title: Discovery of midgut genes for the RNA interference control of corn rootworm.
abstract: RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising new technology for corn rootworm control. This paper presents the discovery of new gene targets - dvssj1 and dvssj2, in western corn rootworm (WCR). Dvssj1 and dvssj2 are orthologs of the Drosophila genes snakeskin (ssk) and mesh, respectively. These genes encode membrane proteins associated with smooth septate junctions (SSJ) which are required for intestinal barrier function. Based on bioinformatics analysis, dvssj1 appears to be an arthropod-specific gene. Diet based insect feeding assays using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting dvssj1 and dvssj2 demonstrate targeted mRNA suppression, larval growth inhibition, and mortality. In RNAi treated WCR, injury to the midgut was manifested by "blebbing" of the midgut epithelium into the gut lumen. Ultrastructural examination of midgut epithelial cells revealed apoptosis and regenerative activities. Transgenic plants expressing dsRNA targeting dvssj1 show insecticidal activity and significant plant protection from WCR damage. The data indicate that dvssj1 and dvssj2 are effective gene targets for the control of WCR using RNAi technology, by apparent suppression of production of their respective smooth septate junction membrane proteins located within the intestinal lining, leading to growth inhibition and mortality.
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Xu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Nina M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Richtman
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Jian-Zhou
authors.initials: JZ
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Wilmington, DE, USA.
authors.forename: Keith E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Duncan
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Xiping
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Niu
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Lisa A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Procyk
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Meghan A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Oneal
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Bliss M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Kernodle
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Steimel
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Virginia C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Crane
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sandahl
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Julie L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Ritland
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Wilmington, DE, USA.
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, IA, USA.
authors.forename: James K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Presnail
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Albert L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.affiliation: DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Gusui
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000235:genetics*; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D007814:Larva / Q000254:growth & development; D010572:Pest Control, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000235:genetics; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D034622:RNA Interference; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded; D003313:Zea mays / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D019476:Insect Proteins; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded