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Lyu Z, Chen J, Lyu J, Guo P, Liu J, Liu J, Zhang W. Spraying double-stranded RNA targets UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase in the control of Nilaparvata lugens. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132455. [PMID: 38795878 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132455] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
The rice pest Nilaparvata lugens (the brown planthopper, BPH) has developed different levels of resistance to at least 11 chemical pesticides. RNAi technology has contributed to the development of environmentally friendly RNA biopesticides designed to reduce chemical use. Consequently, more precise targets need to be identified and characterized, and efficient dsRNA delivery methods are necessary for effective field pest control. In this study, a low off-target risk dsNlUAP fragment (166 bp) was designed in silico to minimize the potential adverse effects on non-target organisms. Knockdown of NlUAP via microinjection significantly decreased the content of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine and chitin, causing chitinous structural disorder and abnormal phenotypes in wing and body wall, reduced fertility, and resulted in pest mortality up to 100 %. Furthermore, dsNlUAP was loaded with ROPE@C, a chitosan-modified nanomaterial for spray application, which significantly downregulated the expression of NlUAP, led to 48.9 % pest mortality, and was confirmed to have no adverse effects on Cyrtorhinus lividipennis, an important natural enemy of BPH. These findings will contribute to the development of safer biopesticides for the control of N. lugens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingxiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pingping Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Ma YF, Zhao YQ, Zhou YY, Feng HY, Gong LL, Zhang MQ, Hull JJ, Dewer Y, Roy A, Smagghe G, He M, He P. Nanoparticle-delivered RNAi-based pesticide target screening for the rice pest white-backed planthopper and risk assessment for a natural predator. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171286. [PMID: 38428617 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Vacuolar-type (H+)-ATPase (vATPase) is a conserved multi-subunit eukaryotic enzyme composed of 14 subunits that form a functional complex consisting of an ATP-hydrolytic domain (V1) and a proton-translocation domain (V0). ATP hydrolysis and subsequent H+ translocation rely heavily on a fully assembled V1/V0 complex. Since vATPase is crucial for insect survival, it is a viable molecular target for pest control. However, detailed functional analyses of the 14 subunits and their suitability for pest control have not been fully explored in a single insect species. In this study, we identified 22 vATPase subunit transcripts that correspond to 13 subunits (A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, a1, a2, c and d) in the white-backed planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera, a major hemipteran pest of rice. RNAi screens using microinjection and spray-based methods revealed that the SfVHA-F, SfVHA-a2 and SfVHA-c2 subunits are critical. Furthermore, star polymer (SPc) nanoparticles were utilized to conduct spray-induced and nanoparticle-delivered gene silencing (SI-NDGS) to evaluate the pest control efficacy of RNAi targeting the SfVHA-F, SfVHA-a2 and SfVHA-c2 transcripts. Target mRNA levels and vATPase enzymatic activity were both reduced. Honeydew excreta was likewise reduced in WBPH treated with dsRNAs targeting SfVHA-F, SfVHA-a2 and SfVHA-c2. To assess the environmental safety of the nanoparticle-wrapped dsRNAs, Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter, a major natural enemy of planthoppers, was also sprayed with dsRNAs targeting SfVHA-F, SfVHA-a2 and SfVHA-c2. Post-spray effects of dsSfVHA-a2 and dsSfVHA-c2 on C. lividipennis were innocuous. This study identifies SfVHA-a2 and SfVHA-c2 as promising targets for biorational control of WBPH and lays the foundation for developing environment-friendly RNAi biopesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Feng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Ya-Qin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Yang-Yuntao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Hong-Yan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Lang-Lang Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Meng-Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - J Joe Hull
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA
| | - Youssef Dewer
- Phytotoxicity Research Department, Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, 7 Nadi El-Seid Street, Dokki, 12618 Giza, Egypt
| | - Amit Roy
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Institute Entomology, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang 550025, PR China; Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Ming He
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China.
| | - Peng He
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China.
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Thakre N, Carver M, Paredes-Montero JR, Mondal M, Hu J, Saberi E, Ponvert N, Qureshi JA, Brown JK. UV-LASER adjuvant-surfactant-facilitated delivery of mobile dsRNA to tomato plant vasculature and evidence of biological activity by gene knockdown in the potato psyllid. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2141-2153. [PMID: 38146104 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) biopesticides are of interest for the abatement of insect vectors of pathogenic bacteria such as 'Candidatus Liberibacter', which infects both its psyllid and plant hosts. Silencing of genes essential for psyllids, or for Liberibacter, is anticipated to lead to mortality or impeded bacterial multiplication. Foliar delivery is preferred for biopesticide application; however, the cuticle impedes dsRNA penetration into the vasculature. Here, conditions were established for wounding tomato leaves using ultraviolet light amplification by stimulated emissions of radiation (UV-LASER) to promote dsRNA penetration into leaves and vasculature. RESULTS UV-LASER treatment with application of select adjuvants/surfactants resulted in vascular delivery of 100-, 300- and 600-bp dsRNAs that, in general, were correlated with size. The 100-bp dsRNA required no pretreatment, whereas 300- and 600-bp dsRNAs entered the vasculature after UV-LASER treatment only and UV-LASER adjuvant/surfactant treatment, respectively. Of six adjuvant/surfactants evaluated, plant-derived oil combined with an anionic organosilicon compound performed most optimally. Localization of dsRNAs in the tomato vasculature was documented using fluorometry and fluorescence confocal microscopy. The biological activity of in planta-delivered dsRNA (200-250 bp) was determined by feeding third-instar psyllids on tomato leaves post UV-LASER adjuvant/surfactant treatment, with or without psyllid cdc42- and gelsolin dsRNAs. Gene knockdown was quantified by quantitative, real-time polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription (RT-qPCR) amplification. At 10 days post the ingestion-access period, knockdown of cdc42 and gelsolin expression was 61% and 56%, respectively, indicating that the dsRNAs delivered to the tomato vasculature were mobile and biologically active. CONCLUSION Results indicated that UV-LASER adjuvant/surfactant treatments facilitated the delivery of mobile, biologically active dsRNA molecules to the plant vasculature. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Thakre
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Megan Carver
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jorge R Paredes-Montero
- Biology Department, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, USA
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Mosharrof Mondal
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jiahuai Hu
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Esmaeil Saberi
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Immokalee, FL, USA
| | - Nathaniel Ponvert
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jawwad A Qureshi
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Immokalee, FL, USA
| | - Judith K Brown
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Chen Y, De Schutter K. Biosafety aspects of RNAi-based pests control. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38520331 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
While the overuse of classical chemical pesticides has had a detrimental impact on the environment and human health, the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) offered the opportunity to develop new and sustainable approaches for pest management. RNAi is a naturally occurring regulation and defense mechanism that can be exploited to effectively protect crops by silencing key genes affecting the growth, development, behavior or fecundity of pests. However, as with all technologies, there is a range of potential risks and challenges associated with the application of RNAi, such as dsRNA stability, the potential for off-target effects, the safety of non-target organisms, and other application challenges. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in RNAi and in-depth discussion and analysis of these associated safety risks, is required to limit or mitigate potential adverse effects. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Chen
- Molecular Entomology Lab, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristof De Schutter
- Molecular Entomology Lab, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Dalakouras A, Koidou V, Papadopoulou K. DsRNA-based pesticides: Considerations for efficiency and risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141530. [PMID: 38401868 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141530] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
In view of the ongoing climate change and the ever-growing world population, novel agricultural solutions are required to ensure sustainable food supply. Microbials, natural substances, semiochemicals and double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) are all considered potential low risk pesticides. DsRNAs function at the molecular level, targeting specific regions of specific genes of specific organisms, provided that they share a minimal sequence complementarity of approximately 20 nucleotides. Thus, dsRNAs may offer a great alternative to conventional chemicals in environmentally friendly pest control strategies. Any low-risk pesticide needs to be efficient and exhibit low toxicological potential and low environmental persistence. Having said that, in the current review, the mode of dsRNA action is explored and the parameters that need to be taken into consideration for the development of efficient dsRNA-based pesticides are highlighted. Moreover, since dsRNAs mode of action differs from those of synthetic pesticides, custom-made risk assessment schemes may be required and thus, critical issues related to the risk assessment of dsRNA pesticides are discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Venetia Koidou
- ELGO-DIMITRA, Institute of Industrial and Forage Crops, Larissa, Greece; University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliope Papadopoulou
- University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Larissa, Greece
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Chatterjee A, Zhang K, Parker KM. Binding of Dissolved Organic Matter to RNA and Protection from Nuclease-Mediated Degradation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:16086-16096. [PMID: 37811805 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05019] [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: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The persistence of RNA in environmental systems is an important parameter for emerging applications, including ecological surveys, wastewater-based epidemiology, and RNA interference biopesticides. RNA persistence is controlled by its rate of biodegradation, particularly by extracellular enzymes, although the specific factors determining this rate have not been characterized. Due to prior work suggesting that nucleic acids-specifically DNA-interact with dissolved organic matter (DOM), we hypothesized that DOM may bind RNA and impede its biodegradation in natural systems. We first adapted a technique previously used to assess RNA-protein binding to differentiate RNA that is bound at all sites by DOM from RNA that is unbound or partially bound by DOM. Results from this technique suggested that humic acids bound RNA more extensively than fulvic acids. At concentrations of 8-10 mgC/L, humic acids were also found to be more effective than fulvic acids at suppressing enzymatic degradation of RNA. In surface water and soil extract containing DOM, RNA degradation was suppressed by 39-46% relative to pH-adjusted controls. Due to the ability of DOM to both bind and suppress the enzymatic degradation of RNA, RNA biodegradation may be slowed in environmental systems with high DOM concentrations, which may increase its persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamika Chatterjee
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Kimberly M Parker
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
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Qin L, Nong J, Cui K, Tang X, Gong X, Xia Y, Xu Y, Qiu Y, Li X, Xia S. SsCak1 Regulates Growth and Pathogenicity in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12610. [PMID: 37628791 PMCID: PMC10454577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612610] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a devastating fungal pathogen that causes severe crop losses worldwide. It is of vital importance to understand its pathogenic mechanism for disease control. Through a forward genetic screen combined with next-generation sequencing, a putative protein kinase, SsCak1, was found to be involved in the growth and pathogenicity of S. sclerotiorum. Knockout and complementation experiments confirmed that deletions in SsCak1 caused defects in mycelium and sclerotia development, as well as appressoria formation and host penetration, leading to complete loss of virulence. These findings suggest that SsCak1 is essential for the growth, development, and pathogenicity of S. sclerotiorum. Therefore, SsCak1 could serve as a potential target for the control of S. sclerotiorum infection through host-induced gene silencing (HIGS), which could increase crop resistance to the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qin
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Phytohormones and Growth Development, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (L.Q.); (J.N.); (X.T.); (X.G.); (Y.X.)
