainability and an eco-friendlier environment for a crop production system that could potentially replace the use of chemicals. Regardless of their potential, both technologies still depend on the foundational knowledge of gene-to-trait relationships generated from basic genetic studies. Therefore, we will discuss the status of gene silencing and DNA-based gene editing techniques for functional studies in fruit trees followed by the potential and limitations of their translational tools (RNP delivery and RNA-based products) in the context of crop production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyanarayana Gouthu
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Christian Mandelli
- Oregon Wine Research Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Britt A. Eubanks
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Laurent G. Deluc
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- Oregon Wine Research Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
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14
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Voloudakis AE, Kaldis A, Patil BL. RNA-Based Vaccination of Plants for Control of Viruses. Annu Rev Virol 2022; 9:521-548. [PMID: 36173698 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-091919-073708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Plant viruses cause nearly half of the emerging plant diseases worldwide, contributing to 10-15% of crop yield losses. Control of plant viral diseases is mainly accomplished by extensive chemical applications targeting the vectors (i.e., insects, nematodes, fungi) transmitting these viruses. However, these chemicals have a significant negative effect on human health and the environment. RNA interference is an endogenous, cellular, sequence-specific RNA degradation mechanism in eukaryotes induced by double-stranded RNA molecules that has been exploited as an antiviral strategy through transgenesis. Because genetically modified crop plants are not accepted for cultivation in several countries globally, there is an urgent demand for alternative strategies. This has boosted research on exogenous application of the RNA-based biopesticides that are shown to exhibit significant protective effect against viral infections. Such environment-friendly and efficacious antiviral agents for crop protection will contribute to global food security, without adverse effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas E Voloudakis
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Kaldis
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece;
| | - Basavaprabhu L Patil
- Division of Basic Sciences, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka State, India
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15
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Ciofini A, Negrini F, Baroncelli R, Baraldi E. Management of Post-Harvest Anthracnose: Current Approaches and Future Perspectives. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11141856. [PMID: 35890490 PMCID: PMC9319655 DOI: 10.3390/plants11141856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anthracnose is a severe disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. on several crop species. Fungal infections can occur both in the field and at the post-harvest stage causing severe lesions on fruits and economic losses. Physical treatments and synthetic fungicides have traditionally been the preferred means to control anthracnose adverse effects; however, the urgent need to decrease the use of toxic chemicals led to the investigation of innovative and sustainable protection techniques. Evidence for the efficacy of biological agents and vegetal derivates has been reported; however, their introduction into actual crop protection strategies requires the solutions of several critical issues. Biotechnology-based approaches have also been explored, revealing the opportunity to develop innovative and safe methods for anthracnose management through genome editing and RNA interference technologies. Nevertheless, besides the number of advantages related to their use, e.g., the putative absence of adverse effects due to their high specificity, a number of aspects remain to be clarified to enable their introduction into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols against Colletotrichum spp. disease.
