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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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2
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Bonina V, Arpaia S. The use of RNA interference for the management of arthropod pests in livestock farms. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:631-646. [PMID: 37401856 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Pest management in farm animals is an important action to contain economic damage to livestock production and prevent transmission of severe diseases to the stock. The use of chemical insecticides is still the most common approach followed by farmers; however, avoiding possible toxic effects on animals is a fundamental task for pest control measures compatible with animal well-being. Moreover, legal constraints and insurgence of resistance by target species to the available insecticidal compounds are increasingly complicating farmers' operations. Alternatives to chemical pesticides have been explored with some promising results in the area of biological control or the use of natural products as sprays. The application of RNA interference techniques has enabled the production of new means of pest control in agriculture, and it is opening a promising avenue for controlling arthropod pests of livestock. Transcript depletion of specific target genes of the recipient organisms is based on the action of double-strand RNAs (dsRNA) capable of impairing the production of fundamental proteins. Their mode of action, based on the specific recognition of short genomic sequences, is expected to be highly selective towards non-target organisms potentially exposed; in addition, there are physical and chemical barriers to dsRNA uptake by mammalian cells that render these products practically innocuous for higher animals. Summarising existing literature on gene silencing for main taxa of arthropod pests of livestock (Acarina, Diptera, Blattoidea), this review explores the perspectives of practical applications of dsRNA-based pesticides against the main pests of farm animals. Knowledge gaps are summarised to stimulate additional research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Bonina
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Arpaia
- ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, TERIN-BBC Research Centre Trisaia, Rotondella, Matera, Italy
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3
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Djihinto OY, Meacci D, Medjigodo AA, Bernardini F, Djogbénou LS. Relative expression of key genes involved in nucleic acids methylation in Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:754-766. [PMID: 37417368 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrates, enzymes responsible for DNA methylation, one of the epigenetic mechanisms, are encoded by genes falling into the cytosine methyltransferases genes family (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a,b and Dnmt3L). However, in Diptera, only the methyltransferase Dnmt2 was found, suggesting that DNA methylation might act differently for species in this order. Moreover, genes involved in epigenetic dynamics, such as Ten-eleven Translocation dioxygenases (TET) and Methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBDs), present in vertebrates, might play a role in insects. This work aimed at investigating nucleic acids methylation in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) by analysing the expression of Dnmt2, TET2 and MBDs genes using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) at pre-immature stages and in reproductive tissues of adult mosquitoes. In addition, the effect of two DNA methylation inhibitors on larval survival was evaluated. The qPCR results showed an overall low expression of Dnmt2 at all developmental stages and in adult reproductive tissues. In contrast, MBD and TET2 showed an overall higher expression. In adult mosquito reproductive tissues, the expression level of the three genes in males' testes was significantly higher than that in females' ovaries. The chemical treatments did not affect larval survival. The findings suggest that mechanisms other than DNA methylation underlie epigenetic regulation in An. gambiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oswald Y Djihinto
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research Centre (TIDRC), University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Dario Meacci
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
| | - Adandé A Medjigodo
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research Centre (TIDRC), University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Federica Bernardini
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
| | - Luc S Djogbénou
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research Centre (TIDRC), University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
- Institut Régional de Santé Publique (IRSP), University of Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Benin
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4
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Hernández Elizárraga VH, Ballantyne S, O'Brien LG, Americo JA, Suhr ST, Senut MC, Minerich B, Merkes CM, Edwards TM, Klymus K, Richter CA, Waller DL, Passamaneck YJ, Rebelo MF, Gohl DM. Toward invasive mussel genetic biocontrol: Approaches, challenges, and perspectives. iScience 2023; 26:108027. [PMID: 37860763 PMCID: PMC10583111 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108027] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive freshwater mussels, such as the zebra (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), and golden (Limnoperna fortunei) mussel have spread outside their native ranges throughout many regions of the North American, South American, and European continents in recent decades, damaging infrastructure and the environment. This review describes ongoing efforts by multiple groups to develop genetic biocontrol methods for invasive mussels. First, we provide an overview of genetic biocontrol strategies that have been applied in other invasive or pest species. Next, we summarize physical and chemical methods that are currently in use for invasive mussel control. We then describe the multidisciplinary approaches our groups are employing to develop genetic biocontrol tools for invasive mussels. Finally, we discuss the challenges and limitations of applying genetic biocontrol tools to invasive mussels. Collectively, we aim to openly share information and combine expertise to develop practical tools to enable the management of invasive freshwater mussels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott Ballantyne
- Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin River Falls, River Falls, WI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Christopher M. Merkes
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, USA
| | - Thea M. Edwards
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Katy Klymus
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Catherine A. Richter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Diane L. Waller
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, USA
| | - Yale J. Passamaneck
- Bureau of Reclamation, Technical Service Center, Hydraulic Investigations and Laboratory Services, Ecological Research Laboratory, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Mauro F. Rebelo
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daryl M. Gohl
- University of Minnesota Genomics Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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5
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Ding J, Cui C, Wang G, Wei G, Bai L, Li Y, Sun P, Dong L, Liu Z, Yun J, Li F, Li K, He L, Wang S. Engineered Gut Symbiotic Bacterium-Mediated RNAi for Effective Control of Anopheles Mosquito Larvae. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0166623. [PMID: 37458601 PMCID: PMC10433860 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01666-23] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Anopheles mosquitoes are the primary vectors for the transmission of malaria parasites, which poses a devastating burden on global public health and welfare. The recent invasion of Anopheles stephensi in Africa has made malaria eradication more challenging due to its outdoor biting behavior and widespread resistance to insecticides. To address this issue, we developed a new approach for mosquito larvae control using gut microbiota-mediated RNA interference (RNAi). We engineered a mosquito symbiotic gut bacterium, Serratia fonticola, by deleting its RNase III gene to produce double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) in the mosquito larval gut. We found that the engineered S. fonticola strains can stably colonize mosquito larval guts and produce dsRNAs dsMet or dsEcR to activate RNAi and effectively suppress the expression of methoprene-tolerant gene Met and ecdysone receptor gene EcR, which encode receptors for juvenile hormone and ecdysone pathways in mosquitoes, respectively. Importantly, the engineered S. fonticola strains markedly inhibit the development of A. stephensi larvae and leads to a high mortality, providing an effective dsRNA delivery system for silencing genes in insects and a novel RNAi-mediated pest control strategy. Collectively, our symbiont-mediated RNAi (smRNAi) approach offers an innovative and sustainable method for controlling mosquito larvae and provides a promising strategy for combating malaria. IMPORTANCE Mosquitoes are vectors for various diseases, imposing a significant threat to public health globally. The recent invasion of A. stephensi in Africa has made malaria eradication more challenging due to its outdoor biting behavior and widespread resistance to insecticides. RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising approach that uses dsRNA to silence specific genes in pests. This study presents the use of a gut symbiotic bacterium, Serratia fonticola, as an efficient delivery system of dsRNA for RNAi-mediated pest control. The knockout of RNase III, a dsRNA-specific endonuclease gene, in S. fonticola using CRISPR-Cas9 led to efficient dsRNA production. Engineered strains of S. fonticola can colonize the mosquito larval gut and effectively suppress the expression of two critical genes, Met and EcR, which inhibit mosquito development and cause high mortality in mosquito larvae. This study highlights the potential of exploring the mosquito microbiota as a source of dsRNA for RNAi-based pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Ding
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunlai Cui
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guandong Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ge Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Bai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peilu Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Dong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zicheng Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Yun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin He
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sibao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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6
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Smidler AL, Pai JJ, Apte RA, Sánchez C. HM, Corder RM, Jeffrey Gutiérrez E, Thakre N, Antoshechkin I, Marshall JM, Akbari OS. A confinable female-lethal population suppression system in the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade8903. [PMID: 37406109 PMCID: PMC10321730 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade8903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is among the world's deadliest diseases, predominantly affecting Sub-Saharan Africa and killing over half a million people annually. Controlling the principal vector, the mosquito Anopheles gambiae, as well as other anophelines, is among the most effective methods to control disease spread. Here, we develop a genetic population suppression system termed Ifegenia (inherited female elimination by genetically encoded nucleases to interrupt alleles) in this deadly vector. In this bicomponent CRISPR-based approach, we disrupt a female-essential gene, femaleless (fle), demonstrating complete genetic sexing via heritable daughter gynecide. Moreover, we demonstrate that Ifegenia males remain reproductively viable and can load both fle mutations and CRISPR machinery to induce fle mutations in subsequent generations, resulting in sustained population suppression. Through modeling, we demonstrate that iterative releases of nonbiting Ifegenia males can act as an effective, confinable, controllable, and safe population suppression and elimination system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Smidler
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - James J. Pai
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Reema A. Apte
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Héctor M. Sánchez C.