| | - Jieying Nong
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Phytohormones and Growth Development, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (L.Q.); (J.N.); (X.T.); (X.G.); (Y.X.)
| | - Kan Cui
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China;
| | - Xianyu Tang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Phytohormones and Growth Development, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (L.Q.); (J.N.); (X.T.); (X.G.); (Y.X.)
| | - Xin Gong
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Phytohormones and Growth Development, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (L.Q.); (J.N.); (X.T.); (X.G.); (Y.X.)
| | - Yunong Xia
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Phytohormones and Growth Development, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (L.Q.); (J.N.); (X.T.); (X.G.); (Y.X.)
| | - Yan Xu
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Yilan Qiu
- Department of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China;
| | - Xin Li
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Shitou Xia
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Phytohormones and Growth Development, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (L.Q.); (J.N.); (X.T.); (X.G.); (Y.X.)
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Zhou Q, Han L, Li Y, Li J, Yang X. Neutral Dietary Effects of Two MicroRNAs, Csu-Novel-260 and Csu-Mir-14, on the Non-Target Arthropod Folsomia candida. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12091885. [PMID: 37176942 PMCID: PMC10181208 DOI: 10.3390/plants12091885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) that is triggered by small or short RNAs has shown enormous potential in the development of pest control strategies. Two microRNAs (miRNAs), Csu-novel-260 and Csu-miR-14, were used in insect-resistant genetically engineered (IRGE) rice lines to confer resistance to Chilo suppressalis. However, a risk assessment of RNAi-based products is essential to determine the safety of a biopesticide or IRGE crop for commercialization. The non-target organism Folsomia candida, which plays an important ecological role as a soil decomposer in agricultural ecosystems, was used to assess the risk of miRNAs Csu-novel-260 and Csu-miR-14. In this study, a dietary miRNA toxicity assay system was established in F. candida. The expression levels of target genes, survival rate, fecundity and body size were investigated to evaluate the effects of the miRNAs on F. candida under the worst-case scenario. The results showed that the dietary miRNA toxicity assay system could be used for risk assessment of miRNA in F. candida. The target genes of miRNAs were influenced by miRNA at some time points. However, no significant differences were observed in the life-table parameters in F. candida fed with a diet containing miRNAs. The dietary effects of two miRNAs on F. candida are neutral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinli Zhou
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lanzhi Han
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yunhe Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Life Sciences and College of Agriculture, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jing Li
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Wang X, Faucher J, Dhandapani RK, Duan JJ, Palli SR. Potential effects of RNA interference of Asian longhorned beetle on its parasitoid. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:1557-1565. [PMID: 36529841 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7328] [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: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is important to understand how non-target insects such as parasitoids may be impacted directly or indirectly by RNA interference with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that has emerged as a novel pest control tool. We examined the potential effects of a dsRNA targeting an inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) of the Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis on its gregarious larval ectoparasitoid Ontsira mellipes, directly on adult wasp's survival via injection of 4 μg of dsIAP per wasp, and indirectly on the detectability and suitability of host larvae injected with 2, 4 or 8 μg of dsIAP per larva. RESULTS Compared with no injection or injection with a control dsGFP targeting a region of gene coding for a green fluorescence protein (GFP), dsIAP did not affect adult wasp's survival. Ontsira mellipes locates hosts in the wood by sensing their movement. Host larvae did not completely cease movement after the injection of dsIAP and were still detected and parasitized. Clutch size was reduced and only 3.8% of the parasitoid offspring developed into adults on host larvae treated at the highest dose. However, clutch size was not affected and 25.5% of the parasitoid offspring developed into adults on host larvae treated at the lowest dose. The fitness of developed wasps (development time, sex ratio, body size, and fecundity) was not affected when compared to the control treatments. No dsIAP was detected in parasitoid larvae. CONCLUSION The results show no direct effect of the dsRNA on its parasitoid, but the potential indirect effect of dsRNA-affected host on the parasitoid, which may be minimized through optimizing dsRNA dosage to promote compatible applications of both management options for this invasive forest pest. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingeng Wang
- Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Jessica Faucher
- Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Ramesh Kumar Dhandapani
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jian J Duan
- Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Finetti L, Benetti L, Leyria J, Civolani S, Bernacchia G. Topical delivery of dsRNA in two hemipteran species: Evaluation of RNAi specificity and non-target effects. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 189:105295. [PMID: 36549821 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105295] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded (ds) RNA-based technologies could provide novel and potential tool for pest management with efficiency and specificity of action. However, before applying this technique in the field, it is necessary to identify effective delivery methods and evaluate the non-target effects that may occur. In this article, we evaluated the effectiveness of dsRNA by topical delivery on a species of great agricultural interest, Halyomorpha halys. The specificity of action of the dsRNA was also investigated in Rhodnius prolixus, an insect phylogenetically close to H. halys. Of the three investigated genes (putative ATPase N2B, ATPase, serine/threonine-protein phosphatase PP1-β catalytic subunit, PP1, and IAP repeat-containing protein 7-B-like, IAP), IAP and ATPase were able to induce higher mortality in H. halys nymphs compared to the control, with specific concentrations for each gene targeted. However, when the same RNAs were topically delivered to both R. prolixus 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs, no gene silencing and mortality were observed. For this reason, to assess dsRNA application-mediated non-target effects, we injected both H. halys and R. prolixus specific dsRNA in R. prolixus 5th instar nymphs. When the dsRNA targeting H. halys IAP was microinjected into R. prolixus 5th instar nymphs, no mortality was observed, suggesting a strong RNAi specificity. Together, these data suggest that the topical delivery could be suitable for the dsRNA to control H. halys population. Furthermore, its specificity of action would allow treatments towards single harmful species with limited non-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Finetti
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
| | - Lorenzo Benetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jimena Leyria
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Stefano Civolani
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bernacchia
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Hough J, Howard JD, Brown S, Portwood DE, Kilby PM, Dickman MJ. Strategies for the production of dsRNA biocontrols as alternatives to chemical pesticides. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:980592. [PMID: 36299286 PMCID: PMC9588923 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.980592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Current crop pest control strategies rely on insecticidal and fungicidal sprays, plant genetic resistance, transgenes and agricultural practices. However, many insects, plant viruses, and fungi have no current means of control or have developed resistance against traditional pesticides. dsRNA is emerging as a novel sustainable method of plant protection as an alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. The successful commercialisation of dsRNA based biocontrols for effective pest management strategies requires the economical production of large quantities of dsRNA combined with suitable delivery methods to ensure RNAi efficacy against the target pest. A number of methods exist for the production and delivery of dsRNA based biocontrols and here we review alternative methods currently employed and emerging new approaches for their production. Additionally, we highlight potential challenges that will need to be addressed prior to widespread adoption of dsRNA biocontrols as novel sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Hough
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingtom
| | - John D Howard
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingtom
| | - Stephen Brown
- Sheffield RNAi Screening Facility, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingtom
| | - David E Portwood
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, United Kingdom
| | - Peter M Kilby
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J Dickman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingtom
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12
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Castellanos NL, Smagghe G, Taning CNT, Oliveira EE, Christiaens O. Risk assessment of RNAi-based pesticides to non-target organisms: Evaluating the effects of sequence similarity in the parasitoid wasp Telenomus podisi. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:154746. [PMID: 35337872 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based pesticides are promising novel pest management products that might reduce environmental impacts compared to other pesticides. Their sequence-guided mode of action facilitates a high species-selectivity, preventing harm on non-target organisms. However, there is currently no consensus on the minimum needed sequence similarity for efficient RNAi in insects and studies have shown that adverse effects in non-targets cannot always be ruled out a priori. This study investigates the effects of exposing the parasitoid wasp Telenomus podisi to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) which is lethal to its host, the Neotropical brown stink bug Euschistus heros. Feeding T. podisi with wasp-specific dsRNA targeting the vATPase A and actin-2 genes led to 76.4 ± 9.9% and 76.7 ± 8.8% mortality respectively, demonstrating that dietary RNAi is functional in T. podisi. When feeding T. podisi with E. heros-specific dsRNA targeting the same genes, no lethal or sublethal effects were observed. To link sequence similarity to potential gene silencing effects in the parasitoids, the expression of genes showing the highest degree of similarity (17-21 nucleotide matches) with these two target genes was monitored and was found unaffected by the E. heros-specific dsRNA. Our study confirms that RNAi was in this case highly specific and that for E. heros, RNAi-based pesticides can be used complementary to biological control in an integrated pest management context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaly L Castellanos
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Eugênio E Oliveira
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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13
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Un Jan Contreras S, Gardner CM. Environmental fate and behaviour of antibiotic resistance genes and small interference RNAs released from genetically modified crops. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:2877-2892. [PMID: 35892194 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15741] [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: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rising global populations have amplified food scarcity across the world and ushered in the development of genetically modified (GM) crops to overcome these challenges. Cultivation of major crops such as corn and soy has favoured GM crops over conventional varieties to meet crop production and resilience needs. Modern GM crops containing small interference RNA molecules and antibiotic resistance genes have become increasingly common in the United States. However, the use of these crops remains controversial due to the uncertainty regarding the unintended release of its genetic material into the environment and possible downstream effects on human and environmental health. DNA or RNA transgenes may be exuded from crop tissues during cultivation or released during plant decomposition and adsorbed by soil. This can contribute to the persistence and bioavailability in soil or water environment and possible uptake by soil microbial communities and further passing of this information to neighbouring bacteria, disrupting microbial ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and soil fertility. In this review, transgene mechanisms of action, uses in crops, and knowledge regarding their environmental fate and impact to microbes are evaluated. This aims to encapsulate the current knowledge and promote further research regarding unintended effects transgenes may cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Un Jan Contreras
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Courtney M Gardner
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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14