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16
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Schlemmer T, Lischka R, Wegner L, Ehlers K, Biedenkopf D, Koch A. Extracellular vesicles isolated from dsRNA-sprayed barley plants exhibit no growth inhibition or gene silencing in Fusarium graminearum. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2022; 9:14. [PMID: 35836276 PMCID: PMC9284790 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-022-00143-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous reports have shown that incorporating a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-expressing transgene into plants or applying dsRNA by spraying it onto their leaves successfully protects them against invading pathogens exploiting the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi). How dsRNAs or siRNAs are transferred between donor host cells and recipient fungal cells is largely unknown. It is speculated that plant extracellular vesicles (EVs) function as RNA shuttles between plants and their pathogens. Recently, we found that EVs isolated from host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) or spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) plants contained dsRNA-derived siRNAs. In this study, we evaluated whether isolated EVs from dsRNA-sprayed barley (Hordeum vulgare) plants affected the growth of the phytopathogenic ascomycete Fusarium graminearum. Encouraged by our previous finding that dropping barley-derived EVs on F. graminearum cultures caused fungal stress phenotypes, we conducted an in vitro growth experiment in microtiter plates where we co-cultivated F. graminearum with plant EVs isolated from dsRNA-sprayed barley leaves. We observed that co-cultivation of F. graminearum macroconidia with barley EVs did not affect fungal growth. Furthermore, plant EVs containing SIGS-derived siRNA appeared not to affect F. graminearum growth and showed no gene silencing activity on F. graminearum CYP51 genes. Based on our findings, we concluded that either the amount of SIGS-derived siRNA was insufficient to induce target gene silencing in F. graminearum, indicating that the role of EVs in SIGS is minor, or that F. graminearum uptake of plant EVs from liquid cultures was inefficient or impossible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Schlemmer
- Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Institute of Phytopathology, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany.,Institute of Phytomedicine, University of Hohenheim, Otto-Sander-Strasse 5, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Richard Lischka
- Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Institute of Phytopathology, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Linus Wegner
- Intitute of Botany, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 38, 35292, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katrin Ehlers
- Intitute of Botany, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 38, 35292, Giessen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Biedenkopf
- Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Institute of Phytopathology, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Aline Koch
- Institute of Phytomedicine, University of Hohenheim, Otto-Sander-Strasse 5, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
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17
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Touzdjian Pinheiro Kohlrausch Távora F, de Assis dos Santos Diniz F, de Moraes Rêgo-Machado C, Chagas Freitas N, Barbosa Monteiro Arraes F, Chumbinho de Andrade E, Furtado LL, Osiro KO, Lima de Sousa N, Cardoso TB, Márcia Mertz Henning L, Abrão de Oliveira Molinari P, Feingold SE, Hunter WB, Fátima Grossi de Sá M, Kobayashi AK, Lima Nepomuceno A, Santiago TR, Correa Molinari HB. CRISPR/Cas- and Topical RNAi-Based Technologies for Crop Management and Improvement: Reviewing the Risk Assessment and Challenges Towards a More Sustainable Agriculture. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:913728. [PMID: 35837551 PMCID: PMC9274005 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.913728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated gene (Cas) system and RNA interference (RNAi)-based non-transgenic approaches are powerful technologies capable of revolutionizing plant research and breeding. In recent years, the use of these modern technologies has been explored in various sectors of agriculture, introducing or improving important agronomic traits in plant crops, such as increased yield, nutritional quality, abiotic- and, mostly, biotic-stress resistance. However, the limitations of each technique, public perception, and regulatory aspects are hindering its wide adoption for the development of new crop varieties or products. In an attempt to reverse these mishaps, scientists have been researching alternatives to increase the specificity, uptake, and stability of the CRISPR and RNAi system components in the target organism, as well as to reduce the chance of toxicity in nontarget organisms to minimize environmental risk, health problems, and regulatory issues. In this review, we discuss several aspects related to risk assessment, toxicity, and advances in the use of CRISPR/Cas and topical RNAi-based technologies in crop management and breeding. The present study also highlights the advantages and possible drawbacks of each technology, provides a brief overview of how to circumvent the off-target occurrence, the strategies to increase on-target specificity, the harm/benefits of association with nanotechnology, the public perception of the available techniques, worldwide regulatory frameworks regarding topical RNAi and CRISPR technologies, and, lastly, presents successful case studies of biotechnological solutions derived from both technologies, raising potential challenges to reach the market and being social and environmentally safe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Karen Ofuji Osiro
