RNAi-Mediated Screening of Selected Target Genes Against Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae). Issue 6 (1st July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khalil, Sayed M S; Munawar, Kashif; Alahmed, Azzam M; Mohammed, Ahmed M A
• Editors: Severson, David
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical entomology. Volume 58:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 2177
• Page End: 2185
• Publication Date: 2021-07-01
• Subjects: Culex quinquefasciatus -- screening -- RNAi -- chitosan nanoparticles -- soaking; Insects as carriers of disease -- Periodicals; 616.968
• DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab114
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2585

Abstract

Abstract: Culex quinquefasciatus, a member of the Culex pipiens complex, is widespread in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world. It is a vector for lymphatic filariasis, Rift Valley fever, and West Nile virus. Studies have shown the deleterious effect of RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of various lethal genes in model and agricultural pest insects. RNAi was proposed as a tool for mosquito control with a focus on Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae . In this study, we examined the effect of RNAi of selected target genes on both larval mortality and adult emergence of Cx . quinquefasciatus through two delivery methods: soaking and nanoparticles. Ten candidate genes were selected for RNAi based on their known lethal effect in other insects. Disruption of three genes, chitin synthase-1, inhibitor of apoptosis 1, and vacuolar adenosine triphosphatase, resulted in the highest mortality among the selected genes using the two treatment methods. Silencing the other seven genes resulted in a medium to low mortality in both assays. These three genes are also active against a wide range of insects and could be used for RNAi-based mosquito control in the future.