RNA Interference in Aquaculture: A Small Tool for Big Potential

Abstract

For decades, the tight regulatory functions of DNA and RNA have been the focus of extensive research with the goal of harnessing RNA molecules (e.g., microRNA and small interfering RNA) to control gene expression and to study biological functions. RNA interference (RNAi) has shown evidence of mediating gene expression, has been utilized to study functional genomics, and recently has potential in therapeutic agents. RNAi is a natural mechanism and a well-studied tool that can be used to silence specific genes. This method is also used in aquaculture as a research tool and to enhance immune responses. RNAi methods do have their limitations (e.g., immune triggering); efficient and easy-to-use RNAi methods for large-scale applications need further development. Despite these limitations, RNAi methods have been successfully used in aquaculture, in particular shrimp. This review discusses the uses of RNAi in aquaculture, such as immune- and production-related issues and the possible limitations that may hinder the application of RNAi in the aquaculture industry. Our challenge is to develop a highly potent in vivo RNAi delivery platform that could complete the desired action with minimal side effects and which can be applied on a large-scale with relatively little expense in the aquaculture industry.

Principles and Methods of Counteracting Harmful Salmon–Arthropod Interactions in Salmon Farming: Addressing Possibilities, Limitations, and Future Options

“…RNA interference (RNAi) is a form of gene knockdown that targets mRNA (not necessarily only mRNA). For many years, RNAi technology has been applied in aquaculture research, contributing to our understanding of functional genomics and aquatic biology (Abo-Al-Ela, 2021). A schematic diagram is shown comparing RNAi to genome editing (Figure 2).…”

Bta-miR-493 Inhibits Bovine Preadipocytes Differentiation by Targeting BMPR1A via the TGFβ/BMP and p38MAPK Signaling Pathways

“…Therefore, elucidating the molecular regulatory mechanism of underlying bovine preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation could facilitate the breeding of beef cattle with good marbling . MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNA molecules that regulate post-transcriptional silencing of target genes involved in several biological processes that play essential roles in animal growth and development. − MiR-493 is a significant tumor gene extensively studied in lung, prostate, colon, bladder, and liver cancers. MiR-493 inhibits the proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and invasion of prostate and bladder cancer cells. , By contrast, miR-493 can promote the proliferation of prostate cancer and gastric cancer cells by targeting PHLPP2 and DKK1 , respectively. , Although the function of miR-493 in the proliferation of tumor cells has been extensively examined, studies on its role in cell differentiation, especially in preadipocytes differentiation, are limited.…”

High‐Yield of Nucleic Acid Adsorption via Poly(Vinyl Alcohol‐co‐Ethylene) Nanofiber‐Based Anion‐Exchange Chitosan Aerogel Membrane with Controllable Porosity

“…Nucleic acids, viz., ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), known as genetic information carriers, have wide applications in various fields such as forensic science, aquaculture, medicine, and biotechnology, [ 1–4 ] where the purity and integrity of nucleic acid are crucial. Generally, the extraction technology is exploited as an efficient purification process of nucleic acid, e.g., viral RNA extraction for potential detection of COVID‐19.…”

“…aquaculture, medicine, and biotechnology, [1][2][3][4] where the purity and integrity of nucleic acid are crucial. Generally, the extraction technology is exploited as an efficient purification process of nucleic acid, e.g., viral RNA extraction for potential detection of COVID-19.…”