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Halder K, Chaudhuri A, Abdin MZ, Majee M, Datta A. RNA Interference for Improving Disease Resistance in Plants and Its Relevance in This Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-Dominated Era in Terms of dsRNA-Based Biopesticides. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:885128. [PMID: 35645997 PMCID: PMC9141053 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.885128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has been exploited by scientists worldwide to make a significant contribution in the arena of sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management. These strategies are of an imperative need to guarantee food security for the teeming millions globally. The already established deleterious effects of chemical pesticides on human and livestock health have led researchers to exploit RNAi as a potential agri-biotechnology tool to solve the burning issue of agricultural wastage caused by pests and pathogens. On the other hand, CRISPR/Cas9, the latest genome-editing tool, also has a notable potential in this domain of biotic stress resistance, and a constant endeavor by various laboratories is in progress for making pathogen-resistant plants using this technique. Considerable outcry regarding the ill effects of genetically modified (GM) crops on the environment paved the way for the research of RNAi-induced double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) and their application to biotic stresses. Here, we mainly focus on the application of RNAi technology to improve disease resistance in plants and its relevance in today's CRISPR-dominated world in terms of exogenous application of dsRNAs. We also focused on the ongoing research, public awareness, and subsequent commercialization of dsRNA-based biocontrol products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koushik Halder
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
- Centre for Transgenic Plant Development, Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi, India
| | - Abira Chaudhuri
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Malik Z. Abdin
- Centre for Transgenic Plant Development, Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi, India
| | - Manoj Majee
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Asis Datta
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
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15
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Rana K, Ding Y, Banga SS, Liao H, Zhao S, Yu Y, Qian W. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Thioredoxin1 (SsTrx1) is required for pathogenicity and oxidative stress tolerance. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2021; 22:1413-1426. [PMID: 34459563 PMCID: PMC8518572 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infects host plant tissues by inducing necrosis to source nutrients needed for its establishment. Tissue necrosis results from an enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the site of infection and apoptosis. Pathogens have evolved ROS scavenging mechanisms to withstand host-induced oxidative damage. However, the genes associated with ROS scavenging pathways are yet to be fully investigated in S. sclerotiorum. We selected the S. sclerotiorum Thioredoxin1 gene (SsTrx1) for our investigations as its expression is significantly induced during S. sclerotiorum infection. RNA interference-induced silencing of SsTrx1 in S. sclerotiorum affected the hyphal growth rate, mycelial morphology, and sclerotial development under in vitro conditions. These outcomes confirmed the involvement of SsTrx1 in promoting pathogenicity and oxidative stress tolerance of S. sclerotiorum. We next constructed an SsTrx1-based host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) vector and mobilized it into Arabidopsis thaliana (HIGS-A) and Nicotiana benthamiana (HIGS-N). The disease resistance analysis revealed significantly reduced pathogenicity and disease progression in the transformed genotypes as compared to the nontransformed and empty vector controls. The relative gene expression of SsTrx1 increased under oxidative stress. Taken together, our results show that normal expression of SsTrx1 is crucial for pathogenicity and oxidative stress tolerance of S. sclerotiorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kusum Rana
- College of Agronomy and BiotechnologySouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
- Engineering Research Center of South Upland AgricultureMinistry of EducationChongqingChina
| | - Yijuan Ding
- College of Agronomy and BiotechnologySouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
- Engineering Research Center of South Upland AgricultureMinistry of EducationChongqingChina
| | - Surinder S. Banga
- Department of Plant Breeding and GeneticsPunjab Agricultural UniversityLudhianaIndia
| | - Hongmei Liao
- College of Agronomy and BiotechnologySouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
- Engineering Research Center of South Upland AgricultureMinistry of EducationChongqingChina
| | - Siqi Zhao
- College of Agronomy and BiotechnologySouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
- Engineering Research Center of South Upland AgricultureMinistry of EducationChongqingChina
| | - Yang Yu
- College of Plant ProtectionSouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Wei Qian
- College of Agronomy and BiotechnologySouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
- Engineering Research Center of South Upland AgricultureMinistry of EducationChongqingChina
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16
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Ding Y, Chen Y, Yan B, Liao H, Dong M, Meng X, Wan H, Qian W. Host-Induced Gene Silencing of a Multifunction Gene Sscnd1 Enhances Plant Resistance Against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:693334. [PMID: 34690946 PMCID: PMC8531507 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.693334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a devastating necrotrophic fungal pathogen and has a substantial economic impact on crop production worldwide. Magnaporthe appressoria-specific (MAS) proteins have been suggested to be involved in the appressorium formation in Magnaporthe oryzae. Sscnd1, an MAS homolog gene, is highly induced at the early infection stage of S. sclerotiorum. Knock-down the expression of Sscnd1 gene severely reduced the virulence of S. sclerotiorum on intact rapeseed leaves, and their virulence was partially restored on wounded leaves. The Sscnd1 gene-silenced strains exhibited a defect in compound appressorium formation and cell integrity. The instantaneous silencing of Sscnd1 by tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-mediated host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) resulted in a significant reduction in disease development in tobacco. Three transgenic HIGS Arabidopsis lines displayed high levels of resistance to S. sclerotiorum and decreased Sscnd1 expression. Production of specific Sscnd1 siRNA in transgenic HIGS Arabidopsis lines was confirmed by stem-loop qRT-PCR. This study revealed that the compound appressorium-related gene Sscnd1 is required for cell integrity and full virulence in S. sclerotiorum and that Sclerotinia stem rot can be controlled by expressing the silencing constructs of Sscnd1 in host plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijuan Ding
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Yangui Chen
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Baoqin Yan
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongmei Liao
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengquan Dong
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinran Meng
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Huafang Wan
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Qian
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
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17
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Wang K, Cheng H, Chen J, Zhu G, Tang P, Han Z. Chimeric Double-Stranded RNAs Could Act as Tailor-Made Pesticides for Controlling Storage Insects. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:6166-6171. [PMID: 34039005 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c00853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), the unique trigger of RNA interference, could be used as potential pesticides for the management of storage insects. High species specificity greatly improves the biosafety of dsRNAs. However, there are usually more than one insect species in real circumstances. In this study, we present a new strategy that broadens the control spectrum of a formulation using single dsRNA fragments. First, effective target genes were selected for each insect pest, here including Rhyzopertha dominica and Blattella germanica. Then, a template was prepared by conjugating various fragments from each of the selected genes. With this template, a piece of chimeric dsRNA was synthesized, and, thus, regional complementary specificity for genes from different insects was harnessed. Finally, injection treatments with this chimeric dsRNA demonstrated that each gene was selectively silenced, and the insects of both species were effectively killed by continuously feeding the chimeric dsRNA. Meanwhile, the results also demonstrated that the toxicity of chimeric dsRNA for non-target organisms, including Zophobas atratus and Periplaneta americana, could be low. This is the first description of a single dsRNA fragment accurately targeting several pest species, and the method provides promise of novel tailor-made biopesticides in the future management of storage insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangxu Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Cheng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiasheng Chen
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanheng Zhu
- School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, People's Republic of China
| | - Peian Tang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaojun Han
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, People's Republic of China
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18
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Holeva MC, Sklavounos A, Rajeswaran R, Pooggin MM, Voloudakis AE. Topical Application of Double-Stranded RNA Targeting 2b and CP Genes of Cucumber mosaic virus Protects Plants against Local and Systemic Viral Infection. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10050963. [PMID: 34066062 PMCID: PMC8151262 DOI: 10.3390/plants10050963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is a destructive plant virus with worldwide distribution and the broadest host range of any known plant virus, as well as a model plant virus for understanding plant–virus interactions. Since the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) as a major antiviral defense, RNAi-based technologies have been developed for plant protection against viral diseases. In plants and animals, a key trigger of RNAi is double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) processed by Dicer and Dicer-like (DCL) family proteins in small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). In the present study, dsRNAs for coat protein (CP) and 2b genes of CMV were produced in vitro and in vivo and applied onto tobacco plants representing a systemic solanaceous host as well as on a local host plant Chenopodium quinoa. Both dsRNA treatments protected plants from local and systemic infection with CMV, but not against infection with unrelated viruses, confirming sequence specificity of antiviral RNAi. Antiviral RNAi was effective when dsRNAs were applied simultaneously with or four days prior to CMV inoculation, but not four days post inoculation. In vivo-produced dsRNAs were more effective than the in vitro-produced; in treatments with in vivo dsRNAs, dsRNA-CP was more effective than dsRNA-2b, while the effects were opposite with in vitro dsRNAs. Illumina sequencing of small RNAs from in vivo dsRNA-CP treated and non-treated tobacco plants revealed that interference with CMV infection in systemic leaves coincides with strongly reduced accumulation of virus-derived 21- and 22-nucleotide (nt) siRNAs, likely generated by tobacco DCL4 and DCL2, respectively. While the 21-nt class of viral siRNAs was predominant in non-treated plants, 21-nt and 22-nt classes accumulated at almost equal (but low) levels in dsRNA treated plants, suggesting that dsRNA treatment may boost DCL2 activity. Taken together, our findings confirm the efficacy of topical application of dsRNA for plant protection against viruses and shed more light on the mechanism of antiviral RNAi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C. Holeva
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Scientific Directorate of Phytopathology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 14561 Kifissia, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Sklavounos
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece;
- Office of Rural Development and Inspections of Kephalonia, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, 28100 Argostoli, Greece
| | - Rajendran Rajeswaran
- Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Universitätsstrasse 2, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - Mikhail M. Pooggin
- PHIM Plant Health Institute, University of Montpellier, 34980 Montpellier, France;
| | - Andreas E. Voloudakis
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2105294213
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19
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RNA Interference Strategies for Future Management of Plant Pathogenic Fungi: Prospects and Challenges. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10040650. [PMID: 33805521 PMCID: PMC8067263 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Plant pathogenic fungi are the largest group of disease-causing agents on crop plants and represent a persistent and significant threat to agriculture worldwide. Conventional approaches based on the use of pesticides raise social concern for the impact on the environment and human health and alternative control methods are urgently needed. The rapid improvement and extensive implementation of RNA interference (RNAi) technology for various model and non-model organisms has provided the initial framework to adapt this post-transcriptional gene silencing technology for the management of fungal pathogens. Recent studies showed that the exogenous application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules on plants targeting fungal growth and virulence-related genes provided disease attenuation of pathogens like Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Fusarium graminearum in different hosts. Such results highlight that the exogenous RNAi holds great potential for RNAi-mediated plant pathogenic fungal disease control. Production of dsRNA can be possible by using either in-vitro or in-vivo synthesis. In this review, we describe exogenous RNAi involved in plant pathogenic fungi and discuss dsRNA production, formulation, and RNAi delivery methods. Potential challenges that are faced while developing a RNAi strategy for fungal pathogens, such as off-target and epigenetic effects, with their possible solutions are also discussed.
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20
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Tomato Chlorosis Virus Infection Facilitates Bemisia tabaci MED Reproduction by Elevating Vitellogenin Expression. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12020101. [PMID: 33503981 PMCID: PMC7911321 DOI: 10.3390/insects12020101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is a polyphagous, global invasive insect pest. It can damage vegetables and crops directly by feeding and indirectly by transmitting plant viruses. Previously, we showed that virus infection of host plants can promote B. tabaci MED (Q biotype) reproduction. Here, using a whitefly-tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV)-tomato system, we investigated how ToCV modulates B. tabaci reproduction to facilitate its spread. ToCV infection significantly increased whitefly fecundity and the relative expression of vitellogenin gene (Vg). Both ovarian development and fecundity of whitefly were suppressed when Vg expression was silenced with or without ToCV infection. These combined results reveal that ToCV infection increases B. tabaci MED fecundity via elevated vitellogenin gene expression. Abstract Transmission of plant pathogenic viruses mostly relies on insect vectors. Plant virus could enhance its transmission by modulating the vector. Previously, we showed that feeding on virus infected plants can promote the reproduction of the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci MED (Q biotype). In this study, using a whitefly-Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV)-tomato system, we investigated how ToCV modulates B. tabaci MED reproduction to facilitate its spread. Here, we hypothesized that ToCV-infected tomato plants would increase B. tabaci MED fecundity via elevated vitellogenin (Vg) gene expression. As a result, fecundity and the relative expression of B. tabaci MED Vg was measured on ToCV-infected and uninfected tomato plants on days 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24. The role of Vg on B. tabaci MED reproduction was examined in the presence and absence of ToCV using dietary RNAi. ToCV infection significantly increased B. tabaci MED fecundity on days 12, 16 and 20, and elevated Vg expression on days 8, 12 and 16. Both ovarian development and fecundity of B. tabaci MED were suppressed when Vg was silenced with or without ToCV infection. These combined results suggest that ToCV infection increases B. tabaci MED fecundity via elevated Vg expression.
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21
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Pan H, Yang X, Romeis J, Siegfried BD, Zhou X. Dietary RNAi toxicity assay exhibits differential responses to ingested dsRNAs among lady beetles. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:3606-3614. [PMID: 32400940 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most recently, major federal regulatory agencies deregulated an in planta RNA interference (RNAi) trait against a devastating corn pest, the western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, in the United States and Canada. The impact of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) and dietary RNAi to non-target organisms, however, still needs further investigation. In this study, we assessed the potential risks of a Diabrotica virgifera virgifera active dsRNA to a group of predatory biological control agents, including Hippodamia convergens, Harmonia axyridis, Coleomegilla maculata, and Coccinella septempunctata. The overarching hypothesis is that the insecticidal dsRNA targeting Diabrotica virgifera virgifera has no or negligible adverse effect on lady beetles. RESULTS A 400-bp fragment with the highest sequence similarity between target and tested species was selected as the template for dsRNA synthesis. For the dietary RNAi toxicity assay, newly hatched first instar larvae were administered with v-ATPase A dsRNAs designed from Diabrotica virgifera virgifera and the four lady beetles, respectively. A dsRNA from β-glucuronidase (GUS), a plant gene, and H2 O were served as the negative controls. The endpoint included both sub-organismal (gene expression), and organismal (survival rate, development time, pupa and adult weight) measurements. The results from dietary RNAi toxicity assay demonstrate significantly impacts of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera-active dsRNAs on lady beetles under the worst-case scenario at both transcriptional and phenotypic level. Interestingly, substantial differences among the four lady beetle species were observed toward the ingested exogenous dsRNAs. CONCLUSION Such differential response to dietary RNAi may shed light on the mechanisms underlying the mode-of-action of RNAi-based biopesticides. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huipeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jörg Romeis
- Agroscope, Research Division Agroecology and Environment, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Blair D Siegfried
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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22
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23
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Chereddy SCRR, Gurusamy D, Howell JL, Palli SR. Double-stranded RNAs targeting inhibitor of apoptosis gene show no significant cross-species activity. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 104:e21683. [PMID: 32350930 PMCID: PMC9987616 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has become an integral part of mainstream research due to its versatility and ease of use. However, the potential nontarget effects associated with double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) are poorly understood. To explore this, we used dsRNAs targeting the inhibitor of apoptosis (iap) gene from nine insect species and assayed their possible nontarget effects. For each assay, we used a control (dsRNA targeting the gene coding for green fluorescent protein, GFP) and a species-specific dsRNA targeting nine iap genes in insect species to evaluate target gene knockdown efficiency, apoptosis phenotype in cells and mortality in insects. Our results revealed that dsIAP efficiently knocks down iap gene expression and induces apoptosis phenotype and mortality in target insect species. In contrast, no significant knockdown of the iap gene expression, apoptosis phenotypes, or mortality were detected in cell lines developed from nontarget insects or nontarget insects treated with dsIAPs. Interestingly, even among closely related insects such as stink bugs, Nezara viridula, Halyomorpha halys, and Murgantia histrionica, with substantial sequence similarity among iap genes from these insects, no significant nontarget effects of dsIAP were observed under the conditions tested. These data demonstrate no significant nontarget effects for dsIAPs and suggest that the threat of nontarget effects of RNAi technology may not be substantial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeffrey L Howell
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Subba R Palli
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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Papadopoulou N, Devos Y, Álvarez-Alfageme F, Lanzoni A, Waigmann E. Risk Assessment Considerations for Genetically Modified RNAi Plants: EFSA's Activities and Perspective. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:445. [PMID: 32373145 PMCID: PMC7186845 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Genetically modified plants (GMPs) intended for market release can be designed to induce "gene silencing" through RNA interference (RNAi). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other international risk assessment bodies/regulatory agencies have taken several actions to determine whether the existing risk assessment approaches for GMPs are appropriate for the risk assessment of RNAi-based GMPs or require complementary or alternative approaches. To our knowledge, at the international level, no dedicated guidelines have been developed for the risk assessment and regulation of RNAi-based GMPs, confirming that existing science-based risk assessment approaches for GMPs are generally considered suitable for RNAi-based GMPs. However, some specificities have been identified for the risk assessment of RNAi-based GMPs. Here, we report on some of these specificities as identified and addressed by the EFSA GMO Panel for the molecular characterisation, food/feed safety assessment and environmental risk assessment of RNAi-based GMPs, using the DvSnf7 dsRNA-expressing maize MON87411 as a case study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikoletta Papadopoulou
- Genetically Modified Organisms Unit, Department of Scientific Evaluation of Regulated Products Development, European Food Safety Authority, Parma, Italy
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Zhang K, Wei J, Huff Hartz KE, Lydy MJ, Moon TS, Sander M, Parker KM. Analysis of RNA Interference (RNAi) Biopesticides: Double-Stranded RNA (dsRNA) Extraction from Agricultural Soils and Quantification by RT-qPCR. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:4893-4902. [PMID: 32212649 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b07781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules are used as a novel class of biopesticides. To enable assessments of the ecological risk associated with their release to receiving environments, we developed an approach to quantify dsRNA in agricultural soils using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). To allow quantification of dsRNA adsorbed to particles, we also developed a protocol to transfer dsRNA from particles to the extraction buffer by changing particle surface charge and adding constituents to compete with dsRNA for adsorption sites. Our approach could quantify dsRNA amounts as low as 0.003 ngdsRNA/gsoil. This approach is the first available field-applicable approach able to quantify dsRNA biopesticides down to environmentally relevant concentrations. We applied this approach to investigate dsRNA dissipation (including dilution, degradation, and adsorption) in two agricultural soils. When we applied a low amount of dsRNA (1 ngdsRNA/gsoil) to the soils, we observed that a greater fraction of dsRNA was adsorbed to and extractable from soil particles in a silty clay loam soil than in a fine sandy loam soil. In both soils, dsRNA dissipated on the timescale of hours. Overall, these results demonstrate that our approach can be applied to assess the environmental fate of dsRNA biopesticides at concentrations relevant to their release to soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Jingmiao Wei
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Kara E Huff Hartz
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, United States
| | - Michael J Lydy
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, United States
| | - Tae Seok Moon
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Michael Sander
- Department of Environmental Systems Science (DUSYS), ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kimberly M Parker
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