- Department of Phytopathology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Embrapa Agroenergy, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Wayne B. Hunter
- USDA-ARS, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, FL, United States
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18
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Willow J, Cook SM, Veromann E, Smagghe G. Uniting RNAi Technology and Conservation Biocontrol to Promote Global Food Security and Agrobiodiversity. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:871651. [PMID: 35547161 PMCID: PMC9081497 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.871651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat loss and fragmentation, and the effects of pesticides, contribute to biodiversity losses and unsustainable food production. Given the United Nation's (UN's) declaration of this decade as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, we advocate combining conservation biocontrol-enhancing practices with the use of RNA interference (RNAi) pesticide technology, the latter demonstrating remarkable target-specificity via double-stranded (ds)RNA's sequence-specific mode of action. This specificity makes dsRNA a biosafe candidate for integration into the global conservation initiative. Our interdisciplinary perspective conforms to the UN's declaration, and is facilitated by the Earth BioGenome Project, an effort valuable to RNAi development given its utility in providing whole-genome sequences, allowing identification of genetic targets in crop pests, and potentially relevant sequences in non-target organisms. Interdisciplinary studies bringing together biocontrol-enhancing techniques and RNAi are needed, and should be examined for various crop‒pest systems to address this global problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Willow
- Chair of Plant Health, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Samantha M. Cook
- Biointeractions and Crop Protection Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Eve Veromann
- Chair of Plant Health, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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19
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De Schutter K, Taning CNT, Van Daele L, Van Damme EJM, Dubruel P, Smagghe G. RNAi-Based Biocontrol Products: Market Status, Regulatory Aspects, and Risk Assessment. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 1:818037. [PMID: 38468882 PMCID: PMC10926433 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2021.818037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristof De Schutter
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lenny Van Daele
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Center of Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Els J. M. Van Damme
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Glycobiology, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Center of Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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20
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Mwaka HS, Christiaens O, Bwesigye PN, Kubiriba J, Tushemereirwe WK, Gheysen G, Smagghe G. First Evidence of Feeding-Induced RNAi in Banana Weevil via Exogenous Application of dsRNA. INSECTS 2021; 13:40. [PMID: 35055882 PMCID: PMC8779063 DOI: 10.3390/insects13010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) is the most devastating pest of banana and plantain worldwide, yet current control measures are neither effective, sustainable, nor environmentally sound, and no resistant farmer-preferred cultivars are known to date. In this paper, we examined the ability to induce RNA interference (RNAi) in the banana weevil via feeding. We first developed an agar- and banana corm (rhizome) flour-based artificial diet in a multi-well plate setup that allowed the banana weevils to complete their life cycle from egg through the larval instars to the pupal stage in an average period of 53 days. Adults emerged about 20 days later. The artificial diet allowed the tunneling and burrowing habits of the larvae and successful metamorphosis up to adult eclosion. Adding dsRNA for laccase2 to the artificial diet resulted in albino phenotypes, confirming gene-silencing. Finally, C. sordidus was fed with dsRNA against a selection of essential target genes: snf7, rps13, mad1, vha-a, vha-d, and lgl for a period of 45 days. 100% mortality within 9-16 days was realized with dssnf7, dsrps13, and dsmad1 at 200 ng/mL artificial diet, and this corresponded to a strong reduction in gene expression. Feeding the dsRNA targeting the two vha genes resulted in 100% mortality after about 3-4 weeks, while treatment with dslgl resulted in no mortality above the dsgfp-control and the water-control. Our results have implications for the development of RNAi approaches for managing important crop pests, in that banana weevils can be controlled based on the silencing of essential target genes as snf7, rps13, and mad1. They also highlight the need for research into the development of RNAi for banana protection, eventually the engineering of host-induced gene-silencing (HIGS) cultivars, given the high RNAi efficacy and its species-specific mode of action, adding the RNAi approach to the armory of integrated pest management (IPM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Shaykins Mwaka
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.S.M.); (O.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Kawanda, Kampala P.O. Box 7065, Uganda; (P.N.B.); (J.K.); (W.K.T.)
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.S.M.); (O.C.)
| | - Priver Namanya Bwesigye
- National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Kawanda, Kampala P.O. Box 7065, Uganda; (P.N.B.); (J.K.); (W.K.T.)
| | - Jerome Kubiriba
- National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Kawanda, Kampala P.O. Box 7065, Uganda; (P.N.B.); (J.K.); (W.K.T.)
| | | | | | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.S.M.); (O.C.)
