Double Stranded RNA-Induced Traits for Pest Management
Lead Research Organisation:
University of East Anglia
Department Name: Biological Sciences
Abstract
Transgenic technologies are highly versatile and have been widely used to induce novel traits into crop plants or insect pests. However, opposition to the use or consumption of transgenics can represent an obstacle for wider use. Additional control methods based on endogenous mechanisms would therefore be extremely useful. This timely PhD project aims to apply non-transgenic approaches to induce new traits in pest insects using RNA interference (RNAi).
RNAi is a cellular defence mechanism that can be harnessed to provide a gene-specific, often species-specific, means of silencing genes. Double-stranded (dsRNA) sequence complementary to an endogenous (native) gene of interest introduced into cells catalyses the degradation of native mRNA from that gene resulting in a lack of gene product. The student will test dsRNA targeting methods to modify gene expression to induce traits such as male-only survival, which is often critical for mating-based pest management approaches.
This project will seek to develop and optimise this approach in at least two insects: a major agricultural pest (Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata); and the mosquito (Aedes aegypti) the dominant vector of dengue fever and chikungunya. The student will identify suitable target genes in these species, design dsRNAs and test dsRNA delivery methods (e.g. feeding) that provide optimal silencing. The broader aim is to establish methods with application across many taxa and investigate their effect on performance parameters, such as mating ability.
RNAi is a cellular defence mechanism that can be harnessed to provide a gene-specific, often species-specific, means of silencing genes. Double-stranded (dsRNA) sequence complementary to an endogenous (native) gene of interest introduced into cells catalyses the degradation of native mRNA from that gene resulting in a lack of gene product. The student will test dsRNA targeting methods to modify gene expression to induce traits such as male-only survival, which is often critical for mating-based pest management approaches.
This project will seek to develop and optimise this approach in at least two insects: a major agricultural pest (Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata); and the mosquito (Aedes aegypti) the dominant vector of dengue fever and chikungunya. The student will identify suitable target genes in these species, design dsRNAs and test dsRNA delivery methods (e.g. feeding) that provide optimal silencing. The broader aim is to establish methods with application across many taxa and investigate their effect on performance parameters, such as mating ability.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Tracey Chapman (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Michael Darrington (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/N50418X/1 | 01/10/2015 | 30/09/2019 | |||
| 1644299 | Studentship | BB/N50418X/1 | 01/10/2015 | 30/09/2019 | Michael Darrington |
| Description | There have been two main themes to my research so far:1) Application of RNA interference in the Mediterranean Fruit Fly. During this research I attempted to silence genes in the fly through its diet. Sensitivity of insects to this technique is varied between species. After trying three different techniques I was able to demonstrate that this insect is not sensitive to ingested RNA. I developed a qRT-PCR method for analysing gene expression in this fly, which could be applied to later expression assays. 2) Marking sperm in a noctuid moth. After a literature survey I found that a chemical called Rhodamine B can be used to mark spermatophores in many insects but had not been reported in the Fall Armyworm. By feeding males this compound I was able to track matings, and analyse mating frequencies. This information is useful on a number of levels. It is interesting for biologists to know basic life history traits in order to better understand the Fall Armyworm In general. As far as my project is concerned it was important to understand how often these moths mate in order to plan a successful RNAi strategy. |
| Exploitation Route | Environmental RNAi was a potentially important tool for controlling the Mediterranean Fruit Fly. In finding that this technique doesn't work in this insect, I have answered an important question which allows research to move in more useful directions. The qRT-PCR technique I developed can easily be adapted by people measuring gene expression in the medfly for a number of different assays. My work with the Fall Armyworm can be adapted to analyse mating behaviours in several moth species. There are several potential applications for this technique in both academic and commercial settings. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | The experiments that I designed for measuring Fall Armyworm mating behaviours, have been scaled up by my iCASE partner (Oxitec). In order to test my findings they have employed the services of a third party in Brazil, who are currently running tests based on my instructions. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2018 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
| Impact Types | Economic |