Mechanisms, Applications, and Challenges of Insect RNA Interference

The RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by short/small interfering RNA (siRNA) was discovered in nematodes and found to function in most living organisms. RNAi has been widely used as a research tool to study gene functions and has shown great potential for the development of novel pest management str...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annual review of entomology Vol. 65; p. 293
Main Authors: Zhu, Kun Yan, Palli, Subba Reddy
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States 07.01.2020
Subjects:
Animals
Genetic Techniques
Insecta - genetics
RNA Interference
RNAi pathway
dsRNA delivery
RNAi efficiency
pest management
systemic RNAi
ISSN:1545-4487, 1545-4487
Online Access:Get more information
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Summary:The RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by short/small interfering RNA (siRNA) was discovered in nematodes and found to function in most living organisms. RNAi has been widely used as a research tool to study gene functions and has shown great potential for the development of novel pest management strategies. RNAi is highly efficient and systemic in coleopterans but highly variable or inefficient in many other insects. Differences in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) degradation, cellular uptake, inter- and intracellular transports, processing of dsRNA to siRNA, and RNA-induced silencing complex formation influence RNAi efficiency. The basic dsRNA delivery methods include microinjection, feeding, and soaking. To improve dsRNA delivery, various new technologies, including cationic liposome-assisted, nanoparticle-enabled, symbiont-mediated, and plant-mediated deliveries, have been developed. Major challenges to widespread use of RNAi in insect pest management include variable RNAi efficiency among insects, lack of reliable dsRNA delivery methods, off-target and nontarget effects, and potential development of resistance in insect populations.
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ISSN:1545-4487
1545-4487
DOI:10.1146/annurev-ento-011019-025224