RNAi-mediated crop protection against insects

Downregulation of the expression of specific genes through RNA interference (RNAi), has been widely used for genetic research in insects. The method has relied on the injection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which is not possible for practical applications in crop protection. By contrast, specific...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in biotechnology (Regular ed.) 2008-07, Vol.26 (7), p.393-400
Main Authors: Price, Daniel R.G, Gatehouse, John A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Biotechnology
Crops
Crops, Agricultural - genetics
double-stranded RNA
Drosophila - genetics
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gene expression
Genetic engineering
genetic resistance
Genetic technics
Genomes
Genomics
Insect Control - methods
insect pests
Insecta - genetics
Insects
Internal Medicine
literature reviews
Methods. Procedures. Technologies
Nematoda
Nematodes
Pest Control, Biological - methods
pest resistance
Plant protection
Plants, Genetically Modified
Proteins
RNA Interference
RNA polymerase
RNA, Double-Stranded - metabolism
Transgenic animals and transgenic plants
Transgenic plants
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Summary:Downregulation of the expression of specific genes through RNA interference (RNAi), has been widely used for genetic research in insects. The method has relied on the injection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which is not possible for practical applications in crop protection. By contrast, specific suppression of gene expression in nematodes is possible through feeding with dsRNA. This approach was thought to be unfeasible in insects, but recent results have shown that dsRNA fed as a diet component can be effective in downregulating targeted genes. More significantly, expression of dsRNA directed against suitable insect target genes in transgenic plants has been shown to give protection against pests, opening the way for a new generation of insect-resistant crops.
ISSN:0167-7799
1879-3096
DOI:10.1016/j.tibtech.2008.04.004