ARS | Publication request: RNAI: Future in insect management

Submitted to: Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: July 5, 2012
Publication Date: July 24, 2012
Citation: Burand, J.P., Hunter, W.B. 2012. RNAI: Future in insect management. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 2013: 112:S68-S74. Available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2012.07.012.

Interpretive Summary: RNA interference is a gene regulation mechanism found in virtually all plants and animals including insects. The demonstration of RNAi in insects, like psyllids, leafhoppers, and aphids to name a few has opened a new approach to insect pest management. RNAi is also a successful tool in the study of functional genomics, which has further opened the door to the development of a variety of novel, environmentally sound approaches for insect pest and plant disease management. Here the current understanding of the biogenesis of the two RNAi classes in insects are reviewed. These are microRNAs (miRNAs) and short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Several other key approaches in RNAi -based insect control, as well as for the prevention of diseases in insects are also reviewed. The problems and prospects for the future use of RNAi in insect pest management looks promising.

Technical Abstract: RNA interference is a post-transcriptional, gene regulation mechanism found in virtually all plants and animals including insects. The demonstration of RNAi in insects and its successful use as a tool in the study of functional genomics opened the door to the development of a variety of novel, environmentally sound approaches for insect pest management. Here the current understanding of the biogenesis of the two RNAi classes in insects is reviewed. These are microRNAs (miRNAs) and short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Several other key approaches in RNAi -based insect control, as well as for the prevention of insect diseases are also reviewed. The problems and prospects for the future use of RNAi in insects are presented.