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Liu S, Jaouannet M, Dempsey DA, Imani J, Coustau C, Kogel KH. RNA-based technologies for insect control in plant production. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 39:107463. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Taning CN, Arpaia S, Christiaens O, Dietz-Pfeilstetter A, Jones H, Mezzetti B, Sabbadini S, Sorteberg HG, Sweet J, Ventura V, Smagghe G. RNA-based biocontrol compounds: current status and perspectives to reach the market. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:841-845. [PMID: 31743573 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Facing current climate challenges and drastically reduced chemical options for plant protection, the exploitation of RNA interference (RNAi) as an agricultural biotechnology tool has unveiled possible new solutions to the global problems of agricultural losses caused by pests and other biotic and abiotic stresses. While the use of RNAi as a tool in agriculture is still limited to a few transgenic crops, and only adopted in restricted parts of the world, scientists and industry are already seeking innovations in leveraging and exploiting the potential of RNAi in the form of RNA-based biocontrol compounds for external applications. Here, we highlight the expanding research and development pipeline, commercial landscape and regulatory environment surrounding the pursuit of RNA-based biocontrol compounds with improved environmental profiles. The commitments of well-established agrochemical companies to invest in research endeavours and the role of start-up companies are crucial for the successful development of practical applications for these compounds. Additionally, the availability of standardized guidelines to tackle regulatory ambiguities surrounding RNA-based biocontrol compounds will help to facilitate the entire commercialization process. Finally, communication to create awareness and public acceptance will be key to the deployment of these compounds. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clauvis Nt Taning
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Salvatore Arpaia
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), DTE-BBC, Rotondella, Italy
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Antje Dietz-Pfeilstetter
- Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Huw Jones
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, UK
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche (UPM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Sabbadini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche (UPM), Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | - Vera Ventura
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Shang F, Ding BY, Ye C, Yang L, Chang TY, Xie J, Tang LD, Niu J, Wang JJ. Evaluation of a cuticle protein gene as a potential RNAi target in aphids. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:134-140. [PMID: 31461217 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi) has potential as a pest insect control technique. One possible RNAi target is the cuticle protein, which is important in insect molting and development. As an example, here we evaluate the possibility of designing double-stranded RNA (RNA) that is effective for silencing the cuticle protein 19 gene (CP19) in aphids but is harmless to non-target predator insects. RESULTS The sequences of CP19s were similar (86.6-94.4%) among the tested aphid species (Aphis citricidus, Acyrthosiphon pisum, and Myzus persicae) but different in the predator Propylaea japonica. Ingestion of species-specific dsRNAs of CP19 by the three aphids produced 39.3-64.2% gene silencing and 45.8-55.8% mortality. Ingestion of non-species-specific dsRNA (dsAcCP19) by Ac. pisum and M. persicae gave gene silencing levels ranging from 40.4% to 50.3% and 43.3-50.8% mortality. The dsApCP19 did not affect PjCP19 expression or developmental duration in P. japonica. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that CP19 is a promising RNAi target for aphid control via one dsRNA design. The targeting of genes that are conserved in insect pests but not present in beneficial insects is a useful RNAi-based pest control strategy. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Shang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bi-Yue Ding
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Ye
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Teng-Yu Chang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaqin Xie
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liang-De Tang
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Jinzhi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Rodrigues TB, Petrick JS. Safety Considerations for Humans and Other Vertebrates Regarding Agricultural Uses of Externally Applied RNA Molecules. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:407. [PMID: 32391029 PMCID: PMC7191066 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The potential of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) for use as topical biopesticides in agriculture was recently discussed during an OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Conference on RNA interference (RNAi)-based pesticides. Several topics were presented and these covered different aspects of RNAi technology, its application, and its potential effects on target and non-target organisms (including both mammals and non-mammals). This review presents information relating to RNAi mechanisms in vertebrates, the history of safe RNA consumption, the biological barriers that contribute to the safety of its consumption, and effects related to humans and other vertebrates as discussed during the conference. We also review literature related to vertebrates exposed to RNA molecules and further consider human health safety assessments of RNAi-based biopesticides. This includes possible routes of exposure other than the ingestion of potential residual material in food and water (such as dermal and inhalation exposures during application in the field), the implications of different types of formulations and RNA structures, and the possibility of non-specific effects such as the activation of the innate immune system or saturation of the RNAi machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jay S. Petrick
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Jay S. Petrick,
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30
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Environmentally applied nucleic acids and proteins for purposes of engineering changes to genes and other genetic material. BIOSAFETY AND HEALTH 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
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31
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Devos Y, Craig W, Devlin RH, Ippolito A, Leggatt RA, Romeis J, Shaw R, Svendsen C, Topping CJ. Using problem formulation for fit-for-purpose pre-market environmental risk assessments of regulated stressors. EFSA J 2019; 17:e170708. [PMID: 32626445 PMCID: PMC7055725 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2019.e170708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre‐market/prospective environmental risk assessments (ERAs) contribute to risk analyses performed to facilitate decisions about the market introduction of regulated stressors. Robust ERAs begin with an explicit problem formulation, which involves among other steps: (1) formally devising plausible pathways to harm that describe how the deployment of a regulated stressor could be harmful; (2) formulating risk hypotheses about the likelihood and severity of such events; (3) identifying the information that will be useful to test the risk hypotheses; and (4) developing a plan to acquire new data for hypothesis testing should tests with existing information be insufficient for decision‐making. Here, we apply problem formulation to the assessment of possible adverse effects of RNA interference‐based insecticidal genetically modified (GM) plants, GM growth hormone coho salmon, gene drive‐modified mosquitoes and classical biological weed control agents on non‐target organisms in a prospective manner, and of neonicotinoid insecticides on bees in a retrospective manner. In addition, specific considerations for the problem formulation for the ERA of nanomaterials and for landscape‐scale population‐level ERAs are given. We argue that applying problem formulation to ERA maximises the usefulness of ERA studies for decision‐making, through an iterative process, because: (1) harm is defined explicitly from the start; (2) the construction of risk hypotheses is guided by policy rather than an exhaustive attempt to address any possible differences; (3) existing information is used effectively; (4) new data are collected with a clear purpose; (5) risk is characterised against well‐defined criteria of hypothesis corroboration or falsification; and (6) risk assessment conclusions can be communicated clearly. However, problem formulation is still often hindered by the absence of clear policy goals and decision‐making criteria (e.g. definition of protection goals and what constitutes harm) that are needed to guide the interpretation of scientific information. We therefore advocate further dialogue between risk assessors and risk managers to clarify how ERAs can address policy goals and decision‐making criteria. Ideally, this dialogue should take place for all classes of regulated stressors, as this can promote alignment and consistency on the desired level of protection and maximum tolerable impacts across regulated stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Devos
- GMO Unit European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Italy
| | - Wendy Craig
- Biosafety Group International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (ICGEB) Italy
| | | | | | | | - Jörg Romeis
- Research Division Agroecology and Environment Agroscope Switzerland
| | - Richard Shaw
- Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) United Kingdom
| | - Claus Svendsen
- Ecotoxicology and Chemical Risk Group United Kingdom Research and Innovation Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) United Kingdom
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Oberemok VV, Laikova KV, Gal'chinsky NV, Useinov RZ, Novikov IA, Temirova ZZ, Shumskykh MN, Krasnodubets AM, Repetskaya AI, Dyadichev VV, Fomochkina II, Bessalova EY, Makalish TP, Gninenko YI, Kubyshkin AV. DNA insecticide developed from the Lymantria dispar 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene provides a novel biotechnology for plant protection. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6197. [PMID: 30996277 PMCID: PMC6470133 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42688-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Having observed how botanicals and other natural compounds are used by nature to control pests in the environment, we began investigating natural polymers, DNA and RNA, as promising tools for insect pest management. Over the last decade, unmodified short antisense DNA oligonucleotides have shown a clear potential for use as insecticides. Our research has concentrated mainly on Lymantria dispar larvae using an antisense oligoRING sequence from its inhibitor-of-apoptosis gene. In this article, we propose a novel biotechnology to protect plants from insect pests using DNA insecticide with improved insecticidal activity based on a new antisense oligoRIBO-11 sequence from the 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene. This investigational oligoRIBO-11 insecticide causes higher mortality among both L. dispar larvae grown in the lab and those collected from the forest; in addition, it is more affordable and faster acting, which makes it a prospective candidate for use in the development of a ready-to-use preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volodymyr V Oberemok
- Department of Biochemistry, Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007, Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Kateryna V Laikova
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Avenue 5/7, 295051, Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Nikita V Gal'chinsky
- Department of Biochemistry, Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007, Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Refat Z Useinov
- Department of Biochemistry, Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007, Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Ilya A Novikov
- Department of Biochemistry, Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007, Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Zenure Z Temirova
- Department of Biochemistry, Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007, Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Maksym N Shumskykh
- Department of Biochemistry, Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007, Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine.
