Chapter 2 - RNAi Unravels the Biology of the Hemimetabolous and Ametabolous Insects

Abstract

Abstract RNA interference (RNAi) has proven to be among the most important developments in molecular biology-driven studies of insects over the last decade. Using exogenous double-stranded RNA to generate post-transcriptional knockdown phenotypes, this technique enables the functional characterization of an ever-increasing set of genetic sequence data. Whilst routinely employed in studies of model holometabolous insects like Drosophila melanogaster and Tribolium castaneum, RNAi has also facilitated research into the hemimetabolous and ametabolous orders. This looks set to increase with the recent publication of the first genomic datasets for insects without full metamorphosis; the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, and the human body louse, Pediculus humanus humanus. In anticipation of a heightened interest in this field, this review surveys the diverse range of recent research employing RNAi in ametabolous and hemimetabolous insects and, in doing so, demonstrates the broad utility of the technique for future studies of development, physiology and behaviour.