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Rodrigo M. Corder
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Eileen Jeffrey Gutiérrez
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Oxitec Ltd., Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Neha Thakre
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Igor Antoshechkin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - John M. Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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7
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James SL, Quemada H, Benedict MQ, Dass B. Requirements for market entry of gene drive-modified mosquitoes for control of vector-borne diseases: analogies to other biologic and biotechnology products. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1205865. [PMID: 37362219 PMCID: PMC10285705 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1205865] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene drive-modified mosquitoes (GDMMs) are proposed as new tools for control and elimination of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, and promising results have been observed from testing conducted in containment. Although still at an early stage of development, it is important to begin now to consider approval procedures and market entry strategies for the eventual implementation of GDMMs in the context of disease control programs, as these could impact future research plans. It is expected that, as for other types of new products, those seeking to bring GDMMs to market will be required to provide sufficient information to allow the regulator(s) to determine whether the product is safe and effective for its proposed use. There already has been much emphasis on developing requirements for the biosafety components of the "safe and effective" benchmark, largely concerned with their regulation as genetically modified organisms. Other potential approval requirements have received little attention, however. Although GDMMs are expected to be implemented primarily in the context of public health programs, any regulatory analogies to other public health products, such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, or chemical pesticides, must take into account the characteristics of live mosquito products. Typical manufacturing standards related to product identity, potency or quality will need to be adapted to GDMMs. Valuable lessons can be drawn from the regulatory approval processes for other whole organism and genetically modified (GM) organism products. Supply chain requirements, such as scale of production, location and design of production facilities, and methods of distribution and delivery, will be dependent upon the characteristics of the particular GDMM product, the conditions of use, and the region to be served. Plans for fulfilling supply chain needs can build upon experience in the development of other live insect products for use in public health and agriculture. Implementation of GDMMs would benefit from additional research on enabling technologies for long-term storage of mosquito life stages, efficient mass production, and area-wide delivery of GDMMs. Early consideration of these practical requirements for market entry will help to mitigate downstream delays in the development of these promising new technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L. James
- GeneConvene Global Collaborative, Foundation for the NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Brinda Dass
- GeneConvene Global Collaborative, Foundation for the NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
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8
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Figueiredo Prates LH, Merlau M, Rühl-Teichner J, Schetelig MF, Häcker I. An Optimized/Scale Up-Ready Protocol for Extraction of Bacterially Produced dsRNA at Good Yield and Low Costs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119266. [PMID: 37298215 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119266] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can trigger RNA interference (RNAi) and lead to directed silencing of specific genes. This natural defense mechanism and RNA-based products have been explored for their potential as a sustainable and ecofriendly alternative for pest control of species of agricultural importance and disease vectors. Yet, further research, development of new products and possible applications require a cost-efficient production of dsRNA. In vivo transcription of dsRNA in bacterial cells has been widely used as a versatile and inducible system for production of dsRNA combined with a purification step required to extract the dsRNA. Here, we optimized an acidic phenol-based protocol for extraction of bacterially produced dsRNA at low cost and good yield. In this protocol, bacterial cells are efficiently lysed, with no viable bacterial cells present in the downstream steps of the purification. Furthermore, we performed a comparative dsRNA quality and yield assessment of our optimized protocol and other protocols available in the literature and confirmed the cost-efficiency of our optimized protocol by comparing the cost of extraction and yields of each extraction method.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maximilian Merlau
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany
| | - Johanna Rühl-Teichner
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany
| | - Marc F Schetelig
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany
| | - Irina Häcker
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35394 Giessen, Germany
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9
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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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10