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21
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Hou N, Zhou Z, Chen Y, Tian J, Zhang Y, Liu Z. RNA interference in Pardosa pseudoannulata, an important predatory enemy against several insect pests, through ingestion of dsRNA-expressing Escherichia coli. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 30:624-631. [PMID: 34410024 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference is an important technology for gene functional research in many organisms. The pond wolf spider (Pardosa pseudoannulata) is an important natural enemy of rice field pests. To facilitate large-scale gene functional research in this spider species and others, we developed an RNA interference (RNAi) method via ingestion of bacteria expressing dsRNA. The dsRNA targeting a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (cyp41g2) was expressed in Escherichia coli HT115 (DE3). And then the bacterial suspension was fed to 14-20 days old spiderlings. The mRNA abundance of the target gene was significantly reduced after 3-day's ingestion of bacteria expressing dsRNA, and between day 5 and 7, RNAi efficiency remained stable. Thus, we selected 5 days as the optimum interference time. Furthermore, the bacteria resuspension containing 20 ng/μl dsRNA was selected as the optimum concentration. To evaluate the applicability of this method, three other genes with different tissue expression pattern were also selected as targets. And the mRNA abundance of all the four target genes was significantly reduced with RNAi efficiency between 66.0% and up to 86.9%. The results demonstrated that the oral delivery of bacteria expressing dsRNA would be an effective RNAi method for the gene functional study in P. pseudoannulata.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Hou
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Z Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Y Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - J Tian
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Y Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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22
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Avital A, Muzika NS, Persky Z, Karny A, Bar G, Michaeli Y, Shklover J, Shainsky J, Weissman H, Shoseyov O, Schroeder A. Foliar Delivery of siRNA Particles for Treating Viral Infections in Agricultural Grapevines. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2021; 31:2101003. [PMID: 34744552 PMCID: PMC7611933 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202101003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Grapevine leafroll disease (GLD) is a globally spreading viral infection that causes major economic losses by reducing crop yield, plant longevity and berry quality, with no effective treatment. Grapevine leafroll associated virus-3 (GLRaV-3) is the most severe and prevalent GLD strain. Here, we evaluated the ability of RNA interference (RNAi), a non-GMO gene-silencing pathway, to treat GLRaV-3 in infected Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines. We synthesized lipid-modified polyethylenimine (lmPEI) as a carrier for long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA, 250-bp-long) that targets RNA polymerase and coat protein genes that are conserved in the GLRaV-3 genome. Self-assembled dsRNA-lmPEI particles, 220 nm in diameter, displayed inner ordered domains spaced 7.3±2 nm from one another, correlating to lmPEI wrapping spirally around the dsRNA. The particles effectively protected RNA from degradation by ribonucleases, and Europium-loaded particles applied to grapevine leaves were detected as far as 60-cm from the foliar application point. In three field experiments, a single dose of foliar administration knocked down GLRaV-3 titer, and multiple doses of the treatment kept the viral titer at baseline and triggered recovery of the vine and berries. This study demonstrates RNAi as a promising platform for treating viral diseases in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviram Avital
- Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
- The Norman Seiden Multidisciplinary Program for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Noy Sadot Muzika
- Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Zohar Persky
- Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Avishai Karny
- Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Gili Bar
- Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Yuval Michaeli
- Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Jeny Shklover
- Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Janna Shainsky
- Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Haim Weissman
- The Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Organic Chemistry, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Oded Shoseyov
- Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Avi Schroeder
- Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
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Nitnavare RB, Bhattacharya J, Singh S, Kour A, Hawkesford MJ, Arora N. Next Generation dsRNA-Based Insect Control: Success So Far and Challenges. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:673576. [PMID: 34733295 PMCID: PMC8558349 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.673576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a method of gene silencing where dsRNA is digested into small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the presence of enzymes. These siRNAs then target homologous mRNA sequences aided by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). The mechanism of dsRNA uptake has been well studied and established across many living organisms including insects. In insects, RNAi is a novel and potential tool to develop future pest management means targeting various classes of insects including dipterans, coleopterans, hemipterans, lepidopterans, hymenopterans and isopterans. However, the extent of RNAi in individual class varies due to underlying mechanisms. The present review focuses on three major insect classes viz hemipterans, lepidopterans and coleopterans and the rationale behind this lies in the fact that studies pertaining to RNAi has been extensively performed in these groups. Additionally, these classes harbour major agriculturally important