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MicroRNA‐dependent development revealed by RNA interference‐mediated gene silencing of LmDicer1 in the migratory locust
Author(s) -
Wang YanLi,
Yang MeiLing,
Jiang Feng,
Zhang JianZhen,
Kang Le
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
insect science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.991
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1744-7917
pISSN - 1672-9609
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7917.2012.01542.x
Subject(s) - biology , locust , migratory locust , rna interference , microrna , gene silencing , transcriptome , small rna , nymph , gene , rna silencing , rna , genetics , computational biology , gene expression , microbiology and biotechnology , ecology
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs, which participate in many biological processes. The small RNA transcriptome in the migratory locust has been characterized and 50 conserved miRNA families and 185 potential locust‐specific miRNA family candidates have been identified using high‐throughput sequencing. However, it is unclear whether miRNAs influence a wide variety of locusts’ biological processes, such as growth or development. In insects, Dicer1 ribonuclease transforms miRNA precursors into mature miRNAs. Thus, using systemic RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the expression of Dicer1 in the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria , we reduced miRNA contents in the locust and disrupted two types of molt (nymph–nymph, and nymph–adult). The RNAi of LmDicer1 also resulted in a high mortality in L. migratora . Our study revealed that LmDicer1 was essential for miRNA regulation and development of L. migratoria . These results further support our notion that LmDicer1 could serve as an excellent target for developing novel strategies for controlling this important insect pest.