| | - Alisa M Krasnodubets
- Department of Biochemistry, Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007, Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Anna I Repetskaya
- Botanical Garden named after N.V. Bagrov, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007, Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Valeriy V Dyadichev
- Engineering Center, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007, Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Iryna I Fomochkina
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Avenue 5/7, 295051, Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Evgenia Y Bessalova
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Avenue 5/7, 295051, Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Tatiana P Makalish
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Avenue 5/7, 295051, Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Yuri I Gninenko
- All-Russian Research Institute for Silviculture and Mechanization of Forestry, Institutskaya Street 15, 141200, Pushkino, Russia
| | - Anatoly V Kubyshkin
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Avenue 5/7, 295051, Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine
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Tariq K, Ali A, Davies TGE, Naz E, Naz L, Sohail S, Hou M, Ullah F. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of voltage-gated sodium channel (MpNa v) gene causes mortality in peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5291. [PMID: 30923355 PMCID: PMC6439219 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41832-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) are transmembrane proteins that generate an action potential in excitable cells and play an essential role in neuronal signaling. Since VGSCs play a crucial role in nerve transmission they have become primary targets for a broad range of commercial insecticides. RNA interference (RNAi) is a valuable reverse genetics tool used in functional genomics, but recently, it has also shown promise as a novel agent that could be used to control agricultural insect pests. In this study, we targeted the VGSC (MpNav) gene in the peach-potato aphid Myzus persicae, by oral feeding of artificial diets mixed with dsRNAs. Knock-down of MpNav gene expression caused up to 65% mortality in 3rd instar nymphs. Moreover, significantly lower fecundity and longevity was observed in adult aphids that had been fed with dsMpNav solution at the nymphal stage. Analysis of gene expression by qRT-PCR indicated that the aphid mortality rates and the lowered fecundity and longevity were attributable to the down-regulation of MpNav by RNAi. Taken together, our results show that MpNav is a viable candidate target gene for the development of an RNAi-based bio-aphicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaleem Tariq
- Department of Agriculture, Abdul Wail Khan University, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| | - Asad Ali
- Department of Agriculture, Abdul Wail Khan University, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - T G Emyr Davies
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - Erum Naz
- Department of Agriculture, Abdul Wail Khan University, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Laila Naz
- Department of Agriculture, Abdul Wail Khan University, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Summar Sohail
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology; Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Maolin Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Farman Ullah
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant protection, China Agriculture University, Beijing, 100193, China
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Parker KM, Barragán Borrero V, van Leeuwen DM, Lever MA, Mateescu B, Sander M. Environmental Fate of RNA Interference Pesticides: Adsorption and Degradation of Double-Stranded RNA Molecules in Agricultural Soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:3027-3036. [PMID: 30681839 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b05576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) pesticides are a new generation of crop protectants that interfere with protein expression in targeted pest insects by a cellular mechanism called RNA interference (RNAi). The ecological risk assessment of these emerging pesticides necessitates an understanding of the fate of dsRNA molecules in receiving environments, among which agricultural soils are most important. We herein present an experimental approach using phosphorus-32 (32P)-radiolabeled dsRNA that allows studying key fate processes of dsRNA in soils with unprecedented sensitivity. This approach resolves previous analytical challenges in quantifying unlabeled dsRNA and its degradation products in soils. We demonstrate that 32P-dsRNA and its degradation products are quantifiable at concentrations as low as a few nanograms of dsRNA per gram of soil by both Cerenkov counting (to quantify total 32P-activity) and by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by phosphorimaging (to detect intact 32P-dsRNA and its 32P-containing degradation products). We show that dsRNA molecules added to soil suspensions undergo adsorption to soil particle surfaces, degradation in solution, and potential uptake by soil microorganisms. The results of this work on dsRNA adsorption and degradation advance a process-based understanding of the fate of dsRNA in soils and will inform ecological risk assessments of emerging dsRNA pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M Parker
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering , Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis , Missouri 63130 , United States
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics , ETH Zürich , 8092 Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Verónica Barragán Borrero
- Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biology , ETH Zürich , 8092 Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Daniël M van Leeuwen
- Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biology , ETH Zürich , 8092 Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Mark A Lever
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics , ETH Zürich , 8092 Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Bogdan Mateescu
- Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biology , ETH Zürich , 8092 Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Michael Sander
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics , ETH Zürich , 8092 Zürich , Switzerland
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Addressing concerns over the fate of DNA derived from genetically modified food in the human body: A review. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 124:423-430. [PMID: 30580028 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Global commercialization of GM food and feed has stimulated much debate over the fate of GM food-derived DNA in the body of the consumer and as to whether it poses any health risks. We reviewed the fate of DNA derived from GM food in the human body. During mechanical/chemical processing, integrity of DNA is compromised. Food-DNA can survive harsh processing and digestive conditions with fragments up to a few hundred bp detectable in the gastrointestinal tract. Compelling evidence supported the presence of food (also GM food) derived DNA in the blood and tissues of human/animal. There is limited evidence of food-born DNA integrating into the genome of the consumer and of horizontal transfer of GM crop DNA into gut-bacteria. We find no evidence that transgenes in GM crop-derived foods have a greater propensity for uptake and integration than the host DNA of the plant-food. We found no evidence of plant-food DNA function/expression following transfer to either the gut-bacteria or somatic cells. Strong evidence suggested that plant-food-miRNAs can survive digestion, enter the body and affect gene expression patterns. We envisage that this multi-dimensional review will address questions regarding the fate of GM food-derived DNA and gene-regulatory-RNA in the human body.
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Agapito-Tenfen SZ, Vilperte V, Traavik TI, Nodari RO. Systematic miRNome profiling reveals differential microRNAs in transgenic maize metabolism. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2018; 30:37. [PMID: 30294516 PMCID: PMC6153861 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-018-0168-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While some genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are created to produce new double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA), in others, such molecules may occur as an unintended effect of the genetic engineering process. Furthermore, GMOs might produce naturally occurring dsRNA molecules in higher or lower quantities than its non-transgenic counterpart. This study is the first to use high-throughput technology to characterize the miRNome of commercialized GM maize events and to investigate potential alterations in miRNA regulatory networks. RESULTS Thirteen different conserved miRNAs were found to be dys-regulated in GM samples. The insecticide Bt GM variety had the most distinct miRNome. These miRNAs target a range of endogenous transcripts, such as transcription factors and nucleic acid binding domains, which play key molecular functions in basic genetic regulation. In addition, we have identified 20 potential novel miRNAs with target transcripts involved in lipid metabolism in maize. isomiRs were also found in 96 conserved miRNAs sequences, as well as potential transgenic miRNA sequences, which both can be a source of potential off-target effects in the plant genome. We have also provided information on technical limitations and when to carry on additional in vivo experimental testing. CONCLUSIONS These findings do not reveal hazards per se but show that robust and reproducible miRNA profiling technique can strengthen the assessment of risk by detecting any new intended and unintended dsRNA molecules, regardless of the outcome, at any stage of GMO development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vinicius Vilperte
- Departamento de Fitotecnia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88034000 Brazil
- Present Address: Institute for Plant Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Leibniz University of Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Terje Ingemar Traavik
- GenØk–Centre for Biosafety, Forskningsparken i Breivika, Sykehusveien 23, 9294 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rubens Onofre Nodari
- Departamento de Fitotecnia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88034000 Brazil
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McMenamin AJ, Daughenbaugh KF, Parekh F, Pizzorno MC, Flenniken ML. Honey Bee and Bumble Bee Antiviral Defense. Viruses 2018; 10:E395. [PMID: 30060518 PMCID: PMC6115922 DOI: 10.3390/v10080395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bees are important plant pollinators in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Managed and wild bees have experienced high average annual colony losses, population declines, and local extinctions in many geographic regions. Multiple factors, including virus infections, impact bee health and longevity. The majority of bee-infecting viruses are positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. Bee-infecting viruses often cause asymptomatic infections but may also cause paralysis, deformity or death. The severity of infection is governed by bee host immune responses and influenced by additional biotic and abiotic factors. Herein, we highlight studies that have contributed to the current understanding of antiviral defense in bees, including the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera), the Eastern honey bee (Apis cerana) and bumble bee species (Bombus spp.). Bee antiviral defense mechanisms include RNA interference (RNAi), endocytosis, melanization, encapsulation, autophagy and conserved immune pathways including Jak/STAT (Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription), JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase), MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinases) and the NF-κB mediated Toll and Imd (immune deficiency) pathways. Studies in Dipteran insects, including the model organism Drosophila melanogaster and pathogen-transmitting mosquitos, provide the framework for understanding bee antiviral defense. However, there are notable differences such as the more prominent role of a non-sequence specific, dsRNA-triggered, virus limiting response in honey bees and bumble bees. This virus-limiting response in bees is akin to pathways in a range of organisms including other invertebrates (i.e., oysters, shrimp and sand flies), as well as the mammalian interferon response. Current and future research aimed at elucidating bee antiviral defense mechanisms may lead to development of strategies that mitigate bee losses, while expanding our understanding of insect antiviral defense and the potential evolutionary relationship between sociality and immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J McMenamin
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
- Center for Pollinator Health, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
| | - Katie F Daughenbaugh
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
- Center for Pollinator Health, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
| | - Fenali Parekh
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
- Center for Pollinator Health, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
| | - Marie C Pizzorno
- Biology Department, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA.