pest species which require due attention. Interestingly, all the three classes exhibit varying levels of RNAi efficiencies with the coleopterans exhibiting maximum response, while hemipterans are relatively inefficient. Lepidopterans on the other hand, show minimum response to RNAi. This has been attributed to many facts and few important being endosomal escape, high activity dsRNA-specific nucleases, and highly alkaline gut environment which renders the dsRNA unstable. Various methods have been established to ensure safe delivery of dsRNA into the biological system of the insect. The most common method for dsRNA administration is supplementing the diet of insects via spraying onto leaves and other commonly eaten parts of the plant. This method is environment-friendly and superior to the hazardous effects of pesticides. Another method involves submergence of root systems in dsRNA solutions and subsequent uptake by the phloem. Additionally, more recent techniques are nanoparticle- and Agrobacterium-mediated delivery systems. However, due to the novelty of these biotechnological methods and recalcitrant nature of certain crops, further optimization is required. This review emphasizes on RNAi developments in agriculturally important insect species and the major hurdles for efficient RNAi in these groups. The review also discusses in detail the development of new techniques to enhance RNAi efficiency using liposomes and nanoparticles, transplastomics, microbial-mediated delivery and chemical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul B. Nitnavare
- Division of Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Plant Science, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Joorie Bhattacharya
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, India
- Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
| | - Satnam Singh
- Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Regional Research Station, Faridkot, India
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Amardeep Kour
- Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Regional Research Station, Bathinda, India
| | | | - Naveen Arora
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, India
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Rank AP, Koch A. Lab-to-Field Transition of RNA Spray Applications - How Far Are We? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:755203. [PMID: 34721485 PMCID: PMC8554022 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.755203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The drastic loss of biodiversity has alarmed the public and raised sociopolitical demand for chemical pesticide-free plant production, which is now treated by governments worldwide as a top priority. Given this global challenge, RNAi-based technologies are rapidly evolving as a promising substitute to conventional chemical pesticides. Primarily, genetically modified (GM) crops expressing double-stranded (ds)RNA-mediating gene silencing of foreign transcripts have been developed. However, since the cultivation of GM RNAi crops is viewed negatively in numerous countries, GM-free exogenous RNA spray applications attract tremendous scientific and political interest. The sudden rise in demand for pesticide alternatives has boosted research on sprayable RNA biopesticides, generating significant technological developments and advancing the potential for field applications in the near future. Here we review the latest advances that could pave the way for a quick lab-to-field transition for RNA sprays, which, as safe, selective, broadly applicable, and cost-effective biopesticides, represent an innovation in sustainable crop production. Given these latest advances, we further discuss technological limitations, knowledge gaps in the research, safety concerns and regulatory requirements that need to be considered and addressed before RNA sprays can become a reliable and realistic agricultural approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aline Koch
- Institute of Phytomedicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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Joga MR, Mogilicherla K, Smagghe G, Roy A. RNA Interference-Based Forest Protection Products (FPPs) Against Wood-Boring Coleopterans: Hope or Hype? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:733608. [PMID: 34567044 PMCID: PMC8461336 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.733608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Forest insects are emerging in large extension in response to ongoing climatic changes, penetrating geographic barriers, utilizing novel hosts, and influencing many hectares of conifer forests worldwide. Current management strategies have been unable to keep pace with forest insect population outbreaks, and therefore novel and aggressive management strategies are urgently required to manage forest insects. RNA interference (RNAi), a Noble Prize-winning discovery, is an emerging approach that can be used for forest protection. The RNAi pathway is triggered by dsRNA molecules, which, in turn, silences genes and disrupts protein function, ultimately causing the death of the targeted insect. RNAi is very effective against pest insects; however, its proficiency varies significantly among insect species, tissues, and genes. The coleopteran forest insects are susceptible to RNAi and can be the initial target, but we lack practical means of delivery, particularly in systems with long-lived, endophagous insects such as the Emerald ash borer, Asian longhorn beetles, and bark beetles. The widespread use of RNAi in forest pest management has major challenges, including its efficiency, target gene selection, dsRNA design, lack of reliable dsRNA delivery methods, non-target and off-target effects, and potential resistance development in wood-boring pest populations. This review focuses on recent innovations in RNAi delivery that can be deployed against forest pests, such as cationic liposome-assisted (lipids), nanoparticle-enabled (polymers or peptides), symbiont-mediated (fungi, bacteria, and viruses), and plant-mediated deliveries (trunk injection, root absorption). Our findings guide future risk analysis of dsRNA-based forest protection products (FPPs) and risk assessment frameworks incorporating sequence complementarity-based analysis for off-target predictions. This review also points out barriers to further developing RNAi for forest pest management and suggests future directions of research that will build the future use of RNAi against wood-boring coleopterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallikarjuna Reddy Joga