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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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11
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Djihinto O, Saizonou HD, Djogbenou LS. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the doublesex ( dsx) gene splice sites and relevance for its alternative splicing in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 7:31. [PMID: 37546169 PMCID: PMC10397894 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17572.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria burden continues to be significant in tropical regions, and conventional vector control methods are faced with challenges such as insecticide resistance. To overcome these challenges, additional vector control interventions are vital and include modern genetic approaches as well as classical methods like the sterile insect technique (SIT). In the major human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, a candidate gene favourable for sterility induction is the doublesex ( dsx) gene, involved in mosquitos' somatic sexually dimorphic traits determination. However, the pathways that trigger the signal of dsx gene exon skipping alternative splicing mechanism in anopheline mosquitoes are not well characterized. This study aims to screen the An. gambiae dsx gene splice site sequences for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that could be critical to its alternative splicing. Methods: Variant annotation data from Ag1000G project phase 2 was analysed, in order to identify splice-relevant SNPs within acceptor and donor splice sites of the An. gambiae dsx gene ( Agdsx). Results: SNPs were found in both donor and acceptor sites of the Agdsx. No splice-relevant SNPs were identified in the female-specific intron 4 acceptor site and the corresponding region in males. Two SNPs (rs48712947, rs48712962) were found in the female-specific donor site of exon 5. They were not specific to either males or females as the rs48712947 was found in female mosquitoes from Cameroon, and in both males and females from Burkina Faso. In the other splice sites, the intron 3 acceptor site carried the greatest abundance of SNPs. Conclusions: There were no gender association between the identified SNPs and the random distribution of these SNPs in mosquito populations. The SNPs in Agdsx splice sites are not critical for the alternative splicing. Other molecular mechanisms should be considered and investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oswald Djihinto
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research Centre (TIDRC), University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, 01BP526 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Helga D.M. Saizonou
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research Centre (TIDRC), University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, 01BP526 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Luc S. Djogbenou
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research Centre (TIDRC), University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, 01BP526 Cotonou, Benin
- Institut Régional de Santé Publique, University of Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, BP 384 Ouidah, Benin
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
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12
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Djihinto O, Saizonou HD, Djogbenou LS. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the doublesex (dsx) gene splice sites and relevance for its alternative splicing in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. Wellcome Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17572.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria burden continues to be significant in tropical regions, and conventional vector control methods are faced with challenges such as insecticide resistance. To overcome these challenges, additional vector control interventions are vital and include modern genetic approaches as well as classical methods like the sterile insect technique (SIT). In the major human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, a candidate gene favourable for sterility induction is the doublesex (dsx) gene, involved in mosquitos’ somatic sexually dimorphic traits determination. However, the pathways that trigger the signal of dsx gene exon skipping alternative splicing mechanism in anopheline mosquitoes are not well characterized. This study aims to screen the An. gambiae dsx gene splice site sequences for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that could be critical to its alternative splicing. Methods: Variant annotation data from Ag1000G project phase 2 was analysed, in order to identify splice-relevant SNPs within acceptor and donor splice sites of the An. gambiae dsx gene (Agdsx). Results: SNPs were found in both donor and acceptor sites of the Agdsx. No splice-relevant SNPs were identified in the female-specific intron 4 acceptor site and the corresponding region in males. Two SNPs (rs48712947, rs48712962) were found in the female-specific donor site of exon 5. They were not specific to either males or females as the rs48712947 was found in female mosquitoes from Cameroon, and in both males and females from Burkina Faso. In the other splice sites, the intron 3 acceptor site carried the greatest abundance of SNPs. Conclusions: There were no gender association between the identified SNPs and the random distribution of these SNPs in mosquito populations. The SNPs in Agdsx splice sites are not critical for the alternative splicing. Other molecular mechanisms should be considered and investigated.
