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Figueiredo Prates LH, Fiebig J, Schlosser H, Liapi E, Rehling T, Lutrat C, Bouyer J, Sun Q, Wen H, Xi Z, Schetelig MF, Häcker I. Challenges of Robust RNAi-Mediated Gene Silencing in Aedes Mosquitoes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5218. [PMID: 38791257 PMCID: PMC11121262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we report the complexities and challenges associated with achieving robust RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene knockdown in the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, a pivotal approach for genetic analysis and vector control. Despite RNAi's potential for species-specific gene targeting, our independent efforts to establish oral delivery of RNAi for identifying genes critical for mosquito development and fitness encountered significant challenges, failing to reproduce previously reported potent RNAi effects. We independently evaluated a range of RNAi-inducing molecules (siRNAs, shRNAs, and dsRNAs) and administration methods (oral delivery, immersion, and microinjection) in three different laboratories. We also tested various mosquito strains and utilized microorganisms for RNA delivery. Our results reveal a pronounced inconsistency in RNAi efficacy, characterized by minimal effects on larval survival and gene expression levels in most instances despite strong published effects for the tested targets. One or multiple factors, including RNase activity in the gut, the cellular internalization and processing of RNA molecules, and the systemic dissemination of the RNAi signal, could be involved in this variability, all of which are barely understood in mosquitoes. The challenges identified in this study highlight the necessity for additional research into the underlying mechanisms of mosquito RNAi to develop more robust RNAi-based methodologies. Our findings emphasize the intricacies of RNAi application in mosquitoes, which present a substantial barrier to its utilization in genetic control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Henrique Figueiredo Prates
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Jakob Fiebig
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Henrik Schlosser
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Eleni Liapi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Tanja Rehling
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | | | - Jeremy Bouyer
- ASTRE, CIRAD, 34398 Montpellier, France (J.B.)
- ASTRE, CIRAD, INRAE, Univ. Montpellier, Plateforme Technologique CYROI, 97491 Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Qiang Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (Q.S.); (H.W.); (Z.X.)
| | - Han Wen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (Q.S.); (H.W.); (Z.X.)
| | - Zhiyong Xi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (Q.S.); (H.W.); (Z.X.)
| | - Marc F. Schetelig
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
| | - Irina Häcker
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany; (L.H.F.P.); (J.F.); (H.S.); (T.R.); (I.H.)
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Romoli O, Henrion-Lacritick A, Blanc H, Frangeul L, Saleh MC. Limitations in harnessing oral RNA interference as an antiviral strategy in Aedes aegypti. iScience 2024; 27:109261. [PMID: 38433898 PMCID: PMC10907830 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109261] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, are critical vectors for globally significant pathogenic viruses. This study examines the limitations of oral RNA interference (RNAi) as a strategy to disrupt viral transmission by Ae. aegypti. We hypothesized that double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting the Zika virus (ZIKV) or chikungunya virus (CHIKV) genomes produced by engineered bacterial symbionts could trigger an antiviral response. Mosquitoes mono-colonized with Escherichia coli producing dsZIK or dsCHIK did not display reduced viral titers following exposure to virus-contaminated bloodmeals and failed to generate dsZIK- or dsCHIK-derived small interfering RNAs. To address potential limitations of bacterial dsRNA release, we explored dsRNA inoculation via feeding and injection. Although viral replication was impeded in mosquitoes injected with dsZIK or dsCHIK, no antiviral effect was observed in dsRNA-fed mosquitoes. These findings highlight complexities of implementing oral RNAi as an antiviral strategy in Ae. aegypti and warrant further exploration of local and systemic RNAi mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Romoli
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNAi Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | | | - Hervé Blanc
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNAi Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Lionel Frangeul
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNAi Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Maria-Carla Saleh
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNAi Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
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3
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He J, Kang L. Regulation of insect behavior by non-coding RNAs. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-023-2482-2. [PMID: 38443665 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2482-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The adaptation of insects to environments relies on a sophisticated set of behaviors controlled by molecular and physiological processes. Over the past several decades, accumulating studies have unveiled the roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in regulating insect behaviors. ncRNAs assume particularly pivotal roles in the behavioral plasticity of insects by rapidly responding to environmental stimuli. ncRNAs also contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis of insects by fine-tuning the expression of target genes. However, a comprehensive review of ncRNAs' roles in regulating insect behaviors has yet to be conducted. Here, we present the recent progress in our understanding of how ncRNAs regulate various insect behaviors, including flight and movement, social behavior, reproduction, learning and memory, and feeding. We refine the intricate mechanisms by which ncRNAs modulate the function of neural, motor, reproductive, and other physiological systems, as well as gene expression in insects like fruit flies, social insects, locusts, and mosquitos. Furthermore, we discuss potential avenues for future studies in ncRNA-mediated insect behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing He
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Le Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institutes of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China.
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4
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Stewart ATM, Mysore K, Njoroge TM, Winter N, Feng RS, Singh S, James LD, Singkhaimuk P, Sun L, Mohammed A, Oxley JD, Duckham C, Ponlawat A, Severson DW, Duman-Scheel M. Demonstration of RNAi Yeast Insecticide Activity in Semi-Field Larvicide and Attractive Targeted Sugar Bait Trials Conducted on Aedes and Culex Mosquitoes. INSECTS 2023; 14:950. [PMID: 38132622 PMCID: PMC10743515 DOI: 10.3390/insects14120950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Eco-friendly new mosquito control innovations are critical for the ongoing success of global mosquito control programs. In this study, Sh.463_56.10R, a robust RNA interference (RNAi) yeast insecticide strain that is suitable for scaled fermentation, was evaluated under semi-field conditions. Inactivated and dried Sh.463_56.10R yeast induced significant mortality of field strain Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae in semi-field larvicide trials conducted outdoors in St. Augustine, Trinidad, where 100% of the larvae were dead within 24 h. The yeast was also stably suspended in commercial bait and deployed as an active ingredient in miniature attractive targeted sugar bait (ATSB) station sachets. The yeast ATSB induced high levels of Aedes and Culex mosquito morbidity in semi-field trials conducted in Trinidad, West Indies, as well as in Bangkok, Thailand, in which the consumption of the yeast resulted in adult female mosquito death within 48 h, faster than what was observed in laboratory trials. These findings support the pursuit of large-scale field trials to further evaluate the Sh.463_56.10R insecticide, a member of a promising new class of species-specific RNAi insecticides that could help combat insecticide resistance and support effective mosquito control programs worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akilah T. M. Stewart
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (A.T.M.S.); (K.M.); (T.M.N.); (L.S.); (D.W.S.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Keshava Mysore
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (A.T.M.S.); (K.M.); (T.M.N.); (L.S.); (D.W.S.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Teresia M. Njoroge
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (A.T.M.S.); (K.M.); (T.M.N.); (L.S.); (D.W.S.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Nikhella Winter
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science & Technology, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (N.W.); (R.S.F.); (S.S.); (L.D.J.); (A.M.)
| | - Rachel Shui Feng
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science & Technology, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (N.W.); (R.S.F.); (S.S.); (L.D.J.); (A.M.)
| | - Satish Singh
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science & Technology, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (N.W.); (R.S.F.); (S.S.); (L.D.J.); (A.M.)
| | - Lester D. James
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science & Technology, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (N.W.); (R.S.F.); (S.S.); (L.D.J.); (A.M.)
| | - Preeraya Singkhaimuk
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate–Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Longhua Sun
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (A.T.M.S.); (K.M.); (T.M.N.); (L.S.); (D.W.S.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Azad Mohammed
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science & Technology, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (N.W.); (R.S.F.); (S.S.); (L.D.J.); (A.M.)
| | - James D. Oxley
- Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78238, USA;
| | | | - Alongkot Ponlawat
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate–Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.S.); (A.P.)