- Excellent Team for Mitigation, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Kanakachari Mogilicherla
- EVA.4 Unit, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Amit Roy
- Excellent Team for Mitigation, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
- EVA.4 Unit, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
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Rosa S, Pesaresi P, Mizzotti C, Bulone V, Mezzetti B, Baraldi E, Masiero S. Game-changing alternatives to conventional fungicides: small RNAs and short peptides. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 40:320-337. [PMID: 34489105 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Fungicide use is one of the core elements of intensive agriculture because it is necessary to fight pathogens that would otherwise cause large production losses. Oomycete and fungal pathogens are kept under control using several active compounds, some of which are predicted to be banned in the near future owing to serious concerns about their impact on the environment, non-targeted organisms, and human health. To avoid detrimental repercussions for food security, it is essential to develop new biomolecules that control existing and emerging pathogens but are innocuous to human health and the environment. This review presents and discusses the use of novel low-risk biological compounds based on small RNAs and short peptides that are attractive alternatives to current contentious fungicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Rosa
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Pesaresi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Mizzotti
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Vincent Bulone
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, Australia; Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, I-60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elena Baraldi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, I-40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Simona Masiero
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, I-20133, Milano, Italy.
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Niu D, Hamby R, Sanchez JN, Cai Q, Yan Q, Jin H. RNAs - a new frontier in crop protection. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 70:204-212. [PMID: 34217122 PMCID: PMC8957476 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Small RNA (sRNA)-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) is a regulatory mechanism conserved in almost all eukaryotes. sRNAs play a critical role in host pathogen interactions either endogenously or by traveling between the interacting organisms and inducing 'cross-Kingdom RNAi' in the counterparty. Cross-kingdom RNAi is the mechanistic basis of host-induced gene silencing (HIGS), which relies on genetically expressing pathogen-gene targeting RNAs in crops, and has been successfully utilized against both microbial pathogens and pests. HIGS is limited by the need to produce genetically engineered crops. Recent studies have demonstrated that double-stranded RNAs and sRNAs can be efficiently taken up by many fungal pathogens, and induce gene silencing in fungal cells. This mechanism, termed 'environmental RNAi', allows direct application of pathogen-gene targeting RNAs onto crops to silence fungal virulence-related genes for plant protection. In this review, we will focus on how we can leverage cross-kingdom RNAi and environmental RNAi for crop disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Niu
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Rachael Hamby
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jonatan Nino Sanchez
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Qiang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Qin Yan
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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Mezzetti B, Fladung M, Sweet J. Editorial: Advances and Challenges of RNAi Based Technologies for Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:680242. [PMID: 34040626 PMCID: PMC8143186 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.680242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Jeremy Sweet
- Environmental Consultant, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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RNA Interference Strategies for Future Management of Plant Pathogenic Fungi: Prospects and Challenges. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10040650. [PMID: 33805521 PMCID: PMC8067263 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Plant pathogenic fungi are the largest group of disease-causing agents on crop plants and represent a persistent and significant threat to agriculture worldwide. Conventional approaches based on the use of pesticides raise social concern for the impact on the environment and human health and alternative control methods are urgently needed. The rapid improvement and extensive implementation of RNA interference (RNAi) technology for various model and non-model organisms has provided the initial framework to adapt this post-transcriptional gene silencing technology for the management of fungal pathogens. Recent studies showed that the exogenous application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules on plants targeting fungal growth and virulence-related genes provided disease attenuation of pathogens like Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Fusarium graminearum in different hosts. Such results highlight that the exogenous RNAi holds great potential for RNAi-mediated plant pathogenic fungal disease control. Production of dsRNA can be possible by using either in-vitro or in-vivo synthesis. In this review, we describe exogenous RNAi involved in plant pathogenic fungi and discuss dsRNA production, formulation, and RNAi delivery methods. Potential challenges that are faced while developing a RNAi strategy for fungal pathogens, such as off-target and epigenetic effects, with their possible solutions are also discussed.