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13
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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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14
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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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15
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Ranian K, Kashif Zahoor M, Zulhussnain M, Ahmad A. CRISPR/Cas9 mediated sex-ratio distortion by sex specific gene editing in Aedes aegypti. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:3015-3022. [PMID: 35531165 PMCID: PMC9073027 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2022.01.034] [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: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is a principal vector for several viruses including dengue virus, chikungunya virus and zika virus. Economic burden of mosquito-borne diseases, relative failure of traditional control strategies and the resistance development against insecticides enforces towards genetic manipulation of Ae. aegypti. Hence, a key gene doublesex (Aedsx) which regulate sex differentiation and alternatively splices to form male and female specific transcripts (AedsxM and AedsxF ). CRISPR/Cas9 technique was employed to sex specifically disrupt the female-specific isoforms, AedsxF1 and AedsxF2 , both of which were shown to be expressed only in female mosquitoes. Targeting of dsxF at the developmental stage has resulted in various phenotypic anomalies of adult females. The rate of adult mutation phenotype was recorded between 29 and 37% along with anomalies of wing size, proboscis length and reduction in the sizes of pre-blood-meal and after blood-meal ovaries in dsxF1 and dsxF2 microinjected groups, respectively. These findings can be correlated with reduced fecundity rate of Go female, where AedsxF1 and AedsxF2 groups showed reduction rate in range of 23-31%. Furthermore, hatching inhibition rate of 28 to 36% was also observed in G1 generation when compared to the wildtype. Overall, these results demonstrated that AedsxF disruption has resulted in multiple female traits disruption including decreased fertility of the female that could directly or indirectly associated with reproduction and its disease transmitting abilities. All these findings suggesting that CRISPR works to alter the developmental pathways as predicted, and therefore this method potentially gives us the basis for the sex-ratio distortion system as genetic control approach for the management of this vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanwal Ranian
- Department of Zoology, Government College University 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, Pakistan
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16
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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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17
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Djihinto O, Saizonou HD, Djogbenou LS. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the doublesex (dsx) gene splice sites and relevance for its alternative splicing in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. Wellcome Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17572.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The malaria burden continues to be significant in tropical regions, and conventional vector control methods are faced with challenges such as insecticide resistance. To overcome these challenges, additional vector control interventions are vital and include modern genetic approaches as well as classical methods like the sterile insect technique (SIT). In the major human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, a candidate gene favourable for sterility induction is the doublesex (dsx) gene, encoding somatic sexually dimorphic traits in mosquitoes. However, the mechanism that regulates the expression of this gene in anopheline mosquitoes is poorly understood. This study aimed to screen the An. gambiae dsx gene splice site sequences for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that could be critical to its alternative splicing. Methods: Variant annotation data from Ag1000G project phase 2 was analysed, in order to identify splice-relevant SNPs within acceptor and donor splice sites of the An. gambiae dsx gene (Agdsx). Results: SNPs were found in both donor and acceptor sites of the Agdsx. No splice-relevant SNPs were identified in the female-specific intron 4 acceptor site and the corresponding region in males. Two SNPs (rs48712947, rs48712962) were found in the female-specific donor site of exon 5. They were not specific to either males or females as the rs48712947 was found in female mosquitoes from Cameroon, and in both males and females from Burkina Faso. In the other splice sites, the intron 3 acceptor site carried the greatest abundance of SNPs. Conclusions: There were no gender association between the identified SNPs and the random distribution of these SNPs in mosquito populations. The SNPs in Agdsx splice sites are not critical for the alternative splicing. Other molecular mechanisms should be considered and investigated.
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18
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Mysore K, Sun L, Li P, Roethele JB, Misenti JK, Kosmach J, Igiede J, Duman-Scheel M. 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; 11:169. [PMID: 35215113 PMCID: PMC8879970 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [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 quinquefasciatus GGT 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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Affiliation(s)
- Keshava Mysore
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Longhua Sun
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Joseph B. Roethele
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Joi K. Misenti
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - John Kosmach
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Jessica Igiede
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Molly Duman-Scheel
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Raclin-Carmichael Hall, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, USA; (K.M.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (J.B.R.); (J.K.M.); (J.K.); (J.I.)