| | - David W. Severson
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (A.T.M.S.); (K.M.); (T.M.N.); (L.S.); (D.W.S.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science & Technology, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (N.W.); (R.S.F.); (S.S.); (L.D.J.); (A.M.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (A.T.M.S.); (K.M.); (T.M.N.); (L.S.); (D.W.S.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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Osborne CJ, Cohnstaedt LW, Silver KS. Outlook on RNAi-Based Strategies for Controlling Culicoides Biting Midges. Pathogens 2023; 12:1251. [PMID: 37887767 PMCID: PMC10610143 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Culicoides are small biting midges with the capacity to transmit important livestock pathogens around much of the world, and their impacts on animal welfare are likely to expand. Hemorrhagic diseases resulting from Culicoides-vectored viruses, for example, can lead to millions of dollars in economic damages for producers. Chemical insecticides can reduce Culicoides abundance but may not suppress population numbers enough to prevent pathogen transmission. These insecticides can also cause negative effects on non-target organisms and ecosystems. RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular regulatory mechanism that degrades mRNA and suppresses gene expression. Studies have examined the utility of this mechanism for insect pest control, and with it, have described the hurdles towards producing, optimizing, and applying these RNAi-based products. These methods hold promise for being highly specific and environmentally benign when compared to chemical insecticides and are more transient than engineering transgenic insects. Given the lack of available control options for Culicoides, RNAi-based products could be an option to treat large areas with minimal environmental impact. In this study, we describe the state of current Culicoides control methods, successes and hurdles towards using RNAi for pest control, and the necessary research required to bring an RNAi-based control method to fruition for Culicoides midges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J. Osborne
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
| | - Lee W. Cohnstaedt
- Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, Agricultural Research Service, United Stated Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Kristopher S. Silver
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
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Yadav M, Dahiya N, Sehrawat N. Mosquito gene targeted RNAi studies for vector control. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:180. [PMID: 37227504 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01072-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases are serious public health concern. Mosquito is one of the major vectors responsible for the transmission of a number of diseases like malaria, Zika, chikungunya, dengue, West Nile fever, Japanese encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and yellow fever. Various strategies have been used for mosquito control, but the breeding potential of mosquitoes is such tremendous that most of the strategies failed to control the mosquito population. In 2020, outbreaks of dengue, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis have occurred worldwide. Continuous insecticide use resulted in strong resistance and disturbed the ecosystem. RNA interference is one of the strategies opted for mosquito control. There are a number of mosquito genes whose inhibition affected mosquito survival and reproduction. Such kind of genes could be used as bioinsecticides for vector control without disturbing the natural ecosystem. Several studies have targeted mosquito genes at different developmental stages by the RNAi mechanism and result in vector control. In the present review, we included RNAi studies conducted for vector control by targeting mosquito genes at different developmental stages using different delivery methods. The review could help the researcher to find out novel genes of mosquitoes for vector control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahima Yadav
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Nisha Dahiya
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Neelam Sehrawat
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
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7
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Müller R, Bálint M, Hardes K, Hollert H, Klimpel S, Knorr E, Kochmann J, Lee KZ, Mehring M, Pauls SU, Smets G, Steinbrink A, Vilcinskas A. RNA interference to combat the Asian tiger mosquito in Europe: A pathway from design of an innovative vector control tool to its application. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 66:108167. [PMID: 37164239 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108167] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is currently spreading across Europe, facilitated by climate change and global transportation. It is a vector of arboviruses causing human diseases such as chikungunya, dengue hemorrhagic fever and Zika fever. For the majority of these diseases, no vaccines or therapeutics are available. Options for the control of Ae. albopictus are limited by European regulations introduced to protect biodiversity by restricting or phasing out the use of pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or products of genome editing. Alternative solutions are thus urgently needed to avoid a future scenario in which Europe faces a choice between prioritizing human health or biodiversity when it comes to Aedes-vectored pathogens. To ensure regulatory compliance and public acceptance, these solutions should preferably not be based on chemicals or GMOs and must be cost-efficient and specific. The present review aims to synthesize available evidence on RNAi-based mosquito vector control and its potential for application in the European Union. The recent literature has identified some potential target sites in Ae. albopictus and formulations for delivery. However, we found little information concerning non-target effects on the environment or human health, on social aspects, regulatory frameworks, or on management perspectives. We propose optimal designs for RNAi-based vector control tools against Ae. albopictus (target product profiles), discuss their efficacy and reflect on potential risks to environmental health and the importance of societal aspects. The roadmap from design to application will provide readers with a comprehensive perspective on the application of emerging RNAi-based vector control tools for the suppression of Ae. albopictus populations with special focus on Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Müller
- Unit Entomology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 9, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Miklós Bálint
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Kornelia Hardes
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; BMBF Junior Research Group in Infection Research "ASCRIBE", Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Department Media-related Toxicity, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Integrative Parasitology and Zoophysiology, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eileen Knorr
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Judith Kochmann
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kwang-Zin Lee
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Marion Mehring
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; ISOE - Institute for Social-Ecological Research, Hamburger Allee 45, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Steffen U Pauls
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Greet Smets
- Perseus BV, Kortrijksesteenweg 127 B1, B-9830 Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium
| | - Antje Steinbrink
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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8
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Khalil SMS, Alahmed AM, Munawar K. RNAi-mediated mortality of Culex quinquefasciatus using two delivery methods of potential field application. Acta Trop 2023; 243:106938. [PMID: 37146864 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106938] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
With increasing reports of resistance to traditional insecticides, there is a need for innovative ways for mosquito control. RNAi is a sequence-specific molecular biology technique for gene silencing through degradation of mRNA and prevention of protein translation. Some genes are essential for insect life and their silencing can lead to insect morbidity and/or mortality. Searching for lethal genes in Culex quinquefasciatus, we found dynamin, ROP, HMGR and JHAMT to be lethal targets for RNAi in initial screening through larval soaking in dsRNA solution. Two delivery methods, chitosan nanoparticles and genetically modified yeast cells, were used in this study and proved effective in inducing high larval mortality and low adult emergence. Adult emergence after chitosan nanoparticles/dsRNA treatment was 12.67% ± 1.76 (HMGR), 17.33% ± 1.76 (dynamin), 18.67% ± 0.67 (ROP), and 35.33% ± 0.67 (JHAMT). Genetically modified yeast increased mortalities as adult emergence was 8.33% ± 1.67 (HMGR), 13.33% ± 3.33 (dynamin), and 10% ± 2.89 (JHAMT and ROP). Chitosan nanoparticles retained 75% of its biological activity whereas yeast cells retained >95% of their activities after 7 days of incubation in water. In conclusion, our results showed that these four genes are good targets for C. quinquefasciatus control using RNAi packaged in either chitosan nanoparticles or genetically modified yeast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed M S Khalil
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia; Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, 9 Gamaa Street, Giza, 12619, Egypt.
| | - Azzam M Alahmed
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kashif Munawar
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Dai Y, Li X, Ding J, Liang Z, Guo R, Yi T, Zhu Y, Chen S, Liang S, Liu W. Molecular and expression characterization of insulin-like signaling in development and metabolism of Aedes albopictus. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:134. [PMID: 37072796 PMCID: PMC10111782 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05747-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin-like signaling (IS) in insects is a conserved pathway that regulates development, reproduction and longevity. Insulin-like peptides (ILPs) activate the IS pathway by binding to the insulin receptor (InR) and trigger the ERK and AKT cascades. A varying number of ILPs were identified in Aedes aegypti mosquito and other insects. Aedes albopictus is an invasive mosquito which transmits dengue and Zika viruses worldwide. Until now, the molecular and expression characteristics of IS pathway in Ae. albopictus have not been investigated. METHODS The orthologues of ILP in Ae. albopictus genome assembly was analyzed by using sequence blast. Phylogenetic analysis and molecular characterization were performed to identify the functional domains of ILPs. Quantitative analysis was performed to determine the expression characteristics of ILPs, InR as well as ERK and AKT in mosquito development and different tissues of female adults after blood-feeding. In addition, the knockdown of InR was achieved by feeding larvae with Escherichia coli-producing dsRNA to investigate the impact of IS pathway on mosquito development. RESULTS We identified seven putative ILP genes in Ae. albopictus genome assembly, based on nucleotide similarity to the ILPs of Ae. aegypti and other insects. Bioinformatics and molecular analyses suggested that the ILPs contain the structural motif which is conserved in the insulin superfamily. Expression levels of ILPs, InR as well as ERK and AKT varied in Ae. albopictus development stages and between male and female adults. Quantitative analyses revealed that expression of ILP6, the putative orthologue of the insulin growth factor peptides, was highest in the midgut of female adults after blood-feeding. Knockdown of Ae. albopictus InR induces a significant decrease in the phosphorylation levels of ERK and AKT proteins and results in developmental delays and smaller body sizes. CONCLUSIONS The IS pathway of Ae. albopictus mosquito contains ILP1-7, InR and ERK/AKT cascades, which exhibited different developmental and tissue expression characteristics. Feeding Ae. albopictus larvae with E. coli-producing InR dsRNA blocks the ERK and AKT cascades and interferes with the development of mosquito. Our data suggest that IS pathway plays an important role in the metabolism and developmental process and could represent a potential target for controlling mosquito-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Dai
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinying Ding
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zihan Liang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renxian Guo
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tangwei Yi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yihan Zhu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siqi Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shaohui Liang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Wenquan Liu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
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10
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Zulhussnain M, Zahoor MK, Ranian K, Ahmad A, Jabeen F. CRISPR Cas9 mediated knockout of sex determination pathway genes in Aedes aegypti. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 113:243-252. [PMID: 36259148 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485322000505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The vector role of Aedes aegypti for viral diseases including dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever makes it imperative for its proper control. Despite various adopted control strategies, genetic control measures have been recently focused against this vector. CRISPR Cas9 system is a recent and most efficient gene editing tool to target the sex determination pathway genes in Ae. aegypti. In the present study, CRISPR Cas9 system was used to knockout Ae. aegypti doublesex (Aaedsx) and Ae. aegypti sexlethal (AaeSxl) genes in Ae. aegypti embryos. The injection mixes with Cas9 protein (333 ng ul-1) and gRNAs (each at 100 ng ul-1) were injected into eggs. Injected eggs were allowed to hatch at 26 ± 1°C, 60 ± 10% RH. The survival and mortality rate was recorded in knockout Aaedsx and AaeSxl. The results revealed that knockout produced low survival and high mortality. A significant percentage of eggs (38.33%) did not hatch as compared to control groups (P value 0.00). Highest larval mortality (11.66%) was found in the knockout of Aaedsx female isoform, whereas, the emergence of only male adults also showed that the knockout of Aaedsx (female isoform) does not produce male lethality. The survival (3.33%) of knockout for AaeSxl eggs to the normal adults suggested further study to investigate AaeSxl as an efficient upstream of Aaedsx to target for sex transformation in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Zulhussnain
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Kanwal Ranian
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Aftab Ahmad
- Centre of Department of Biochemistry/US-Pakistan Center for Advance Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (USPCAS-AFS), University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Farhat Jabeen
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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11
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Peng H, Wang H, Guo X, Lv W, Liu L, Wang H, Cheng P, Liu H, Gong M. In Vitro and In Vivo Validation of CYP6A14 and CYP6N6 Participation in Deltamethrin Metabolic Resistance in Aedes albopictus. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 108:609-618. [PMID: 36746656 PMCID: PMC9978559 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The extensive use of chemical insecticides for public health and agricultural purposes has increased the occurrence and development of insecticide resistance. This study used transcriptome sequencing to screen 10 upregulated metabolic detoxification enzyme genes from Aedes albopictus resistant strains. Of these, CYP6A14 and CYP6N6 were found to be substantially overexpressed in the deltamethrin-induced expression test, indicating their role in deltamethrin resistance in Ae. albopictus. Furthermore, the corresponding 60-kDa recombinant proteins, CYP6A14 and CYP6N6, were successfully expressed using the Escherichia coli expression system. Enzyme activity studies revealed that CYP6A14 (5.84 U/L) and CYP6N6 (6.3 U/L) have cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme activity. In vitro, the metabolic analysis revealed that the recombinant proteins degraded deltamethrin into 1-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine and 2',2'-dibromo-2'-deoxyguanosine. Subsequently, the CYP450 genes in larvae of Ae. albopictus were silenced by RNA interference technology to study deltamethrin resistance in vivo. The silencing of CYP6A14 and CYP6N6 increased the mortality rate of mosquitoes without affecting their survival time, spawning quantity, hatching rate, and other normal life activities. Altogether, CYP6A14 and CYP6N6 belong to the CYP6 family and mutually increase deltamethrin resistance in Ae. albopictus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Peng