| | - Michelle L Flenniken
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
- Center for Pollinator Health, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
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Zotti M, Dos Santos EA, Cagliari D, Christiaens O, Taning CNT, Smagghe G. RNA interference technology in crop protection against arthropod pests, pathogens and nematodes. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2018; 74:1239-1250. [PMID: 29194942 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding and unraveling several aspects of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated gene silencing during the last two decades. Now that the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism is well understood, it is time to consider how to apply the acquired knowledge to agriculture and crop protection. Some RNAi-based products are already available for farmers and more are expected to reach the market soon. Tailor-made dsRNA as an active ingredient for biopesticide formulations is considered a raw material that can be used for diverse purposes, from pest control and bee protection against viruses to pesticide resistance management. The RNAi mechanism works at the messenger RNA (mRNA) level, exploiting a sequence-dependent mode of action, which makes it unique in potency and selectivity compared with conventional agrochemicals. Furthermore, the use of RNAi in crop protection can be achieved by employing plant-incorporated protectants through plant transformation, but also by non-transformative strategies such as the use of formulations of sprayable RNAs as direct control agents, resistance factor repressors or developmental disruptors. In this review, RNAi is presented in an agricultural context (discussing products that have been launched on the market or will soon be available), and we go beyond the classical presentation of successful examples of RNAi in pest-insect control and comprehensively explore its potential for the control of plant pathogens, nematodes and mites, and to fight against diseases and parasites in beneficial insects. Moreover, we also discuss its use as a repressor for the management of pesticide-resistant weeds and insects. Finally, this review reports on the advances in non-transformative dsRNA delivery and the production costs of dsRNA, and discusses environmental considerations. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moises Zotti
- Department of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Ericmar Avila Dos Santos
- Department of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Deise Cagliari
- Department of Crop Protection, Molecular Entomology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Oberemok VV, Laikova KV, Repetskaya AI, Kenyo IM, Gorlov MV, Kasich IN, Krasnodubets AM, Gal'chinsky NV, Fomochkina II, Zaitsev AS, Bekirova VV, Seidosmanova EE, Dydik KI, Meshcheryakova AO, Nazarov SA, Smagliy NN, Chelengerova EL, Kulanova AA, Deri K, Subbotkin MV, Useinov RZ, Shumskykh MN, Kubyshkin AV. A Half-Century History of Applications of Antisense Oligonucleotides in Medicine, Agriculture and Forestry: We Should Continue the Journey. Molecules 2018; 23:E1302. [PMID: 29844255 PMCID: PMC6099785 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), short single-stranded polymers based on DNA or RNA chemistries and synthesized in vitro, regulate gene expression by binding in a sequence-specific manner to an RNA target. The functional activity and selectivity in the action of ASOs largely depends on the combination of nitrogenous bases in a target sequence. This simple and natural property of nucleic acids provides an attractive route by which scientists can create different ASO-based techniques. Over the last 50 years, planned and realized applications in the field of antisense and nucleic acid nanotechnologies have produced astonishing results and posed new challenges for further developments, exemplifying the essence of the post-genomic era. Today the majority of ASOs are chemically modified and/or incorporated within nanoparticles to enhance their stability and cellular uptake. This review critically analyzes some successful cases using the antisense approach in medicine to address severe diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, and suggests some prospective directions for future research. We also examine in detail the elaboration of unmodified insect-specific DNA insecticides and RNA preparations in the areas of agriculture and forestry, a relatively new branch of ASO that allows circumvention of the use of non-selective chemical insecticides. When considering the variety of successful ASO modifications with an efficient signal-to-noise ratio of action, coupled with the affordability of in vitro oligonucleotide synthesis and post-synthesis procedures, we predict that the next half-century will produce a fruitful yield of tools created from effective ASO-based end products.
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MESH Headings
- Agriculture/methods
- Animals
- Biological Control Agents/chemical synthesis
- Biological Control Agents/history
- Biological Control Agents/pharmacology
- DNA/antagonists & inhibitors
- DNA/genetics
- DNA/metabolism
- Forestry/methods
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- History, 20th Century
- History, 21st Century
- Humans
- Larva/drug effects
- Larva/genetics
- Larva/metabolism
- Moths/drug effects
- Moths/genetics
- Moths/growth & development
- Moths/metabolism
- Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/genetics
- Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/metabolism
- Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/pathology
- Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/therapy
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/therapy
- Nanoparticles/administration & dosage
- Nanoparticles/chemistry
- Neuromuscular Agents/chemical synthesis
- Neuromuscular Agents/history
- Neuromuscular Agents/therapeutic use
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/chemical synthesis
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/genetics
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/antagonists & inhibitors
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Volodymyr V Oberemok
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Kateryna V Laikova
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Avenue 5/7, 295051 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Anna I Repetskaya
- Botanical Garden named after N.V. Bagrov, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 29500 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Igor M Kenyo
- Academy of Bioresources and Environmental Management of V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, 95492 Agrarnoye, Crimea.
| | - Mikhail V Gorlov
- D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Miusskaya sq. 9, 125047 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Igor N Kasich
- Rostov State Medical University, Nakhchivan Lane 29, 344022 Rostov-on-Don, Russia.
| | - Alisa M Krasnodubets
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Nikita V Gal'chinsky
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Iryna I Fomochkina
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Avenue 5/7, 295051 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Aleksei S Zaitsev
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Viktoriya V Bekirova
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Eleonora E Seidosmanova
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Ksenia I Dydik
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Anna O Meshcheryakova
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Sergey A Nazarov
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Natalya N Smagliy
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Edie L Chelengerova
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Alina A Kulanova
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Avenue 5/7, 295051 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Karim Deri
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Avenue 5/7, 295051 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Mikhail V Subbotkin
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Avenue 5/7, 295051 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Refat Z Useinov
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Maksym N Shumskykh
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Avenue 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Anatoly V Kubyshkin
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Avenue 5/7, 295051 Simferopol, Crimea.
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Saini RP, Raman V, Dhandapani G, Malhotra EV, Sreevathsa R, Kumar PA, Sharma TR, Pattanayak D. Silencing of HaAce1 gene by host-delivered artificial microRNA disrupts growth and development of Helicoverpa armigera. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194150. [PMID: 29547640 PMCID: PMC5856398 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The polyphagous insect-pest, Helicoverpa armigera, is a serious threat to a number of economically important crops. Chemical application and/or cultivation of Bt transgenic crops are the two strategies available now for insect-pest management. However, environmental pollution and long-term sustainability are major concerns against these two options. RNAi is now considered as a promising technology to complement Bt to tackle insect-pests menace. In this study, we report host-delivered silencing of HaAce1 gene, encoding the predominant isoform of H. armigera acetylcholinesterase, by an artificial microRNA, HaAce1-amiR1. Arabidopsis pre-miRNA164b was modified by replacing miR164b/miR164b* sequences with HaAce1-amiR1/HaAce1-amiR1* sequences. The recombinant HaAce1-preamiRNA1 was put under the control of CaMV 35S promoter and NOS terminator of plant binary vector pBI121, and the resultant vector cassette was used for tobacco transformation. Two transgenic tobacco lines expressing HaAce1-amiR1 was used for detached leaf insect feeding bioassays. Larval mortality of 25% and adult deformity of 20% were observed in transgenic treated insect group over that control tobacco treated insect group. The reduction in the steady-state level of HaAce1 mRNA was 70-80% in the defective adults compared to control. Our results demonstrate promise for host-delivered amiRNA-mediated silencing of HaAce1 gene for H. armigera management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Prakash Saini
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Venkat Raman
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Gurusamy Dhandapani
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Era Vaidya Malhotra
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Rohini Sreevathsa
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Tilak R. Sharma
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Debasis Pattanayak
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, India
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Mogren CL, Lundgren JG. In silico identification of off-target pesticidal dsRNA binding in honey bees ( Apis mellifera). PeerJ 2017; 5:e4131. [PMID: 29255651 PMCID: PMC5732542 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pesticidal RNAs that silence critical gene function have great potential in pest management, but the benefits of this technology must be weighed against non-target organism risks. Methods Published studies that developed pesticidal double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) were collated into a database. The target gene sequences for these pesticidal RNAs were determined, and the degree of similarity with sequences in the honey bee genome were evaluated statistically. Results We identified 101 insecticidal RNAs sharing high sequence similarity with genomic regions in honey bees. The likelihood that off-target sequences were similar increased with the number of nucleotides in the dsRNA molecule. The similarities of non-target genes to the pesticidal RNA was unaffected by taxonomic relatedness of the target insect to honey bees, contrary to previous assertions. Gene groups active during honey bee development had disproportionately high sequence similarity with pesticidal RNAs relative to other areas of the genome. Discussion Although sequence similarity does not itself guarantee a significant phenotypic effect in honey bees by the primary dsRNA, in silico screening may help to identify appropriate experimental endpoints within a risk assessment framework for pesticidal RNAi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Mogren
- Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i, United States of America
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Oberemok VV, Laikova KV, Zaitsev AS, Shumskykh MN, Kasich IN, Gal'chinsky NV, Bekirova VV, Makarov VV, Agranovsky AA, Gushchin VA, Zubarev IV, Kubyshkin AV, Fomochkina II, Gorlov MV, Skorokhod OA. Molecular Alliance of Lymantria dispar Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus and a Short Unmodified Antisense Oligonucleotide of Its Anti-Apoptotic IAP-3 Gene: A Novel Approach for Gypsy Moth Control. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E2446. [PMID: 29149051 PMCID: PMC5713413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Baculovirus IAP (inhibitor-of-apoptosis) genes originated by capture of host genes. Unmodified short antisense DNA oligonucleotides (oligoDNAs) from baculovirus IAP genes can down-regulate specific gene expression profiles in both baculovirus-free and baculovirus-infected insects. In this study, gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) larvae infected with multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV), and LdMNPV-free larvae, were treated with oligoDNA antisense to the RING (really interesting new gene) domain of the LdMNPV IAP-3 gene. The results with respect to insect mortality, biomass accumulation, histological studies, RT-PCR, and analysis of DNA apoptotic fragmentation suggest that oligoRING induced increased apoptotic processes in both LdMNPV-free and LdMNPV-infected insect cells, but were more pronounced in the latter. These data open up possibilities for promising new routes of insect pest control using antisense phosphodiester DNA oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volodymyr V Oberemok
- Taurida Academy, Department of Biochemistry, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Kateryna V Laikova
- Medical Academy, Department of Biochemistry, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295006, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Aleksei S Zaitsev
- Taurida Academy, Department of Biochemistry, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Maksym N Shumskykh
- Taurida Academy, Department of Biochemistry, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Igor N Kasich
- Medical Academy, Department of Pathological Anatomy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295006, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Nikita V Gal'chinsky
- Taurida Academy, Department of Biochemistry, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Viktoriya V Bekirova
- Taurida Academy, Department of Biochemistry, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295007, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Valentin V Makarov
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Alexey A Agranovsky
- Department of Virology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia.
- Center of Bioengineering, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117312, Russia.
| | - Vladimir A Gushchin
- Department of Virology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia.
- Translational Biomedicine Laboratory, N. F. Gamaleya Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow 123098, Russia.
| | - Ilya V Zubarev
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Ural Federal University, Chelyabinsk 620083, Russia.
| | - Anatoly V Kubyshkin
- Medical Academy, Department of General and Clinical Pathophysiology, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295006, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Iryna I Fomochkina
- Medical Academy, Department of General and Clinical Pathophysiology, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol 295006, Republic of Crimea.
| | - Mikhail V Gorlov
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Moscow 125047, Russia.
| | - Oleksii A Skorokhod
- University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy.