- Eck Institute for Global Health, The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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19
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Jin B, Zhao Y, Dong Y, Liu P, Sun Y, Li X, Zhang X, Chen XG, Gu J. Alternative splicing patterns of doublesex reveal a missing link between Nix and doublesex in the sex determination cascade of Aedes albopictus. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1601-1620. [PMID: 33179439 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Sexual development in insects is regulated by a complicated hierarchical cascade of sex determination. The primary signals are diverse, whereas the central nexus doublesex (dsx) gene is relatively conserved within the pathway. Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus is an important vector with an extensive worldwide distribution. We previously reported that Ae. albopictus dsx (Aalbdsx) yields one male- (AalbdsxM ) and three female-specific isoforms (AalbdsxF1-3 ); however, the spatiotemporal expression profiles and mechanisms regulating sex-specific alternative splicing require further investigation. In this study, we demonstrated that the AalbdsxM messenger RNA (mRNA) represents the default pattern when analyzed in human foreskin fibroblasts and HeLa cells. We combined reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with RNA immunoprecipitation using specific antibodies against tagged Ae. albopictus male-determining factor AalNix and confirmed that AalNix indirectly regulates dsx pre-mRNA and regulates its alternative splicing. During the early embryo stage (0-2 and 4-8 h), maternal dsxF and default splicing dsxM were detected in both sexes; the expression of dsxM then decreased until sufficient AalNix transcripts accumulated in male embryos at 20-24 h. These findings suggest that one or more potential dsx splicing enhancers can shift dsxM to dsxF in both sexes; however, the presence of Nix influences the function of this unknown splicing enhancer and ultimately leads to the formation of dsxM in males. Finally, our results provide important insight into the regulatory mechanism of dsx alternative splicing in the mosquito.
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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, 510515, China
| | - Yijie Zhao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yunqiao Dong
- Reproductive Medical Centre of Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511442, China
| | - Peiwen Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaocong Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Guang Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jinbao Gu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
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20
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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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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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22
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Birgül Iyison N, Shahraki A, Kahveci K, Düzgün MB, Gün G. Are insect GPCRs ideal next‐generation pesticides: opportunities and challenges. FEBS J 2021; 288:2727-2745. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.15708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Necla Birgül Iyison
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Institute of Graduate Studies in Science and Engineering Boğaziçi University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Aida Shahraki
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Institute of Graduate Studies in Science and Engineering Boğaziçi University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Kübra Kahveci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Institute of Graduate Studies in Science and Engineering Boğaziçi University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Mustafa Barbaros Düzgün
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Institute of Graduate Studies in Science and Engineering Boğaziçi University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Gökhan Gün
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Institute of Graduate Studies in Science and Engineering Boğaziçi University Istanbul Turkey
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23
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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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24
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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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25
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Christofferson RC, Parker DM, Overgaard HJ, Hii J, Devine G, Wilcox BA, Nam VS, Abubakar S, Boyer S, Boonnak K, Whitehead SS, Huy R, Rithea L, Sochantha T, Wellems TE, Valenzuela JG, Manning JE. Current vector research challenges in the greater Mekong subregion for dengue, Malaria, and Other Vector-Borne Diseases: A report from a multisectoral workshop March 2019. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008302. [PMID: 32730249 PMCID: PMC7392215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C. Christofferson
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Daniel M. Parker
- University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | | | | | - Gregor Devine
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bruce A. Wilcox
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Vu Sinh Nam
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Sazaly Abubakar
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Kobporn Boonnak
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stephen S. Whitehead
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rekol Huy
- National Center for Parasitology Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Leang Rithea
- National Center for Parasitology Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Tho Sochantha
- National Center for Parasitology Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Thomas E. Wellems
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jesus G. Valenzuela
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jessica E. Manning
- US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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26
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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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27
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Mansourian S, Fandino RA, Riabinina O. Progress in the use of genetic methods to study insect behavior outside Drosophila. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 36:45-56. [PMID: 31494407 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the span of a decade we have seen a rapid progress in the application of genetic tools and genome editing approaches in 'non-model' insects. It is now possible to target sensory receptor genes and neurons, explore their functional roles and manipulate behavioral responses in these insects. In this review, we focus on the latest examples from Diptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera of how applications of genetic tools advanced our understanding of diverse behavioral phenomena. We further discuss genetic methods that could be applied to study insect behavior in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard A Fandino
- Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany.
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