Gene expression studies and molecular characterization of a cathepsin L-like from the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri, vector of Huanglongbing

Ferrara, Taise F.S.; Schneider, Vanessa Karine; Lima, Patricia Silva; Bronze, Fellipe S.; Machado, Marcelo Ferreira Marcondes; Henrique-Silva, Flávio; Soares-Costa, Andréa; Carmona, Adriana K.

doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.070

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…A different pattern of DcCathL expression has been reported compared to DcCathB, with expression observed in the head, thorax, and gut tissues of D. citri, suggesting function in more processes than digestion. expression of the DcCathL gene in eggs than nymph and adult stages also suggests a role of in embryonic development (Ferrara et al, 2020). Additionally, DcCathL has been implicated in the innate immune response, like DcCathB (Yu et al, 2019).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…In our previous studies, two cathepsin genes were identified in D. citri, cathepsin B-like (DcCathB) (Ferrara et al, 2015) and cathepsin L-like (DcCathL) (Ferrara et al, 2020). Cathepsins are proteolytic cysteine-peptidase type enzymes (Storer and Meńard, 1994;Polgaŕ, 2013;Rawlings et al, 2016), belonging to the family C1 and subfamily papain; cathepsins are proteases that occur broadly among animals and play important roles in immunity, metabolism, and development (Sajid and McKerrow, 2002;Wiederanders, 2003).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In insects, cathepsins B and L play a key role in digestion and are involved in embryogenesis, immune defense, and ecdysis (Terra and Ferreira, 1994). In D. citri, DcCathB and DcCathL were highly expressed in the alimentary canal suggesting a role in digestion and were expressed during the egg stage suggesting involvement in embryonic development (Ferrara et al, 2020). We hypothesized that blocking activity of these enzymes using the recombinant CTV-RNAi vectors should disturb critical biological processes in D. citri.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Gene silencing of cathepsins B and L using CTV-based, plant-mediated RNAi interferes with ovarial development in Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri

Ibanez,

Vieira Rocha,

Dawson

et al. 2023

Front. Plant Sci.

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Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is a vector of the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter americanus (CLam) and Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), which are phloem-restricted and associated with the most important and destructive worldwide citrus disease, Huanglongbing (HLB). Currently, no cure for HLB has been described. Therefore, measures have focused on reducing D. citri populations. In these insects, cathepsin B (DCcathB) and L (DCcathL) enzymes play an important role in digestion, and are involved in embryogenesis, immune defense, and ecdysis. In this study, we used a CTV-based vector to deliver dsRNA (CTV-dsRNA) into Citrus macrophylla plants targeting DCcathB and DCcathL genes in D. citri that fed on the phloem of these CTV-RNAi infected plants. Subsequently, we evaluated expression of DCcathB and DCcathL genes as well as the Vitellogenin (Vg) gene by RT-qPCR in D. citri fed on CTV-dsRNA occurring in plant phloem. It was found that a defective phenotype in D. citri females as a result of knockdown of DCcathB and DCcathL genes mediated by CTV dsRNA. These results showed that Psyllids fed on plants treated with the CTV-dsRNA exhibited downregulation of the Vg gene, one of the most important genes associated with embryogenic and female development, which was associated with dsRNA-mediated silencing of the two cathepsin genes. Based on our findings, a CTV-based strategy for delivering RNAi via plants that targets DCcathB and DCcathL genes may represent a suitable avenue for development of dsRNA-based tools to manage D. citri that limits the spread of HLB.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%