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Sarmah N, Kaldis A, Taning CNT, Perdikis D, Smagghe G, Voloudakis A. dsRNA-Mediated Pest Management of Tuta absoluta Is Compatible with Its Biological Control Agent Nesidiocoris tenuis. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12040274. [PMID: 33804809 PMCID: PMC8063791 DOI: 10.3390/insects12040274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The zoophytophagous mirid bug Nesidiocoris tenuis is an efficient predator of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta. RNA interference (RNAi) targeting the alphaCOP (αCOP) (Coatomer subunit alpha protein) gene of N. tenuis (Nt-αCOP) was proven to be functional in N. tenuis, causing downregulation of gene expression, mortality and sub-lethal effects. In contrast, when N. tenuis were fed with dsRNA (dsTa-αCOP) targeting the ortholog αCOP gene of T. absoluta, no lethal nor sub-lethal effects were observed. These results indicate the compatibility of this biocontrol agent along with RNAi-mediated management in order to suppress T. absoluta efficiently in tomato crop. Abstract RNAi-mediated insect pest management has recently shown promising results against the most serious pest of tomato, the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta. This study aimed to investigate whether dsRNA (dsTa-αCOP) designed to target the T. absoluta-αCOP gene could cause adverse effects to its biocontrol agent, the mirid predator, Nesidiocoris tenuis. Oral exposure of N. tenuis to dsRNA (dsNt-αCOP) designed to target N. tenuis-αCOP resulted in a 61%, 67% and 55% reduction in its transcript level in comparison to the sucrose, dsGFP and dsTa-αCOP treatments, respectively. In addition, significantly higher mortality of 57% was recorded in dsNt-αCOP-treated N. tenuis when compared to the sucrose (7%), dsGFP (10%) and dsTa-αCOP (10%) treatments. Moreover, the predation rate of ~33–39 Ephestia kuehniella eggs per N. tenuis adult dramatically reduced to almost half in the surviving dsNt-αCOP-treated N. tenuis. This worst-case exposure scenario confirmed for the first time that the RNAi machinery is functional in this species and that the risk of exposure through the oral route is possible. In contrast, dsTa-αCOP did not cause any sub-lethal effects to N. tenuis upon oral exposure. Oral exposure of T. absoluta to dsTa-αCOP resulted in 50% mortality. In the context of a biosafety risk assessment of RNAi-mediated insect management, investigating the effects on non-target organisms is essential in order to include this method as part of an integrated pest management strategy. Based on our laboratory assays, RNAi-mediated control is compatible with the biological control of T. absoluta by its natural enemy N. tenuis, adding the RNAi approach in the armoire of integrated pest management of T. absoluta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nomi Sarmah
- Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (N.S.); (D.P.)
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Kaldis
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece;
| | - Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: (C.N.T.T.); (G.S.); (A.V.)
| | - Dionysios Perdikis
- Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (N.S.); (D.P.)
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: (C.N.T.T.); (G.S.); (A.V.)
| | - Andreas Voloudakis
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence: (C.N.T.T.); (G.S.); (A.V.)
