RNA Interference in Insects: Protecting Beneficials and Controlling Pests

Abstract

Insects constitute the largest and most diverse group of animals on Earth with an equally diverse virome. The main antiviral immune system of these animals is the post-transcriptional gene-silencing mechanism known as RNA(i) interference. Furthermore, this process can be artificially triggered via delivery of gene-specific double-stranded RNA molecules, leading to specific endogenous gene silencing. This is called RNAi technology and has important applications in several fields. In this paper, we review RNAi mechanisms in insects as well as the potential of RNAi technology to contribute to species-specific insecticidal strategies. Regarding this aspect, we cover the range of strategies considered and investigated so far, as well as their limitations and the most promising approaches to overcome them. Additionally, we discuss patterns of viral infection, specifically persistent and acute insect viral infections. In the latter case, we focus on infections affecting economically relevant species. Within this scope, we review the use of insect-specific viruses as bio-insecticides. Last, we discuss RNAi-based strategies to protect beneficial insects from harmful viral infections and their potential practical application. As a whole, this manuscript stresses the impact of insect viruses and RNAi technology in human life, highlighting clear lines of investigation within an exciting and promising field of research.

Prospects, challenges and current status of RNAi through insect feeding

“…A plausible explanation for the inflated interest in this type of targets could be the enthusiasm in exploring this technique as an alternative pesticide method . Nevertheless, RNAi strategies have also been used for the control of diseases in economically important insects such as honey bees and silkworms . These species contribute billions of dollars per year by producing products like silk and honey and pollinating fruit crops.…”

“…22 Nevertheless, RNAi strategies have also been used for the control of diseases in economically important insects such as honey bees and silkworms. 63 These species contribute billions of dollars per year by producing products like silk and honey and pollinating fruit crops. Infections by viruses and parasites in this type of insect cause great financial loss.…”

RNA interference of NADPH-Cytochrome P450 reductase increases susceptibilities to multiple acaricides inTetranychus urticae

“…The use of RNAi to characterize gene functions and facilitate pest and pollinator 443 management has been well documented and reviewed [49,[68][69][70]. In our study, feeding dsTuCPR optimize the efficiency of RNAi (Fig.…”

Inhibitor of apoptosis‐1 gene as a potential target for pest control and its involvement in immune regulation during fungal infection

“…Targeting the expression of critical host genes required for survival using RNA interference (RNAi) approaches, in which administration of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) into the host results in gene silencing, has emerged as a ‘next generation’ pest control technology . By selecting unique sequence targets and essential insect genes, dsRNA‐mediated gene silencing can result in insect mortality, with minimal non‐target effects, a significant advantage over chemical pesticides which are relatively non‐specific . Gene silencing dsRNAs can be delivered into hosts directly, e.g.…”

“…2 By selecting unique sequence targets and essential insect genes, dsRNA-mediated gene silencing can result in insect mortality, with minimal non-target effects, a significant advantage over chemical pesticides which are relatively non-specific. 3 Gene silencing dsRNAs can be delivered into hosts directly, e.g. by injection or feeding, or indirectly, e.g.…”