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, China
| | - Haiyang Wang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuxia Guo
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, China
| | - Wenxiang Lv
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, China
| | - Haifang Wang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, China
| | - Peng Cheng
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, China
- Address correspondence to Peng Cheng or Hongmei Liu or Maoqing Gong, Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong 272033, China. E-mails: or or
| | - Hongmei Liu
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, China
- Address correspondence to Peng Cheng or Hongmei Liu or Maoqing Gong, Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong 272033, China. E-mails: or or
| | - Maoqing Gong
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, China
- Address correspondence to Peng Cheng or Hongmei Liu or Maoqing Gong, Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong 272033, China. E-mails: or or
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12
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He L, Huang Y, Tang X. RNAi-based pest control: Production, application and the fate of dsRNA. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1080576. [PMID: 36524052 PMCID: PMC9744970 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1080576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The limitations of conventional pesticides have raised the demand for innovative and sustainable solutions for plant protection. RNA Interference (RNAi) triggered by dsRNA has evolved as a promising strategy to control insects in a species-specific manner. In this context, we review the methods for mass production of dsRNA, the approaches of exogenous application of dsRNA in the field, and the fate of dsRNA after application. Additionally, we describe the opportunities and challenges of using nanoparticles as dsRNA carriers to control insects. Furthermore, we provide future directions to improve pest management efficiency by utilizing the synergistic effects of multiple target genes. Meanwhile, the establishment of a standardized framework for assessment and regulatory consensus is critical to the commercialization of RNA pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li He
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanna Huang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueming Tang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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13
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Wang Q, Wang H, Zhang Y, Chen J, Upadhyay A, Bhowmick B, Hang J, Wu S, Liao C, Han Q. Functional analysis reveals ionotropic GABA receptor subunit RDL is a target site of ivermectin and fluralaner in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:4173-4182. [PMID: 35690922 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7035] [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: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid (iGABA) receptors are involved in various physiological activities in insects, including sleep, olfactory memory, movement, and resistance to viruses. Ivermectin and fluralaner can disturb the insect nervous system by binding to iGABA receptors, and are therefore an effective means for controlling insect pests. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the insecticidal effect of both the compounds on Aedes. aegypti remain unexplored. RESULTS In this study, we investigated the spatiotemporal expression profile of Ae. aegypti RDL (Ae-RDL), a subunit of iGABA receptor. RDL dsRNA suppressed the expression of Ae-RDL mRNA in Ae. aegypti larvae and adult by 60% and 50.67%, resepectly. However, the physiology of Ae. aegypti larvae was not significantly affected. The mortality of Ae. aegypti larvae and adult females subjected to Ae-RDL knockdown significantly decreased after exposure to ivermectin and fluralaner. Additionally, Ae-RDL was cloned into Xenopus laevis oocytes and characterized using the two-electrode voltage-clamp method. The inward current was induced by GABA binding to the functional Ae-RDL homomeric receptors at a median effective concentration (EC50 ) of 100.4 ± 59.95 μM (n > 3). The significant inhibitory effect of ivermectin and fluralaner on inward current indicated that both insecticides exerted a significant antagonistic effect on Ae-RDL. However, ivermectin also showed strong agonistic as well as weak activation effects on Ae-RDL. These contrasting effects of ivermectin on Ae-RDL depended on ivermectin concentration. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that Ae-RDL subunit is a target of ivermectin and fluralaner, providing new insights into the insecticidal mechanism of both compounds in Ae. aegypti. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhui Wang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Haocheng Wang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Yingxin Zhang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Archana Upadhyay
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Biswajit Bhowmick
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Jiayu Hang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Shaoying Wu
- College of Plant Protection, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Chenghong Liao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, China
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14
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Kojin BB, Compton A, Adelman ZN, Tu Z. Selective targeting of biting females to control mosquito-borne infectious diseases. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:791-804. [PMID: 35952630 PMCID: PMC9372635 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are vectors for a number of infectious diseases. Only females feed on blood to provision for their embryos and, in doing so, transmit pathogens to the associated vertebrate hosts. Therefore, sex is an important phenotype in the context of genetic control programs, both for sex separation in the rearing facilities to avoid releasing biting females and for ways to distort the sex ratio towards nonbiting males. We review recent progress in the fundamental knowledge of sex determination and sex chromosomes in mosquitoes and discuss new methods to achieve sex separation and sex ratio distortion to help control mosquito-borne infectious diseases. We conclude by suggesting a few critical areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca B Kojin
- Department of Entomology and Agrilife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Austin Compton
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Zach N Adelman
- Department of Entomology and Agrilife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - Zhijian Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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15
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Guo Q, Gao Y, Xing C, Niu Y, Ding L, Dai X. Culex quinquefasciatus alpha-glucosidase serves as a putative receptor of the Cry48Aa toxin from Lysinibacillus sphaericus. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 147:103799. [PMID: 35662624 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Cry48Aa/Cry49Aa toxin of Lysinibacillus sphaericus shows specific toxicity towards larvae of Culex spp. Individual Cry48Aa and Cry49Aa subunits interact with distinct target sites in the larval midgut and overcome the resistance of Culex to the Bin toxin. However, the toxin-binding proteins have not yet been identified. The present study aimed to identify Cry48Aa-binding proteins in Culex quinquefasciatus. Pulldown assays using C. quinquefasciatus midgut brush-border membrane fractions (BBMFs) identified a class of proteins, including aminopeptidases (APNs), protease m1 zinc metalloproteases, alkaline phosphatases (ALPs), and maltases, that could be potentially involved in the mode of action of this toxin. RNA interference analysis showed that silenced larvae treated with dsRNA of the alpha-glucosidase (named Glu71) gene were more tolerant of the Cry48Aa/Cry49Aa toxin, which induced less than 20% mortality. The amino acid sequence of Glu71 exhibited 42% identity with Cqm1/Cpm1, which acted as a Bin toxin receptor. Toxin binding assays showed that Cry48Aa had a high specific binding capacity for the Glu71 protein, whereas Cry49Aa exhibited no specific binding. Overall, our results showed that Glu71 is a Cry48-binding protein involved in Cry48Aa/Cry49Aa toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyun Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou City of Jiangxi Province, 341000, PR China.
| | - Yuan Gao
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou City of Jiangxi Province, 341000, PR China
| | - Chong Xing
- School of Information Engineering, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou City of Jiangxi Province, 341000, PR China
| | - Yingchao Niu
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou City of Jiangxi Province, 341000, PR China
| | - Lu Ding
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou City of Jiangxi Province, 341000, PR China
| | - Xiaohua Dai
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou City of Jiangxi Province, 341000, PR China
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16
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Mysore K, Hapairai LK, Realey JS, Sun L, Roethele JB, Duman-Scheel M. Oral RNAi for Gene Silencing in Mosquitoes: From the Bench to the Field. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2022; 2022:Pdb.top107690. [PMID: 35135890 PMCID: PMC11041366 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.top107690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has played a key role in the field of insect functional genomics, a discipline that has enhanced the study of developmental, evolutionary, physiological, and molecular biological phenomena in a wide variety of insects, including disease vector mosquitoes. Here we introduce a recently optimized RNAi procedure in which adult mosquitoes are fed with a colored sugar bait containing small interfering RNA (siRNA). This procedure effectively and economically leads to gene silencing, is technically straightforward, and has been successfully used to characterize a number of genes in adult mosquitoes. We also discuss how, in addition to laboratory applications, this oral RNAi procedure might one day be used in the field for controlling insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshava Mysore
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, Indiana 46617, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Limb K Hapairai
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, Indiana 46617, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Jacob S Realey
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, Indiana 46617, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Longhua Sun
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, Indiana 46617, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Joseph B Roethele
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, Indiana 46617, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, Indiana 46617, USA;
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
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17
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Kojin BB, Jakes E, Biedler JK, Tu Z, Adelman ZN. Partial masculinization of Aedes aegypti females by conditional expression of Nix. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010598. [PMID: 35776760 PMCID: PMC9307153 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Aedes aegypti, the main vector of dengue, yellow fever, and other arboviruses thrives in tropical and subtropical areas around the globe putting half of the world’s population at risk. Despite aggressive efforts to control the transmission of those viruses, an unacceptable number of cases occur every year, emphasizing the need to develop new control strategies. Proposals for vector control focused on population suppression could offer a feasible alternative method to reduce disease transmission. The induction of extreme male-biased sex ratios has been hypothesized to be able to suppress or collapse a population, with previous experiments showing that stable expression of the male determining factor Nix in A. aegypti is sufficient to convert females into fertile males.
Methodology/Principal findings
Here, we report on the conditional expression of Nix in transgenic A. aegypti under the control of the tetracycline-dependent (Tet-off) system, with the goal of establishing repressible sex distortion. A masculinization phenotype was observed in three of the seven transgenic lines with females exhibiting male-like long maxillary palps and most importantly, the masculinized females were unable to blood feed. Doxycycline treatment of the transgenic lines only partially restored the normal phenotype from the masculinized transgenic lines, while RT-qPCR analysis of early embryos or adults showed no correlation between the level of masculinization and ectopic Nix expression.
Conclusions/Significance
While the conditional expression of Nix produced intersex phenotypes, the level of expression was insufficient to program full conversion. Modifications that increase both the level of activation (no tet) and the level of repression (with tet) will be necessary, as such this study represents one step forward in the development of genetic strategies to control vector-borne diseases via sex ratio distortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca B. Kojin
- Department of Entomology and Agrilife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Emma Jakes
- Department of Entomology and Agrilife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - James K. Biedler
- Department of Biochemistry and Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Zhijian Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Zach N. Adelman
- Department of Entomology and Agrilife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Abstract
Insects have evolved highly diverse genetic sex-determination mechanisms and a relatively balanced male to female sex ratio is generally expected. However, selection may shift the optimal sex ratio while meiotic drive and endosymbiont manipulation can result in sex ratio distortion (SRD). Recent advances in sex chromosome genomics and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing brought significant insights into the molecular regulators of sex determination in an increasing number of insects and provided new ways to engineer SRD. We review these advances and discuss both naturally occurring and engineered SRD in the context of the Anthropocene. We emphasize SRD-mediated biological control of insects to help improve One Health, sustain agriculture, and conserve endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Compton
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Zhijian Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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19
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Agarwal A, Sarma DK, Chaurasia D, Maan HS. Novel molecular approaches to combat vectors and vector-borne viruses: Special focus on RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms. Acta Trop 2022; 233:106539. [PMID: 35623398 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106539] [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: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya, zika, yellow fever etc pose significant burden among the infectious diseases globally, especially in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Globalization, deforestation, urbanization, climate change, uncontrolled population growth, inadequate waste management and poor vector-management infrastructure have all contributed to the expansion of vector habitats and subsequent increase in vector-borne diseases throughout the world. Conventional vector control methods, such as use of insecticides, have significant negative environmental repercussions in addition to developing resistance in vectors. Till date, a very few vaccines or antiviral therapies have been approved for the treatment of vector borne diseases. In this review, we have discussed emerging molecular approaches like CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas-9, sterile insect technique (SIT), release of insects carrying a dominant lethal (RIDL), Wolbachia (virus transmission blocking) and RNA interference (RNAi) to combat vector and vector-borne viruses. Due to the extensive advancements in RNAi research, a special focus has been given on its types, biogenesis, mechanism of action, delivery and experimental studies evaluating their application as anti-mosquito and anti-viral agent. These technologies appear to be highly promising in terms of contributing to vector control and antiviral drug development, and hence can be used to reduce global vector and vector-borne disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Agarwal
- State Virology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal 462001, Madhya Pradesh, India.
