RNAi-based silencing of genes encoding the vacuolar-ATPase subunits a and c in pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella)

RNA interference is a post- transcriptional gene regulation mechanism that is predominantly found in eukaryotic organisms. RNAi demonstrated a successful gene silencing in insects that led to the development of novel approaches for insect pest management. In the current study, genes encoding vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) subunits a and c from the midgut of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella, were cloned and sequenced. The full length of V-ATPase subunits a and c cDNAs are 2526 and 1140 bp, respectively. The silencing effect of RNAi on these two genes was determined by microinjecting three dsRNA fragments into the thoracic region of pink bollworm larvae. Bioassay results revealed that 200 ng of dsRNAs silenced both genes causing mortality of 18.9 to 26.7%. Key words : RNAi, dsRNA, Pink bollworm, vacuolar ATPase subunit a, vacuolar ATPase subunit c.