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Haile ZM, Gebremichael DE, Capriotti L, Molesini B, Negrini F, Collina M, Sabbadini S, Mezzetti B, Baraldi E. Double-Stranded RNA Targeting Dicer-Like Genes Compromises the Pathogenicity of Plasmopara viticola on Grapevine. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:667539. [PMID: 34084177 PMCID: PMC8167485 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.667539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola is one of the most devastating diseases of grapevine, attacking all green parts of the plant. The damage is severe when the infection at flowering stage is left uncontrolled. P. viticola management consumes a significant amount of classical pesticides applied in vineyards, requiring efficient and environmentally safe disease management options. Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), through the application of exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), has shown promising results for the management of diseases in crops. Here, we developed and tested the potential of dsRNA targeting P. viticola Dicer-like (DCL) genes for SIGS-based crop protection strategy. The exogenous application of PvDCL1/2 dsRNA, a chimera of PvDCL1 and PvDCL2, highly affected the virulence of P. viticola. The reduced expression level of PvDCL1 and PvDCL2 transcripts in infected leaves, treated with PvDCL1/2 dsRNA, was an indication of an active RNA interference mechanism inside the pathogen to compromise its virulence. Besides the protective property, the PvDCL1/2 dsRNA also exhibited a curative role by reducing the disease progress rate of already established infection. Our data provide a promising future for PvDCL1/2 dsRNA as a new generation of RNA-based resistant plants or RNA-based agrochemical for the management of downy mildew disease in grapevine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeraye Mehari Haile
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Luca Capriotti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara Molesini
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Negrini
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marina Collina
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Sabbadini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Research Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Santander, Spain
| | - Elena Baraldi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- *Correspondence: Elena Baraldi,
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Sarkar A, Roy-Barman S. Spray-Induced Silencing of Pathogenicity Gene MoDES1 via Exogenous Double-Stranded RNA Can Confer Partial Resistance Against Fungal Blast in Rice. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:733129. [PMID: 34899771 PMCID: PMC8662628 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.733129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the past years, RNA interference (RNAi) has been used as a promising combat strategy against a wide range of pests and pathogens in ensuring global food security. It involves the induction of highly specific posttranscriptional regulation of target essential genes from an organism, via the application of precursor long, non-coding double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules that share sequence-complementarity with the mRNAs of the targets. Fungal blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the most deadly diseases of rice and wheat incurring huge losses in global crop yield. To date, the host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) aspects of RNAi have been successfully exploited in developing resistance against M. oryzae in rice. Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) is a current, potential, non-transformative, and environment-friendly pest and pathogen management strategy, where naked or nanomaterial-bound dsRNA are sprayed on leaves to cause selective knockdown of pathogenicity genes. Although it relies on the ability of fungal pathogens to uptake sprayed RNA, its efficiency varies largely across phytopathogens and their genes, targeted for silencing. Here, we report a transient dsRNA supplementation system for the targeted knockdown of MoDES1, a host-defense suppressor pathogenicity gene from M. oryzae. We validate the feasibility of in vivo SIGS and post-uptake transfer of RNA signals to distal plant parts in rice-M. oryzae pathosystem through a GFP-based reporter system. A protocol for efficient silencing via direct foliar spray of naked dsRNA was optimized. As proof-of-concept, we demonstrate the phenotypic impacts of in vitro dsDES1 treatment on growth, conidiation, ROS-scavenging ability, and pathogenic potential of M. oryzae. Furthermore, our extrapolatory dsDES1 spray experiments on wounded leaves and whole rice plants indicate resultant silencing of MoDES1 that conferred significant resistance against the fungal blast disease. The evaluation of primary and secondary host defense responses provides evidence supporting the notion that spray of sequence-specific dsRNA on wounded leaf tissue can cause systemic and sustained silencing of a M. oryzae target gene. For the first time, we establish a transgene-free SIGS approach as a promising crop protection strategy against the notorious rice-blast fungus.
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