| | - Devojit Kumar Sarma
- ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal 462030, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Deepti Chaurasia
- State Virology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal 462001, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Harjeet Singh Maan
- State Virology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal 462001, Madhya Pradesh, India
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RNA Interference-Based Pesticides and Antiviral Agents: Microbial Overproduction Systems for Double-Stranded RNA for Applications in Agriculture and Aquaculture. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12062954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based pesticides are pest control agents that use RNAi mechanisms as the basis of their action. They are regarded as environmentally friendly and are a promising alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. The effective substance in RNAi-based pesticides is double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) designed to match the nucleotide sequence of a target essential gene of the pest of concern. When taken up by the pest, this exerts an RNAi effect and inhibits some vital biochemical/biological process in the pest. dsRNA products are also expected to be applied for the control of viral diseases in aquaculture by RNAi, especially in shrimp farming. A critical issue in the practical application of RNAi agents is that production of the dsRNA must be low-cost. Here, we review recent methods for microbial production of dsRNAs using representative microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas syringae, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and others) as host strains. The characteristics of each dsRNA production system are discussed.
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21
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Taracena M, Hunt C, Pennington P, Andrew D, Jacobs-Lorena M, Dotson E, Wells M. Effective Oral RNA Interference (RNAi) Administration to Adult Anopheles gambiae Mosquitoes. J Vis Exp 2022:10.3791/63266. [PMID: 35311819 PMCID: PMC9810275 DOI: 10.3791/63266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference has been a heavily utilized tool for reverse genetic analysis for two decades. In adult mosquitoes, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) administration has been accomplished primarily via injection, which requires significant time and is not suitable for field applications. To overcome these limitations, here we present a more efficient method for robust activation of RNAi by oral delivery of dsRNA to adult Anopheles gambiae. Long dsRNAs were produced in Escherichia coli strain HT115 (DE3), and a concentrated suspension of heat-killed dsRNA-containing bacteria in 10% sucrose was offered on cotton balls ad-libitum to adult mosquitoes. Cotton balls were replaced every 2 days for the duration of the treatment. Use of this method to target doublesex (a gene involved in sex differentiation) or fork head (which encodes a salivary gland transcription factor) resulted in reduced target gene expression and/or protein immunofluorescence signal, as measured by quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) or fluorescence confocal microscopy, respectively. Defects in salivary gland morphology were also observed. This highly flexible, user-friendly, low-cost, time-efficient method of dsRNA delivery could be broadly applicable to target genes important for insect vector physiology and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Taracena
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Entomology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Department of Entomology, Cornell University;
| | - Catherine Hunt
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Entomology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Pamela Pennington
- Centro de Estudios en Biotecnologia, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala
| | - Deborah Andrew
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Malaria Research Institute
| | - Ellen Dotson
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Entomology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Michael Wells
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Biomedical Sciences Department, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine;
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A Conserved Female-Specific Requirement for the GGT Gene in Mosquito Larvae Facilitates RNAi-Mediated Sex Separation in Multiple Species of Disease Vector Mosquitoes. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020169. [PMID: 35215113 PMCID: PMC8879970 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although several emerging mosquito control technologies are dependent on mass releases of adult males, methods of sex-sorting that can be implemented globally have not yet been established. RNAi screens led to the discovery of siRNA, which targets gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), a gene which is well conserved in multiple species of mosquitoes and located at the sex-determining M locus region in Aedes aegypti. Silencing the A. aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles gambiae, Culex pipiens, and Culex quinquefasciatusGGT genes resulted in female larval death, with no significant impact on male survival. Generation of yeast strains that permitted affordable expression and oral delivery of shRNA corresponding to mosquito GGT genes facilitated larval target gene silencing and generated significantly increased 5 males:1 female adult ratios in each species. Yeast targeting a conserved sequence in Culex GGT genes was incorporated into a larval mass-rearing diet, permitting the generation of fit adult male C. pipiens and C. quinquefasciatus, two species for which labor-intensive manual sex separation had previously been utilized. The results of this study indicate that female-specific yeast-based RNAi larvicides may facilitate global implementation of population-based control strategies that require releases of sterile or genetically modified adult males, and that yeast RNAi strategies can be utilized in various species of mosquitoes that have progressed to different stages of sex chromosome evolution.
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Hafeez M, Ullah F, Khan MM, Li X, Zhang Z, Shah S, Imran M, Assiri MA, Fernández-Grandon GM, Desneux N, Rehman M, Fahad S, Lu Y. Metabolic-based insecticide resistance mechanism and ecofriendly approaches for controlling of beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:1746-1762. [PMID: 34709552 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16974-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The beet army worm, Spodoptera exigua, is a widely distributed polyphagous pest of economically important crops worldwide. The management of this pest insect continues to face many challenges. Despite synthetic chemicals posing a serious threat to the environment, these remain the conventional approach for controlling S. exigua in the field. An over-reliance on chemical control has not only led to selection for resistance to insecticides and to a reduction of natural enemies, but has also polluted various components of ecosystem. Given these increasing pressures on the ecosystem, there is a need to implement integrated pest management (IPM) approaches exploiting a wider range of tools (biotechnological approaches, microbial control, biological control, cultural control, and use of host plant resistance) for an alternative to chemical control. The IPM approach can not only reduce the hazard of chemical residues in the environment and associated health problems, but may also provide best strategies to control insect pests. This review synthesizes published information on insecticide resistance of S. exigua and explores alternative IPM approaches to control S. exigua.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hafeez
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats To the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, People's Republic of China
| | - Farman Ullah
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Muhammad Musa Khan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats To the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats To the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, People's Republic of China
| | - Sakhawat Shah
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Assiri
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Nicolas Desneux
- UMR ISA, Université Côte d'Azur, INRAE, CNRS, 06000, Nice, France
| | - Muzammal Rehman
- School of Agriculture, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650504, Yunnan, China
| | - Shah Fahad
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
- Department of Agronomy, University of Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 22620, Pakistan.
| | - Yaobin Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats To the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, People's Republic of China.
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Wang HC, Wang QH, Bhowmick B, Li YX, Han Q. Functional characterization of two clip domain serine proteases in innate immune responses of Aedes aegypti. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:584. [PMID: 34819136 PMCID: PMC8611957 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05091-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clip domain serine proteases (CLIPs), a very diverse group of proteolytic enzymes, play a crucial role in the innate immunity of insects. Innate immune responses are the first line of defense in mosquitoes against the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms. The Toll pathway, immunodeficiency (IMD) pathway and melanization are the main processes of innate immunity in Aedes aegypti. CLIPS are classified into five subfamilies—CLIPA, CLIPB, CLIPC, CLIPD, and CLIPE—based on their sequence specificity and phylogenetic relationships. We report the functional characterization of the genes that code for two CLIPs in Ae. aegypti (Ae): Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22. Methods Clustal Omega was used for multiple amino acid sequence alignment of Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 with different CLIP genes from other insect species. The spatiotemporal expression profiles of Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 were examined. We determined whether Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 respond to microbial challenge and tissue injury. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to explore the function of Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 in the defense of Ae. aegypti against bacterial and fungal infections. The expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) transcription factors REL1 and REL2 in the Toll pathway and IMD pathway after bacterial infection were investigated. Finally, the change in phenoloxidase (PO) activity in Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 knockdown adults was investigated. Results We performed spatiotemporal gene expression profiling of Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 genes in Ae. aegypti using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. These genes were expressed in different stages and tissues. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for both genes were also up-regulated by Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and fungal Beauveria bassiana infections, as well as in the tissue injury experiments. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Ae-CLIPB15 led to a significant decrease of PO activity in the hemolymph of Ae. aegypti, while other RNAi experiments revealed that both Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 were involved in immune defense against bacterial and fungal infections. The mRNA expression of NF-κB transcription factors REL1 and REL2 in the Toll pathway and IMD pathway differed between Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 knockdown mosquitoes infected with bacteria and wild type mosquitoes infected with bacteria. Conclusions Our findings suggest that Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 play a critical role in mosquito innate immunity, and that they are involved in immune responses to injury and infection. Their regulation of transcription factors and PO activity indicates that they also play a specific role in the regulation of innate immunity. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Cheng Wang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China.,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Hui Wang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China.,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China
| | - Biswajit Bhowmick
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China.,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Xun Li
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China.,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China. .,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China.
