{"title":"The quest for the best target genes for RNAi-mediated pest control.","authors":"Doga Cedden, Gregor Bucher","doi":"10.1111/imb.12966","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to classic pesticides for pest control. This review highlights the importance of identifying the best target genes for RNAi-mediated pest control. We argue that the knowledge-based approach to predicting effective targets is limited by our current gaps of knowledge, making unbiased screening a superior method for discovering the best target processes and genes. We emphasize the recent evidence that suggests targeting conserved basic cellular processes, such as protein degradation and translation, is more effective than targeting the classic pesticide target processes. We support these claims by comparing the efficacy of previously reported RNAi target genes and classic insecticide targets with data from our genome-wide RNAi screen in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Finally, we provide practical advice for identifying excellent target genes in other pests, where large-scale RNAi screenings are typically challenging.</p>","PeriodicalId":13526,"journal":{"name":"Insect Molecular Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3000,"publicationDate":"2024-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Insect Molecular Biology","FirstCategoryId":"97","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1111/imb.12966","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to classic pesticides for pest control. This review highlights the importance of identifying the best target genes for RNAi-mediated pest control. We argue that the knowledge-based approach to predicting effective targets is limited by our current gaps of knowledge, making unbiased screening a superior method for discovering the best target processes and genes. We emphasize the recent evidence that suggests targeting conserved basic cellular processes, such as protein degradation and translation, is more effective than targeting the classic pesticide target processes. We support these claims by comparing the efficacy of previously reported RNAi target genes and classic insecticide targets with data from our genome-wide RNAi screen in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Finally, we provide practical advice for identifying excellent target genes in other pests, where large-scale RNAi screenings are typically challenging.
期刊介绍:
Insect Molecular Biology has been dedicated to providing researchers with the opportunity to publish high quality original research on topics broadly related to insect molecular biology since 1992. IMB is particularly interested in publishing research in insect genomics/genes and proteomics/proteins.
This includes research related to:
• insect gene structure
• control of gene expression
• localisation and function/activity of proteins
• interactions of proteins and ligands/substrates
• effect of mutations on gene/protein function
• evolution of insect genes/genomes, especially where principles relevant to insects in general are established
• molecular population genetics where data are used to identify genes (or regions of genomes) involved in specific adaptations
• gene mapping using molecular tools
• molecular interactions of insects with microorganisms including Wolbachia, symbionts and viruses or other pathogens transmitted by insects
Papers can include large data sets e.g.from micro-array or proteomic experiments or analyses of genome sequences done in silico (subject to the data being placed in the context of hypothesis testing).