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Kumar D, Gong C. Insect RNAi: Integrating a New Tool in the Crop Protection Toolkit. TRENDS IN INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2017. [PMCID: PMC7121382 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-61343-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Protecting crops against insect pests is a major focus area in crop protection. Over the past two decades, biotechnological interventions, especially Bt proteins, have been successfully implemented across the world and have had major impacts on reducing chemical pesticide applications. As insects continue to adapt to insecticides, both chemical and protein-based, new methods, molecules, and modes of action are necessary to provide sustainable solutions. RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a significant tool to knock down or alter gene expression profiles in a species-specific manner. In the past decade, there has been intense research on RNAi applications in crop protection. This chapter looks at the current state of knowledge in the field and outlines the methodology, delivery methods, and precautions required in designing targets. Assessing the targeting of specific gene expression is also an important part of a successful RNAi strategy. The current literature on the use of RNAi in major orders of insect pests is reviewed, along with a perspective on the regulatory aspects of the approach. Risk assessment of RNAi would focus on molecular characterization, food/feed risk assessment, and environmental risk assessment. As more RNAi-based products come through regulatory systems, either via direct application or plant expression based, the impact of this approach on crop protection will become clearer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chengliang Gong
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Parker KM, Sander M. Environmental Fate of Insecticidal Plant-Incorporated Protectants from Genetically Modified Crops: Knowledge Gaps and Research Opportunities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:12049-12057. [PMID: 28968072 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b03456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) are biopesticides expressed in genetically modified (GM) crops and are typically macromolecular in nature. First-generation insecticidal PIPs were Cry proteins expressed in GM crops containing transgenes from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis; next-generation double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) PIPs have been recently approved. Like conventional synthetic pesticides, the use of either Cry protein or dsRNA PIPs results in their release to receiving environments. However, as opposed to conventional low molecular weight pesticides, the environmental fate of macromolecular PIPs remains less studied and is poorly understood. This Feature highlights the knowledge gaps and challenges that have emerged while investigating the environmental fate of Cry protein PIPs and suggests new avenues to advance the state of the research necessary for the ongoing environmental fate assessment of dsRNA PIPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M Parker
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich , 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University , St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Michael Sander
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich , 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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Brutscher LM, Daughenbaugh KF, Flenniken ML. Virus and dsRNA-triggered transcriptional responses reveal key components of honey bee antiviral defense. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6448. [PMID: 28743868 PMCID: PMC5526946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06623-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent high annual losses of honey bee colonies are associated with many factors, including RNA virus infections. Honey bee antiviral responses include RNA interference and immune pathway activation, but their relative roles in antiviral defense are not well understood. To better characterize the mechanism(s) of honey bee antiviral defense, bees were infected with a model virus in the presence or absence of dsRNA, a virus associated molecular pattern. Regardless of sequence specificity, dsRNA reduced virus abundance. We utilized next generation sequencing to examine transcriptional responses triggered by virus and dsRNA at three time-points post-infection. Hundreds of genes exhibited differential expression in response to co-treatment of dsRNA and virus. Virus-infected bees had greater expression of genes involved in RNAi, Toll, Imd, and JAK-STAT pathways, but the majority of differentially expressed genes are not well characterized. To confirm the virus limiting role of two genes, including the well-characterized gene, dicer, and a probable uncharacterized cyclin dependent kinase in honey bees, we utilized RNAi to reduce their expression in vivo and determined that virus abundance increased, supporting their involvement in antiviral defense. Together, these results further our understanding of honey bee antiviral defense, particularly the role of a non-sequence specific dsRNA-mediated antiviral pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Brutscher
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.,Pollinator Health Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Katie F Daughenbaugh
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.,Pollinator Health Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Michelle L Flenniken
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA. .,Pollinator Health Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
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Mamta B, Rajam MV. RNAi technology: a new platform for crop pest control. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 23:487-501. [PMID: 28878489 PMCID: PMC5567704 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-017-0443-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The insect pests are big threat in meeting the food demands for future generation. The present pest control strategies, including the existing transgenic approaches show certain limitations and are not completely successful in limiting the insect pests. However, the sequence-specific gene silencing via RNA interference (RNAi) holds a great promise for effective management of agricultural pests. RNAi is naturally occurring conserved process responsible for gene regulation and defense against pathogens. The efficacy of RNAi varies among different insect orders and also depends upon various factors, including the target gene selection, method of dsRNAs delivery, expression of dsRNAs and presence of off-target effects. RNAi-mediated silencing of different insect genes involved in various physiological processes was found to be detrimental to insects growth, development and survival. In this article, we have reviewed the potential of RNAi-based strategies for effective management of insect pests. We have also discussed the various parameters, which are to be considered for host-induced RNAi-mediated control of insect pests without producing any effect on non-target organisms and environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Mamta
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi, 110021 India
| | - M. V. Rajam
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi, 110021 India
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Pálinkás Z, Kiss J, Zalai M, Szénási Á, Dorner Z, North S, Woodward G, Balog A. Effects of genetically modified maize events expressing Cry34Ab1, Cry35Ab1, Cry1F, and CP4 EPSPS proteins on arthropod complex food webs. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:2286-2293. [PMID: 28405292 PMCID: PMC5383485 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Four genetically modified (GM) maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids (coleopteran resistant, coleopteran and lepidopteran resistant, lepidopteran resistant and herbicide tolerant, coleopteran and herbicide tolerant) and its non-GM control maize stands were tested to compare the functional diversity of arthropods and to determine whether genetic modifications alter the structure of arthropods food webs. A total number of 399,239 arthropod individuals were used for analyses. The trophic groups' number and the links between them indicated that neither the higher magnitude of Bt toxins (included resistance against insect, and against both insects and glyphosate) nor the extra glyphosate treatment changed the structure of food webs. However, differences in the average trophic links/trophic groups were detected between GM and non-GM food webs for herbivore groups and plants. Also, differences in characteristic path lengths between GM and non-GM food webs for herbivores were observed. Food webs parameterized based on 2-year in-field assessments, and their properties can be considered a useful and simple tool to evaluate the effects of Bt toxins on non-target organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Pálinkás
- Institute of Plant ProtectionFaculty of Agriculture and Environmental SciencesSzent István UniversityGödöllőHungary
| | - József Kiss
- Institute of Plant ProtectionFaculty of Agriculture and Environmental SciencesSzent István UniversityGödöllőHungary
| | - Mihály Zalai
- Institute of Plant ProtectionFaculty of Agriculture and Environmental SciencesSzent István UniversityGödöllőHungary
| | - Ágnes Szénási
- Institute of Plant ProtectionFaculty of Agriculture and Environmental SciencesSzent István UniversityGödöllőHungary
| | - Zita Dorner
- Institute of Plant ProtectionFaculty of Agriculture and Environmental SciencesSzent István UniversityGödöllőHungary
| | - Samuel North
- Faculty of Natural SciencesDepartment of Life SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Guy Woodward
- Faculty of Natural SciencesDepartment of Life SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Adalbert Balog
- Department of HorticultureFaculty of Technical and Human ScienceSapientia Hungarian University of TransylvaniaCluj NapocaRomania
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Arpaia S, Birch ANE, Kiss J, van Loon JJA, Messéan A, Nuti M, Perry JN, Sweet JB, Tebbe CC. Assessing environmental impacts of genetically modified plants on non-target organisms: The relevance of in planta studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 583:123-132. [PMID: 28095991 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In legal frameworks worldwide, genetically modified plants (GMPs) are subjected to pre-market environmental risk assessment (ERA) with the aim of identifying potential effects on the environment. In the European Union, the EFSA Guidance Document introduces the rationale that GMPs, as well as their newly produced metabolites, represent the potential stressor to be evaluated during ERA. As a consequence, during several phases of ERA for cultivation purposes, it is considered necessary to use whole plants or plant parts in experimental protocols. The importance of in planta studies as a strategy to address impacts of GMPs on non-target organisms is demonstrated, to evaluate both effects due to the intended modification in plant phenotype (e.g. expression of Cry proteins) and effects due to unintended modifications in plant phenotype resulting from the transformation process (e.g. due to somaclonal variations or pleiotropic effects). In planta tests are also necessary for GMPs in which newly expressed metabolites cannot easily be studied in vitro. This paper reviews the scientific literature supporting the choice of in planta studies as a fundamental tool in ERA of GMPs in cultivation dossiers; the evidence indicates they can realistically mimic the ecological relationships occurring in their receiving environments and provide important insights into the biology and sustainable management of GMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jozsef Kiss
- Plant Protection Institute, Szent Istvan University, Gödöllö, Hungary
| | - Joop J A van Loon
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Bingsohn L, Knorr E, Billion A, Narva KE, Vilcinskas A. Knockdown of genes in the Toll pathway reveals new lethal RNA interference targets for insect pest control. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 26:92-102. [PMID: 27862545 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising alternative strategy for ecologically friendly pest management. However, the identification of RNAi candidate genes is challenging owing to the absence of laboratory strains and the seasonality of most pest species. Tribolium castaneum is a well-established model, with a strong and robust RNAi response, which can be used as a high-throughput screening platform to identify potential RNAi target genes. Recently, the cactus gene was identified as a sensitive RNAi target for pest control. To explore whether the spectrum of promising RNAi targets can be expanded beyond those found by random large-scale screening, to encompass others identified using targeted knowledge-based approaches, we constructed a Cactus interaction network. We tested nine genes in this network and found that the delivery of double-stranded RNA corresponding to fusilli and cactin showed lethal effects. The silencing of cactin resulted in 100% lethality at every developmental stage from the larva to the adult. The knockdown of pelle, Dorsal-related immunity factor and short gastrulation reduced or even prevented egg hatching in the next generation. The combination of such targets with lethal and parental RNAi effects can now be tested against different pest species in field studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bingsohn
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
| | - E Knorr
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
| | - A Billion
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
| | - K E Narva
- Dow AgroSciences, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - A Vilcinskas
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Giessen, Germany
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