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25
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de Castro Poncio L, Dos Anjos FA, de Oliveira DA, Rebechi D, de Oliveira RN, Chitolina RF, Fermino ML, Bernardes LG, Guimarães D, Lemos PA, Silva MNE, Silvestre RGM, Bernardes ES, Paldi N. Novel Sterile Insect Technology Program Results in Suppression of a Field Mosquito Population and Subsequently to Reduced Incidence of Dengue. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:1005-1014. [PMID: 33507265 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a steady rise in the global incidence of Aedes-borne arbovirus disease. It has become urgent to develop alternative solutions for mosquito vector control. We developed a new method of sterilization of male mosquitoes with the goal to suppress a local Aedes aegypti population and to prevent the spread of dengue. METHODS Sterile male mosquitoes were produced from a locally acquired Ae. aegypti colony by using a treatment that includes double-stranded RNA and thiotepa. A field study was conducted with sterile mosquito releases being performed on a weekly basis in predefined areas. There were 2 intervention periods (INT1 and INT2), with treatment and control areas reversed between INT1 and INT2. RESULTS During INT1, releases in the treated area resulted in up to 91.4% reduction of live progeny of field Ae. aegypti mosquitoes recorded over time, while the control neighborhoods (no releases of sterile male mosquitoes) remained highly infested. The successful implementations of the program during INT1 and INT2 were associated with 15.9-fold and 13.7-fold lower incidences of dengue in the treated area compared to the control areas, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our data show the success of this new sterile insect technology-based program in preventing the spread of dengue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marise Lopes Fermino
- Forrest Brasil Tecnologia Ltda, Araucaria, Brazil.,Faculty of Health Sciences of Barretos Dr Paulo Prata, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | - Danton Guimarães
- Sanitary Surveillance of Jacarezinho Municipal Health Department, Jacarezinho, Brazil
| | - Pedro A Lemos
- Epidemiologic Surveillance of Jacarezinho Municipal Health Department, Jacarezinho, Brazil
| | | | | | - Emerson Soares Bernardes
- Forrest Brasil Tecnologia Ltda, Araucaria, Brazil.,Department of Radiopharmacy, Nuclear Energy Research Institute, Radiopharmacy Center, São Paulo, Brazil
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26
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Taracena ML, Garcia Caffaro I, Paiva-Silva GO, Oliveira PL, Rendon PA, Dotson EM, Pennington PM. Delivery of Double-Stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) Produced by Escherichia coli HT115(DE3) for Nontransgenic RNAi-Based Insect Pest Management. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2021; 2360:279-294. [PMID: 34495521 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1633-8_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful mechanism that can be exploited not only for physiology research but also for designing insect pest management approaches. Some insects cause harm by vectoring diseases dangerous to humans, livestock, or plants or by damaging crops. For at least a decade now, different insect control strategies that induce RNAi by delivering double stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting essential genes have been proposed. Here, we focus on nontransgenic RNAi-based approaches that use oral delivery of dsRNA through feeding of inactivated bacteria to produce RNAi in disease vectors and in a crop pest. This potential pest management method could be easily adapted to target different genes or similar organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel L Taracena
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Entomology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Entomology Department, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Isabella Garcia Caffaro
- Centro de Estudios en Biotecnología (CEB) Affiliated to the Centro de Estudios en Salud, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG), Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Gabriela O Paiva-Silva
- Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro L Oliveira
- Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro A Rendon
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Technical Cooperation Projects for the Region of Latin America and the Caribbean, IAEA/TC-LAC - USDA/APHIS - Moscamed Program, Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Ellen M Dotson
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Entomology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pamela M Pennington
- Centro de Estudios en Biotecnología (CEB) Affiliated to the Centro de Estudios en Salud, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG), Guatemala, Guatemala
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27
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Jin B, Zhao Y, Liu P, Sun Y, Li X, Zhang X, Chen XG, Gu J. The direct regulation of Aalbdsx on AalVgR is indispensable for ovarian development in Aedes albopictus. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:1654-1667. [PMID: 33205515 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aedes albopictus is an important vector with an extensive worldwide distribution. Only female mosquitoes play a significant role in the transmission of pathogens. Doublesex (dsx) is a central nexus gene in the insect somatic sex determination hierarchy. RESULTS In this study, we characterized the full-length sex-specific splicing forms of the Ae. albopictus dsx (Aalbdsx) gene. Then, we identified 15 direct target genes of DSX in adult females using digital gene expression combined with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) by performing a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay with specific DSX antibodies. Knockdown of Aalbdsx suppressed ovarian development and decreased the transcript levels of the Aalbdsx target vitellogenin receptor (VgR) gene, whereas vitellogenin (Vg) expression showed an increase in the fat body. Genes in the major Vg regulatory pathway were also up-regulated. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that both Vg and VgR are direct target genes of Aalbdsx and that direct regulation of Aalbdsx on VgR is indispensable for ovarian development in Ae. albopictus, which not only provides a reference for the further elucidation of the evolutionarily conserved role of dsx in Ae. albopictus sexual differentiation but also reveals potential molecular targets for application to the development of sterile male mosquitoes to be released for vector control. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Jin
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijie Zhao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiwen Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaocong Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Guang Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinbao Gu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Abbasi R, Heschuk D, Kim B, Whyard S. A novel paperclip double-stranded RNA structure demonstrates clathrin-independent uptake in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 127:103492. [PMID: 33096213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2020.103492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has become a widely used technique of knocking down a gene's expression in insects, but its efficacy in some species is limited by a reduced ability of the cells to take in and disperse the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) throughout the cytoplasm. While RNA transport proteins such as SID-1 and its orthologues can facilitate dsRNA uptake in some invertebrate species, dsRNA uptake in many insects examined to date appears to be facilitated by clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). In this study, we used pharmacological inhibitors and RNAi-mediated knockdown of endocytic genes to provide evidence that CME is the primary means of dsRNA uptake in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Inhibition of clathrin-mediated endocytosis was sufficient to supress uptake of short (21 nt) interfering RNAs (siRNAs), short (23 nt) hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), and long (>200 nt) dsRNA molecules in Aedes aegypti cultured cells and larvae. In contrast, we observed that short (23 nt) "paperclip" RNAs (pcRNAs), with partially closed ends, efficiently enter cells via a clathrin-independent pathway and effectively facilitate transcript knockdown. This alternative dsRNA structure may prove useful in insects generally considered recalcitrant to RNAi and in insect populations where resistance to RNAi-insecticides may arise through changes in dsRNA uptake mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roohollah Abbasi
- Department of Biological Sciences, 50 Sifton Road, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Daniel Heschuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, 50 Sifton Road, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Brandon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, 50 Sifton Road, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Steve Whyard
- Department of Biological Sciences, 50 Sifton Road, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
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29
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Wiltshire RM, Duman-Scheel M. Advances in oral RNAi for disease vector mosquito research and control. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 40:18-23. [PMID: 32516723 PMCID: PMC8718359 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito vectors in the genera Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex transmit a variety of medically important pathogens. Current vector control tools are reaching the limits of their effectiveness, necessitating the introduction of innovative vector control technologies. RNAi, which facilitates functional characterization of mosquito genes in the laboratory, could one day be applied as a new method of vector control. Recent advances in the oral administration of microbial-based systems for delivery of species-specific interfering RNA pesticides to mosquitoes may facilitate translation of this technology to the field. Oral RNAi-based pesticides represent a new class of biorational pesticides that could combat increased global incidence of insecticide resistance and which could one day become critical components of integrated human disease vector mosquito control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Wiltshire
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave, South Bend, IN 46617, USA; Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave, South Bend, IN 46617, USA; Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
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30
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Munawar K, Alahmed AM, Khalil SMS. Delivery Methods for RNAi in Mosquito Larvae. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2020; 20:5877674. [PMID: 32725159 PMCID: PMC7387866 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito-transmitted diseases pose a threat for a great portion of the world population. Chemical insecticides are the main tool for mosquito control. Heavy dependence on chemicals created several problems such as resistance development in many mosquito species, environmental effects, and human health issues. Other tools for mosquito control were developed and used in some parts of the world. Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) is a reverse genetic mechanism that was recently introduced as a new tool for pest control. Regarding mosquito, RNAi was used to study gene function and to discover genes that can be used as targets for control purposes. Several delivery methods are used to induce RNAi in mosquito larvae. Some methods such as injection and soaking are used routinely in RNAi research but have no application in the field. Other methods such as nanoparticles and microbes have some characteristics that make them good candidates for field application. In this report, we will focus on delivery methods for RNAi in mosquito larvae and will give examples for each method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashif Munawar
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azzam M Alahmed
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sayed M S Khalil
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
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31
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Bouyer J, Culbert NJ, Dicko AH, Pacheco MG, Virginio J, Pedrosa MC, Garziera L, Pinto ATM, Klaptocz A, Germann J, Wallner T, Salvador-Herranz G, Herrero RA, Yamada H, Balestrino F, Vreysen MJB. Field performance of sterile male mosquitoes released from an uncrewed aerial vehicle. Sci Robot 2020; 5:5/43/eaba6251. [DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.aba6251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Genetic control methods of mosquito vectors of malaria, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika are becoming increasingly popular due to the limitations of other techniques such as the use of insecticides. The sterile insect technique is an effective genetic control method to manage insect populations. However, it is crucial to release sterile mosquitoes by air to ensure homogeneous coverage, especially in large areas. Here, we report a fully automated adult mosquito release system operated from an uncrewed aerial vehicle or drone. Our system, developed and tested in Brazil, enabled a homogeneous dispersal of sterile male Aedes aegypti while maintaining their quality, leading to a homogeneous sterile-to-wild male ratio due to their aggregation in the same sites. Our results indicate that the released sterile males were able to compete with the wild males in mating with the wild females; thus, the sterile males were able to induce sterility in the native female population. The use of drones to implement the sterile insect technique will lead to improvements in areal coverage and savings in operational costs due to the requirement of fewer release sites and field staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Bouyer
- Unité Mixte de Recherche ASTRE, CIRAD, INRA, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - N. J. Culbert
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, A-1400 Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Integrative Biology and the Centre for Genomic Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - A. H. Dicko
- WeRobotics, Rue d’Italie 11, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
- Statistics for Development–STATS4D, Sacre Coeur III, 1 bis, P.O 11000, Dakar, Senegal
| | - M. Gomez Pacheco
- Biofábrica Moscamed Brasil, Av. C1, 992 - Quadra D 13, Lote 15, Distrito Industrial do São Francisco, Bahia, Brazil
| | - J. Virginio
- Biofábrica Moscamed Brasil, Av. C1, 992 - Quadra D 13, Lote 15, Distrito Industrial do São Francisco, Bahia, Brazil
| | - M. C. Pedrosa
- Biofábrica Moscamed Brasil, Av. C1, 992 - Quadra D 13, Lote 15, Distrito Industrial do São Francisco, Bahia, Brazil
| | - L. Garziera
- Biofábrica Moscamed Brasil, Av. C1, 992 - Quadra D 13, Lote 15, Distrito Industrial do São Francisco, Bahia, Brazil
| | - A. T. Macedo Pinto
- Biofábrica Moscamed Brasil, Av. C1, 992 - Quadra D 13, Lote 15, Distrito Industrial do São Francisco, Bahia, Brazil
| | - A. Klaptocz
- WeRobotics, Rue d’Italie 11, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - J. Germann
- WeRobotics, Rue d’Italie 11, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - T. Wallner
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, A-1400 Vienna, Austria
- WeRobotics, Rue d’Italie 11, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - G. Salvador-Herranz
- WeRobotics, Rue d’Italie 11, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (I3B), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera, s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - R. Argiles Herrero
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, A-1400 Vienna, Austria
| | - H. Yamada
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, A-1400 Vienna, Austria
| | - F. Balestrino
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, A-1400 Vienna, Austria
- Centro Agricoltura Ambiente “Giorgio Nicoli” S.r.l. (CAA), Via Sant’Agata, 835, 40014 Crevalcore BO, Italy
| | - M. J. B. Vreysen
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, A-1400 Vienna, Austria
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32
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Giesbrecht D, Heschuk D, Wiens I, Boguski D, LaChance P, Whyard S. RNA Interference Is Enhanced by Knockdown of double-stranded RNases in the Yellow Fever Mosquito Aedes Aegypti. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11060327. [PMID: 32471283 PMCID: PMC7349537 DOI: 10.3390/insects11060327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) techniques are being developed for a range of pest insect control technologies, including the sterile insect technique (SIT) and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-based insecticides. In SIT applications, where >99% of the released males should be sterile to meet industry standards, the efficiency of RNAi will need to be improved for many insect species if this technology is to be adopted. Endogenous dsRNases can impede dsRNA delivery in some insects, and, here, we investigated whether dsRNases in the midgut could limit RNAi efficacy in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Ten putative dsRNases were identified in the Ae. aegypti genome, with two highly expressed in the midguts of larvae. Using an ex vivo assay, we observed that dsRNA was rapidly degraded within the mosquito larva’s gut. Double-stranded RNA targeting these two dsRNases, when fed to the larvae, effectively reduced gut dsRNase activity. When these dsRNase-specific dsRNAs were co-delivered with dsRNA targeting a cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) reporter gene, greater knockdown of CFP fluorescence was observed. These results suggest that inhibiting dsRNase activity could enable the implementation of RNAi-based mosquito control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Giesbrecht
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; (D.G.); (D.H.); (I.W.); (P.L.)
| | - Daniel Heschuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; (D.G.); (D.H.); (I.W.); (P.L.)
| | - Ian Wiens
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; (D.G.); (D.H.); (I.W.); (P.L.)
| | - David Boguski
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada;
| | - Parker LaChance
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; (D.G.); (D.H.); (I.W.); (P.L.)
| | - Steve Whyard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; (D.G.); (D.H.); (I.W.); (P.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-204-474-9418
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Dahmana H, Mediannikov O. Mosquito-Borne Diseases Emergence/Resurgence and How to Effectively Control It Biologically. Pathogens 2020; 9:E310. [PMID: 32340230 PMCID: PMC7238209 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9040310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Deadly pathogens and parasites are transmitted by vectors and the mosquito is considered the most threatening vector in public health, transmitting these pathogens to humans and animals. We are currently witnessing the emergence/resurgence in new regions/populations of the most important mosquito-borne diseases, such as arboviruses and malaria. This resurgence may be the consequence of numerous complex parameters, but the major cause remains the mismanagement of insecticide use and the emergence of resistance. Biological control programmes have rendered promising results but several highly effective techniques, such as genetic manipulation, remain insufficiently considered as a control mechanism. Currently, new strategies based on attractive toxic sugar baits and new agents, such as Wolbachia and Asaia, are being intensively studied for potential use as alternatives to chemicals. Research into new insecticides, Insect Growth Regulators, and repellent compounds is pressing, and the improvement of biological strategies may provide key solutions to prevent outbreaks, decrease the danger to at-risk populations, and mitigate resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handi Dahmana
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France;
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France;
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
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34
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Tayler A, Heschuk D, Giesbrecht D, Park JY, Whyard S. Efficiency of RNA interference is improved by knockdown of dsRNA nucleases in tephritid fruit flies. Open Biol 2019; 9:190198. [PMID: 31795920 PMCID: PMC6936256 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.190198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) in insects is routinely used to ascertain gene function, but also has potential as a technology to control pest species. For some insects, such as beetles, ingestion of small quantities of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is able to knock down a targeted gene's expression. However, in other species, ingestion of dsRNA can be ineffective owing to the presence of nucleases within the gut, which degrade dsRNA before it reaches target cells. In this study, we observed that nucleases within the gut of the Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni) rapidly degrade dsRNA and reduce RNAi efficacy. By complexing dsRNA with liposomes within the adult insect's diet, RNAi-mediated knockdown of a melanin synthesis gene, yellow, was improved significantly, resulting in strong RNAi phenotypes. RNAi efficiency was also enhanced by feeding both larvae and adults for several days on dsRNAs that targeted two different dsRNase gene transcripts. Co-delivery of both dsRNase-specific dsRNAs and yellow dsRNA resulted in almost complete knockdown of the yellow transcripts. These findings show that the use of liposomes or co-feeding of nuclease-specific dsRNAs significantly improves RNAi inhibition of gene expression in B. tryoni and could be a useful strategy to improve RNAi-based control in other insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Steve Whyard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CanadaR3T 2N2
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35
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Negri A, Ferrari M, Nodari R, Coppa E, Mastrantonio V, Zanzani S, Porretta D, Bandi C, Urbanelli S, Epis S. Gene silencing through RNAi and antisense Vivo-Morpholino increases the efficacy of pyrethroids on larvae of Anopheles stephensi. Malar J 2019; 18:294. [PMID: 31462239 PMCID: PMC6712854 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2925-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Insecticides are still at the core of insect pest and vector control programmes. Several lines of evidence indicate that ABC transporters are involved in detoxification processes against insecticides, including permethrin and other pyrethroids. In particular, the ABCG4 gene, a member of the G subfamily, has consistently been shown to be up-regulated in response to insecticide treatments in the mosquito malaria vector Anopheles stephensi (both adults and larvae). Methods To verify the actual involvement of this transmembrane protein in the detoxification process of permethrin, bioassays on larvae of An. stephensi, combining the insecticide with a siRNA, specifically designed for the inhibition of ABCG4 gene expression were performed. Administration to larvae of the same siRNA, labeled with a fluorescent molecule, was effected to investigate the systemic distribution of the inhibitory RNA into the larval bodies. Based on siRNA results, similar experiments using antisense Vivo-Morpholinos (Vivo-MOs) were effected. These molecules, compared to siRNA, are expected to guarantee a higher stability in environmental conditions and in the insect gut, and present thus a higher potential for future in-field applications. Results Bioassays using two different concentrations of siRNA, associated with permethrin, led to an increase of larval mortality, compared with results with permethrin alone. These outcomes confirm that ABCG4 transporter plays a role in the detoxification process against the selected insecticide. Moreover, after fluorescent labelling, it was shown the systemic dissemination of siRNA in different body districts of An. stephensi larvae, which suggest a potential systemic effect of the molecule. At the same time, results of Vivo-MO experiments were congruent with those obtained using siRNA, thus confirming the potential of ABCG4 inhibition as a strategy to increase permethrin susceptibility in mosquitoes. For the first time, Vivo-MOs were administered in water to larvae, with evidence for a biological effect. Conclusions Targeting ABCG4 gene for silencing through both techniques resulted in an increased pyrethroid efficacy. These results open the way toward the possibility to exploit ABCG4 inhibition in the context of integrated programmes for the control An. stephensi mosquitoes and malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Negri
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biosciences and Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria/Italian Malaria Network, Via del Giochetto, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Ferrari
- Department of Biosciences and Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, 7620 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX, 78227-5301, USA
| | - Riccardo Nodari
- Department of Biosciences and Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria/Italian Malaria Network, Via del Giochetto, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Edoardo Coppa
- Department of Biosciences and Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Mastrantonio
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine-DIMEVET, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Porretta
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Bandi
- Department of Biosciences and Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria/Italian Malaria Network, Via del Giochetto, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sandra Urbanelli
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Epis
- Department of Biosciences and Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy. .,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria/Italian Malaria Network, Via del Giochetto, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
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36
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Lutrat C, Giesbrecht D, Marois E, Whyard S, Baldet T, Bouyer J. Sex Sorting for Pest Control: It's Raining Men! Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:649-662. [PMID: 31255488 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the pursuit of better pest- and vector-control strategies, attention returns to an old proven technology, the sterile insect technique (SIT) and related insect population-suppression methods. A major obstacle for any of these approaches that involves the release of sterile males is the separation of males from females during the mass rearing stage, in order to improve the cost-efficiency of these methods and to prevent the release of biting and disease-vectoring females. This review describes recent sex-sorting developments in dipteran flies with an emphasis on assessing the suitability of these methods for large-scale rearing of male vectors for mass release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Lutrat
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France; ASTRE, CIRAD, INRA, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - David Giesbrecht
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Eric Marois
- CNRS UPR9022, INSERM U963, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Steve Whyard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Thierry Baldet
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France; ASTRE, CIRAD, INRA, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jérémy Bouyer
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France; Insect Pest Control, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, Austria. @cirad.fr
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37
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Chen J, Lu HR, Zhang L, Liao CH, Han Q. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde synthase affects larval development and adult survival in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:311. [PMID: 31234914 PMCID: PMC6591897 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3568-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cuticle is an indispensable structure that protects the mosquito against adverse environmental conditions and prevents pathogen entry. While most cuticles are hard and rigid, some parts of cuticle are soft and flexible to allow movement and blood-feeding. It has been reported that 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL) synthase is associated with flexible cuticle formation in Aedes aegypti. However, the molecular function of DOPAL synthase in the ontogenesis of mosquito remains largely unknown. In this study, we characterized gene expression profiles of DOPAL synthase and investigated its functions in larvae and female adults of Aedes agypti by RNAi. RESULTS Our results suggest that the expression of DOPAL synthase is different during development and the transcriptional level reached its peak at the female white pupal stage, and DOPAL synthase was more highly expressed in the cuticle and midgut than other tissues in the adult. The development process from larva to pupa was slowed down strikingly by feeding the first-instar larvae with chitosan/DOPAL synthase dsRNA nanoparticles. A qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that the dsRNA-mediated transcription of the DOPAL synthase was reduced > 50% in fourth-instar larvae. Meanwhile, larval molt was abnormal during development. Transmission electron microscopy results indicated that the formation of endocuticle and exocuticle was blocked. In addition, we detected that the dsDOPAL synthase RNA caused significant mortality when injected into the female adult mosquitoes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that DOPAL synthase plays a critical role in mosquito larval development and adult survival and suggest that DOPAL synthase could be a good candidate gene in RNAi intervention strategies in mosquito control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.,Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Hao-Ran Lu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.,Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.,Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Cheng-Hong Liao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China. .,Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
| | - Qian Han
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China. .,Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
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38
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Sohail S, Tariq K, Zheng W, Ali MW, Peng W, Raza MF, Zhang H. RNAi-Mediated Knockdown of Tssk1 and Tektin1 Genes Impair Male Fertility in Bactrocera dorsalis. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10060164. [PMID: 31185651 PMCID: PMC6627857 DOI: 10.3390/insects10060164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The genetic-based sterile insect technique (SIT) is an effective and environmentally safe strategy to diminish populations of agricultural and horticultural insect pests. Functional characterization of genes related to male fertility can enhance the genetic-based SIT. Tssk1 has been involved to control male fertility in both mammals and insects. Moreover, Tektin1 has also been revealed to influence male fertility in both human and mammals. These findings suggested that Tssk1 and Tektin1 identified from Bactrocera dorsalis could be required for male fertility in B. dorsalis. In this study, expression profiles of these two genes were studied at different developmental stages and in various tissues of adult males. Remarkably, it was found that Tssk1 and Tektin1 were highly expressed in the testis of mature adult males of B. dorsalis. Furthermore, Tssk1 and Tektin1 genes were downregulated by using the RNA interference (RNAi) method. Fertility assays including egg laying, hatching, and spermatozoa count were also performed to investigate male fertility of B. dorsalis. Results showed that knockdown of Tssk1 and Tektin1 caused male sterility up to 58.99% and 64.49%, respectively. As expected, the total numbers of spermatozoa were also significantly reduced by 65.83% and 73.9%, respectively. These results suggested that male sterility was happened wing to the low number of spermatozoa. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Tssk1 and Tektin1 are the novel agents that could be used to enhance the genetic-based SIT, or their double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can be used as biopesticides to control the population of B. dorsalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summar Sohail
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Kaleem Tariq
- Department of Agriculture, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan.
