Tyrosine hydroxylase, a potential target for the RNAi-mediated management of diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
Keywords:
RNA interference, tyrosine hydroxylase, double-stranded RNA, Plutella xylostella, pest management,Abstract
Abstract
Cruciferous vegetables are severely damaged by infestation of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). Successful utilization of RNA interference (RNAi) in insect pest management programs depends on various factors, such as target gene, mode of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery, frequency of application, and development stage of the target insect. Among these factors, selection of the target gene is crucial to the success of RNAi-based programs. In the present investigation, an attempt was made to assess the potential of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) as a target gene, which is a key regulator in the biosynthesis of 3,4 dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). DOPA is a precursor for agents that function in neurotransmission, melanization, sclerotization of the cuticle, and immune responses in insects. Here, we provided to diamondback moth larvae 3 concentrations (1.04, 2.08, and 3.12 μg/cm2) of cognate dsRNA coated on discs of cabbage leaf, the natural diet for the larvae. We recorded the influence of the dietary dsRNA on TH transcript levels, larval growth, and larval survival rate. The dietary dsRNA led to reduced target gene transcript level and larval feeding level, and caused larval mortality in a concentration-dependent manner. These results demonstrate that the TH gene has potential as a target gene for RNAi-mediated management of P. xylostella.
Resumen
Las verduras crucíferas están dañadas gravemente por la infestación de la polilla de la col, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). La utilización éxitosa de ARNi en los programas de manejo de plagas de insectos depende de varios factores, tales como el gen blanco, el modo de entrega de dsARN, la frecuencia de aplicación, y el estadio de desarrollo del insecto blanco. Entre estos factores, la selección del gen blanco es crucial para el éxito de los programas basados en ARNAi. En la presente investigación, se hizo un intento de evaluar el potencial de la tirosina hidroxilasa (TH) como un gen blanco en la biosíntesis de 3,4-dihidroxifenilalanina (DOPA). DOPA es un precursor para los agentes que funcionan en la neurotransmisión, melanización, esclerotización de la cutícula, y la respuesta inmuna en los insectos. Aquí, provemos 3 concentraciones (1,04, 2,08 y 3,12 mg/cm2) de ARN de doble cadena (dsARN) cognado para larvas de la polilla de la col recubiertas sobre discos de hojas de col, la dieta natural de las larvas. Se registró la influencia de dsARN dietético sobre el nivel de transcripción de TH, el crecimiento de las larvas y la tasa de sobrervivencia. El ARN dietético resultó en un nivel reducido de transcripción del gen blanco y en el nivel de alimentación de las larvas y causó mortalidad en las larvas de una manera dependiente de la concentración. Estos resultados demuestran el gen TH tiene potencial como un gen blanco para el manejo de P. xylostella por medio de ARNi.
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