Abstract
We review RNA interference (RNAi) of insect pests and its potential for implementing sterile insect technique (SIT)‐related control. The molecular mechanisms that support RNAi in pest species are reviewed in detail, drawing on literature from a range of species including Drosophila melanogaster Meigen and Homo sapiens L. The underlying genes that enable RNAi are generally conserved across taxa, although variance exists in both their form and function. RNAi represents a plausible, non‐GM system for targeting populations of insects for control purposes, if RNAi effector molecules can be delivered environmentally (eRNAi). We consider studies of eRNAi from across several insect orders and review to what extent taxonomy, genetics, and differing methods of double‐stranded (ds) RNA synthesis and delivery can influence the efficiency of gene knockdown. Several factors, including the secondary structure of the target mRNA and the specific nucleotide sequence of dsRNA effector molecules, can affect the potency of eRNAi. However, taxonomic relationships between insects cannot be used to reliably forecast the efficiency of an eRNAi response. The mechanisms by which insects acquire dsRNA from their environment require further research, but the evidence to date suggests that endocytosis and transport channels both play key roles. Delivery of RNA molecules packaged in intermediary carriers such as bacteria or nanoparticles may facilitate their entry into and through the gut, and enable the evasion of host defence systems, such as toxic pH, that would otherwise attenuate the potential for RNAi.
Highlights
Established methods of insect control are under continual review and development in order to keep track of new knowledge, changing legislation, regulatory concerns, and the maintenance of efficacy (Gross, 2013; Tabashnik et al, 2014)
The purpose of this review is to summarize the mechanisms by which gene silencing is achieved, describe the ways in which it is currently being used, and to explore the many factors that affect the efficacy of RNA interference (RNAi) in this context
The evidence suggests that RNAi is facilitated by the canonical small interfering RNA pathway, which results in mRNA degradation (Figure 1)
Summary
Established methods of insect control are under continual review and development in order to keep track of new knowledge, changing legislation, regulatory concerns, and the maintenance of efficacy (e.g., in the face of increased resistance to pesticides) (Gross, 2013; Tabashnik et al, 2014). In this context, the development of new methods for insect control is of key importance and there has been intense interest in the utility of gene silencing methods induced by RNA interference (RNAi). Newer developments based on SIT that avoid irradiation, e.g., genetically engineered ‘self-limiting’ insects (Thomas et al, 2000), can be highly effective (Harris et al, 2011; Carvalho et al, 2015; Gorman et al, 2016) but rely upon the release of genetically engineered insects, which may not be possible in all countries
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