| | - Weiwei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Muhammad Waqar Ali
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Wei Peng
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Muhammad Fahim Raza
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
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39
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Taracena ML, Hunt CM, Benedict MQ, Pennington PM, Dotson EM. Downregulation of female doublesex expression by oral-mediated RNA interference reduces number and fitness of Anopheles gambiae adult females. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:170. [PMID: 30992032 PMCID: PMC6466716 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3437-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mosquito-borne diseases affect millions worldwide, with malaria alone killing over 400 thousand people per year and affecting hundreds of millions. To date, the best strategy to prevent the disease remains insecticide-based mosquito control. However, insecticide resistance as well as economic and social factors reduce the effectiveness of the current methodologies. Alternative control technologies are in development, including genetic control such as the sterile insect technique (SIT). The SIT is a pivotal tool in integrated agricultural pest management and could be used to improve malaria vector control. To apply the SIT and most other newer technologies against disease transmitting mosquitoes, it is essential that releases are composed of males with minimal female contamination. The removal of females is an essential requirement because released females can themselves contribute towards nuisance biting and disease transmission. Thus, females need to be eliminated from the cohorts prior to release. Manual separation of Anopheles gambiae pupae or adult mosquitoes based on morphology is time consuming, is not feasible on a large scale and has limited the implementation of the SIT technique. The doublesex (dsx) gene is one of the effector switches of sex determination in the process of sex differentiation in insects. Both males and females have specific splicing variants that are expressed across the different life stages. Using RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce expression of the female specific (dsxF) variant of this gene has proven to have detrimental effects to the females in other mosquito species, such as Aedes aegypti. We tested oral RNAi on dsx (AgdsxF) in An. gambiae. Methods We studied the expression pattern of the dsx gene in the An. gambiae G3 strain. We knocked down AgdsxF expression in larvae through oral delivery of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) produced by bacteria and observed its effects in adults. Results Our results show that feeding of AgdsxF dsRNA can effectively reduce (> 66%) the mRNA of female dsx transcript and that there is a concomitant reduction in the number of female larvae that achieve adulthood. Control groups produced 52% (± 3.9% SE) of adult males and 48% (± 4.0% SE) females, while AgdsxF dsRNA treated groups had 72.1% (± 4.0% SE) males vs 27.8% females (± 3.3% SE). In addition, the female adults produce fewer progeny, 37.1% (± 8.2% SE) less than the controls. The knockdown was sex-specific and had no impact on total numbers of viable male adults, in the male dsx transcripts or male fitness parameters such as longevity or body size. Conclusions These findings indicate that RNAi could be used to improve novel mosquito control strategies that require efficient sex separation and male-only release of An. gambiae by targeting sex determination genes such as AgdsxF. The advantages of using RNAi in a controlled setting for mosquito rearing are numerous, as the dose and time of exposure are controlled, and the possibility of off-target effects and the waste of female production would be significantly reduced. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3437-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel L Taracena
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, MS G49, USA.
| | - Catherine M Hunt
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, MS G49, USA
| | - Mark Q Benedict
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, MS G49, USA
| | - Pamela M Pennington
- Centro de Estudios en Biotecnologia, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, 18 Avenida 11-95, 01015, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Ellen M Dotson
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, MS G49, USA
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40
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Koul A, Deo S, Booy EP, Orriss GL, Genung M, McKenna SA. Impact of double-stranded RNA characteristics on the activation of human 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 2 (OAS2). Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 98:70-82. [PMID: 30965010 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2019-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) are a family of interferon-inducible proteins that, upon activation by double-stranded RNA, polymerize ATP into 2'-5' linked oligoadenylates. In this study, we probed the RNA cofactor specificity of the two smallest isozymes, OAS1 and OAS2. First, we developed a strategy for the expression and purification of recombinant human OAS2 from eukaryotic cells and quantified the activity of the enzyme relative to OAS1 in vitro. We then confirmed that both OAS2 domains, as opposed to only the domain containing the canonical catalytic aspartic acid triad, are required for enzymatic activity. Enzyme kinetics of both OAS1 and OAS2 in the presence of a variety of RNA binding partners enabled characterization of the maximum reaction velocity and apparent RNA-protein affinity of activating RNAs. While in this study OAS1 can be catalytically activated by dsRNA of any length greater than 19 bp, OAS2 showed a marked increase in activity with increasing dsRNA length with a minimum requirement of 35 bp. Interestingly, activation of OAS2 was also more efficient when the dsRNA contained 3'-overhangs, despite no significant impact on binding affinity. Highly structured viral RNAs that are established OAS1 activators were not able to activate OAS2 enzymatic activity based on the lack of extended stretches of dsRNA of greater than 35 bp. Together these results may highlight distinct subsets of biological RNAs to which different human OAS isozymes respond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Koul
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Soumya Deo
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Evan P Booy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - George L Orriss
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Matthew Genung
- Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0W2, Canada
| | - Sean A McKenna
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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41
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Rocco DA, Garcia ASG, Scudeler EL, Dos Santos DC, Nóbrega RH, Paluzzi JPV. Glycoprotein Hormone Receptor Knockdown Leads to Reduced Reproductive Success in Male Aedes aegypti. Front Physiol 2019; 10:266. [PMID: 30941056 PMCID: PMC6433794 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycoprotein hormone receptors mediate a diverse range of physiological functions in vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. The heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone GPA2/GPB5 and its receptor LGR1, constitute a recently discovered invertebrate neuroendocrine signaling system that remains to be functionally characterized. We previously reported that LGR1 is expressed in the testes of adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, where its immunoreactivity is particularly regionalized. Here, we show that LGR1 immunoreactivity is associated with the centriole adjunct of spermatids and is observed transiently during spermatogenesis in mosquitoes, where it may act to mediate the regulation of flagellar development. RNA interference to downregulate LGR1 expression was accomplished by feeding mosquito larvae with bacteria that produced LGR1-specific dsRNA, which led to defects in spermatozoa, characterized with shortened flagella. LGR1 knockdown mosquitoes also retained ∼60% less spermatozoa in reproductive organs and demonstrated reduced fertility compared to controls. To date, the endocrine regulation of spermatogenesis in mosquitoes remains an understudied research area. The distribution of LGR1 and detrimental effects of its knockdown on spermatogenesis in A. aegypti indicates that this heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone signaling system contributes significantly to the regulation of male reproductive biology in this important disease-vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Rocco
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ana S G Garcia
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Elton L Scudeler
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Daniela C Dos Santos
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil.,Electron Microscopy Center, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Rafael H Nóbrega
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
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Abstract
Zika virus infection and dengue and chikungunya fevers are emerging viral diseases that have become public health threats. Their aetiologic agents are transmitted by the bite of genus Aedes mosquitoes. Without effective therapies or vaccines, vector control is the main strategy for preventing the spread of these diseases. Increased insecticide resistance calls for biorational actions focused on control of the target vector population. The chitin required for larval survival structures is a good target for biorational control. Chitin synthases A and B (CHS) are enzymes in the chitin synthesis pathway. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated gene silencing (RNAi) achieves specific knockdown of target proteins. Our goal in this work, a new proposed RNAi-based bioinsecticide, was developed as a potential strategy for mosquito population control. DsRNA molecules that target five different regions in the CHSA and B transcript sequences were produced in vitro and in vivo through expression in E. coli HT115 and tested by direct addition to larval breeding water. Mature and immature larvae treated with dsRNA targeting CHS catalytic sites showed significantly decreased viability associated with a reduction in CHS transcript levels. The few larval and adult survivors displayed an altered morphology and chitin content. In association with diflubenzuron, this bioinsecticide exhibited insecticidal adjuvant properties.
