Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a useful tool for gene functional studies in non-model insects and pest insects. Establishment of experimental conditions for RNAi, which differ from insect to insect, is important for evaluating the effect of dsRNA injection of relevant genes. When injecting dsRNA into the green rice leafhopper Nephotettix cincticeps (Uhler), high mortality was observed. Therefore, the adverse effects of injection of dsRNA on leafhopper development were examined to assess the suitable conditions for RNAi in this species. Injection manipulation by using a glass capillary did not affect leafhopper survival but delayed the molt of the corresponding instar. High mortality was observed when large amounts of dsRNA were administered. This adverse effect of dsRNA was examined in 2 genes, exogenous EGFP gene and endogenous peptidoglycan recognition protein gene (NcPGRP12). Injection of a high dose (60 ng/insect) caused high mortality in all stages tested: 4th instar, 5th instar, and female adult. A relatively low dose (6 ng/insect) did not cause high mortality, retaining a high potential for gene silencing. Since RNAi is highly effective in this species, the deleterious effect of large amounts of dsRNA could be avoided by administering a low dsRNA dose.
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Acknowledgments
The authors thank S. Kikuta and S. Kawai of the National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences for their assistance. This study was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers 23658054 and 25292201.
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13355_2013_211_MOESM1_ESM.pptx
Defects in wing and molt observed after microinjection. a Normal male; b normal female; c aberrant-winged male; d aberrant-winged female; e failure in 5th-instar molt; f failure in adult metamorphosis. Bar indicates 1 mm (PPTX 408 kb)
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Tomizawa, M., Noda, H. High mortality caused by high dose of dsRNA in the green rice leafhopper Nephotettix cincticeps (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Appl Entomol Zool 48, 553–559 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13355-013-0211-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13355-013-0211-5