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43
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Gu X, Li Z, Su Y, Zhao Y, Liu L. Imaginal disc growth factor 4 regulates development and temperature adaptation in Bactrocera dorsalis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:931. [PMID: 30700762 PMCID: PMC6353879 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37414-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an important invasive pest with high reproductive capacity and invasiveness; it has shown remarkable range expansion and brings higher risk to the environment and agriculture. The insect cuticle serves as skin and skeleton, protecting insects against numerous harmful stresses. One gene named imaginal disc growth factor 4 (idgf4) which is involved in cuticle formation, plays an important role in organizing proteins in the chitin-matrix, as well as in adult molting. This gene in the poorly-described glycoside hydrolase 18 (GH 18) family was chosen to study the function of chitinases in insect defense barrier against heat and molting using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and RNA interference (RNAi). qRT- PCR showed that idgf4 was expressed in all nine developmental stages and was mainly expressed in the early and late pupal, as well as adult stages. Knocking down the idgf4 gene via RNAi in 3rd instar larvae led to the decreased survival of larvae under high temperatures and malformed individuals as adults. The results indicated the function of the idgf4 gene in the fruit fly’s defense barrier and development. It can provide new insights into understanding the function of one member in the GH 18 family, and may reveal a new potential gene for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Gu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhihong Li
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yun Su
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lijun Liu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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44
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Achee NL, Grieco JP, Vatandoost H, Seixas G, Pinto J, Ching-Ng L, Martins AJ, Juntarajumnong W, Corbel V, Gouagna C, David JP, Logan JG, Orsborne J, Marois E, Devine GJ, Vontas J. Alternative strategies for mosquito-borne arbovirus control. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0006822. [PMID: 30605475 PMCID: PMC6317787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mosquito-borne viruses—such as Zika, chikungunya, dengue fever, and yellow fever, among others—are of global importance. Although vaccine development for prevention of mosquito-borne arbovirus infections has been a focus, mitigation strategies continue to rely on vector control. However, vector control has failed to prevent recent epidemics and arrest expanding geographic distribution of key arboviruses, such as dengue. As a consequence, there has been increasing necessity to further optimize current strategies within integrated approaches and advance development of alternative, innovative strategies for the control of mosquito-borne arboviruses. Methods and findings This review, intended as a general overview, is one of a series being generated by the Worldwide Insecticide resistance Network (WIN). The alternative strategies discussed reflect those that are currently under evaluation for public health value by the World Health Organization (WHO) and represent strategies of focus by globally recognized public health stakeholders as potential insecticide resistance (IR)-mitigating strategies. Conditions where these alternative strategies could offer greatest public health value in consideration of mitigating IR will be dependent on the anticipated mechanism of action. Arguably, the most pressing need for endorsement of the strategies described here will be the epidemiological evidence of a public health impact. Conclusions As the burden of mosquito-borne arboviruses, predominately those transmitted by Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus, continues to grow at a global scale, new vector-control tools and integrated strategies will be required to meet public health demands. Decisions regarding implementation of alternative strategies will depend on key ecoepidemiological parameters that each is intended to optimally impact toward driving down arbovirus transmission. International public health workers are challenged by the burden of arthropod-borne viral diseases, to include mosquito-borne arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus due in part to lack of sustainable vector control and insecticide resistance (IR), as well as the inability to scale up and sustain existing interventions for prevention of urban epidemics. As a consequence, there has been increasing interest to advance the development of alternative methods. This review provides a general overview of alternative vector-control strategies under development for the control of arbovirus mosquito vectors and highlights how each could offer innovative public health value. Considerations to regulations, acceptance, and sustainability are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Achee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - John P Grieco
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Hassan Vatandoost
- Department of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Gonçalo Seixas
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joao Pinto
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lee Ching-Ng
- Environmental Health Institute (EHI), National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore
| | - Ademir J Martins
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Vincent Corbel
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs, Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution et Contrôle, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Clement Gouagna
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs, Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution et Contrôle, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Philippe David
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine (LECA), Université Grenoble-Alpes, Domaine universitaire de Saint Martin d'Hères, Grenoble, France
| | - James G Logan
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,ARCTEC, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Orsborne
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Marois
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR 9022, INSERM U963, Strasbourg, France
| | - Gregor J Devine
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - John Vontas
- Institute Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH), Crete, Greece.,Pesticide Science Lab, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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45
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Mysore K, Hapairai LK, Wei N, Realey JS, Scheel ND, Severson DW, Duman-Scheel M. Preparation and Use of a Yeast shRNA Delivery System for Gene Silencing in Mosquito Larvae. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1858:213-231. [PMID: 30414120 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8775-7_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mosquito genome projects facilitated research in new facets of mosquito biology, including functional genetic studies in the dengue and Zika virus vector Aedes aegypti and the primary African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. RNA interference (RNAi) has facilitated gene silencing experiments in both of these disease vector mosquito species and could one day be applied as a new method of vector control. Here, we describe a procedure for the genetic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) that express short hairpin RNA (shRNA) corresponding to mosquito target genes of interest. Following cultivation, which facilitates inexpensive propagation of shRNA, the yeast is inactivated and prepared in a ready-to-use dry tablet formulation that is fed to mosquito larvae. Ingestion of the yeast tablets results in effective larval target gene silencing. This technically straightforward and affordable technique may be applicable to a wide variety of mosquito species and potentially to other arthropods that feed on yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshava Mysore
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Limb K Hapairai
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Na Wei
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Jacob S Realey
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Nicholas D Scheel
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - David W Severson
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN, USA.
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
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46
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Abstract
The global economic cost of Aedes-borne diseases, such as dengue, is estimated to be in the billions of dollars annually. In this scenario, a sustained vector control strategy is the only alternative to control dengue, as well as other diseases transmitted by Aedes, including Zika and chikungunya. The use of transgenic mosquitoes is a promising weapon in the improvement of approaches currently applied in Aedes aegypti control. Field trials using genetically modified mosquitoes for population control have been conducted and offer an excellent opportunity to evaluate what can be improved. In a mass-rearing mosquito facility, the absence of a transgenic line that produces male-only progeny is undoubtedly a limiting factor; thus, being able to manipulate sex determination in this species is a fundamental step for the success of this strategy. Likewise, the possibility of manipulation of the sex determination pathway opens-up a new opportunity for disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bianca Burini Kojin
- Department of Entomology, Texas A & M University, Minnie Belle Heep Center, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Margareth Lara Capurro
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.
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Papathanos PA, Bourtzis K, Tripet F, Bossin H, Virginio JF, Capurro ML, Pedrosa MC, Guindo A, Sylla L, Coulibaly MB, Yao FA, Epopa PS, Diabate A. A perspective on the need and current status of efficient sex separation methods for mosquito genetic control. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:654. [PMID: 30583720 PMCID: PMC6304774 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3222-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Major efforts are currently underway to develop novel, complementary methods to combat mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquito genetic control strategies (GCSs) have become an increasingly important area of research on account of their species-specificity, track record in targeting agricultural insect pests, and their environmentally non-polluting nature. A number of programs targeting Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes, vectors of human arboviruses and malaria respectively, are currently being developed or deployed in many parts of the world. Operationally implementing these technologies on a large scale however, beyond proof-of-concept pilot programs, is hampered by the absence of adequate sex separation methods. Sex separation eliminates females in the laboratory from male mosquitoes prior to release. Despite the need for sex separation for the control of mosquitoes, there have been limited efforts in recent years in developing systems that are fit-for-purpose. In this special issue of Parasites and Vectors we report on the progress of the global Coordinated Research Program on “Exploring genetic, molecular, mechanical and behavioural methods for sex separation in mosquitoes” that is led by the Insect Pest Control Subprogramme of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture with the specific aim of building efficient sex separation systems for mosquito species. In an effort to overcome current barriers we briefly highlight what we believe are the three main reasons why progress has been so slow in developing appropriate sex separation systems: the availability of methods that are not scalable, the difficulty of building the ideal genetic systems and, finally, the lack of research efforts in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippos Aris Papathanos
- Department of Entomology, The Robert H Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frederic Tripet
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Hervé Bossin
- Laboratoire d'Entomologie Médicale, Institut Louis Malardé, BP 30, 98713, Papeete, French Polynesia.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée infection, Marseille, France
| | | | - Margareth Lara Capurro
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Michelle Cristine Pedrosa
- Biofabrica Moscamed Brazil, Industrial District, Juazeiro, BA, Brazil.,Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Amadou Guindo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Bamako, BP: 1805, Mali
| | - Lakamy Sylla
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Bamako, BP: 1805, Mali
| | - Mamadou B Coulibaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Bamako, BP: 1805, Mali
| | - Franck Adama Yao
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Patric Stephane Epopa
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Abdoulaye Diabate
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
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Raje KR, Peterson BF, Scharf ME. Screening of 57 Candidate Double-Stranded RNAs for Insecticidal Activity Against the Pest Termite Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 111:2782-2787. [PMID: 30272186 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toy294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference insecticides have received increasing attention in recent years due to their classification as a reduced-risk biopesticide and their proposed faster path to registration compared with conventional synthetic insecticides. The goal of this study was to synthesize and compare efficacy of 62 double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) from 31 target genes against the pest termite species, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Fifty-seven dsRNAs of ~125 base pairs each were successfully synthesized. First-tier screens using a combination immersion/feeding assay revealed 10 top candidates and also that dsRNAs coming from synthesis reactions with 80-90× yields were the most effective. Follow-up studies using uptake enhancers in combination with top candidate dsRNAs were unsuccessful. Subsequent concentration range feeding assays on the top candidates revealed two lead termiticidal dsRNAs (3' Hexamerin-2 and 3' Glycosyl Hydrolase Family [GHF] 9-2 cellulase) and another that enhanced feeding (5' GHF9-2 cellulase). Testing a matrix of combinations of these three dsRNAs revealed ultimately that the most consistently effective dsRNA combination was the 3' Hexamerin-2 + 3' GHF9-2 cellulase dsRNA combination. These results provide new information on candidate termiticidal dsRNAs and some apparent factors that have a bearing on their efficacy. Despite these successes, further research and development will be necessary to move dsRNA termiticides from pest management theory to real-world application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapil R Raje
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
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49
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Improving Estimates of Fried’s Index from Mating Competitiveness Experiments. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL, BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s13253-018-0333-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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50
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RNA Interference-Mediated Knockdown of Male Fertility Genes in the Queensland Fruit Fly Bactrocera tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae). INSECTS 2018; 9:insects9030096. [PMID: 30103378 PMCID: PMC6163526 DOI: 10.3390/insects9030096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, is Australia’s most important horticultural pest. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has been used to control this species for decades, using radiation to sterilize males before field-release. This method of sterilization can potentially reduce the insects’ abilities to compete for mates. In this study, RNA interference (RNAi) techniques were examined for their potential to sterilize male B. tryoni without adversely affecting mating competitiveness. B. tryoni adults were injected or fed double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) targeting spermatogenesis genes (tssk1, topi and trxt); quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR analyses confirmed that transcript levels were reduced 60–80% for all three genes following injections. Feeding produced a significant gene knockdown for tssk1 and trxt after three days, but interestingly, two genes (trxt and topi) produced an excess of transcripts after 10 days of feeding. Despite these fluctuations in transcript levels, all three dsRNAs impacted the fecundity of treated males, with tssk1- and topi-dsRNA-treated males producing 75% fewer viable offspring than the negative controls. Mating competition assays demonstrated that dsRNA-treated males can actively compete with untreated males. These findings suggest that RNAi technology could serve as an alternative to radiation as a means of sterilizing these insects in an SIT program.
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