RNA interference in Nilaparvata lugens (Homoptera: Delphacidae) based on dsRNA ingestion

Abstract BACKGROUND: An efficient and convenient RNA interference (RNAi) technique involving double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) ingestion is useful for gene function studies of non‐model insects. RESULTS: Three dsRNAs targeting different sites within a gene encoding vacuolar ATP synthase subunit E (V‐ATPase‐E, 21E01 ) were synthesised for RNAi in Nilaparvata lugens . dsRNA was found to be stable in 0.1 g mL −1 sucrose solution, but unstable in artificial fodder. Therefore, dsRNAs were orally delivered into N. lugens in 0.1 g mL −1 sucrose solution. RNAi was induced by all three of the dsRNAs at 0.05 µg µL −1 in N. lugens . Time dynamics analysis of gene silencing indicated that significant suppression of the target gene began as early as 2 days after ingestion of ds2‐ 21E01 and ds3‐ 21E01 . However, significant repressive effects were recorded up to 10 days after exposure to ds1‐ 21E01 . The maximum reduction in target gene mRNA was observed after 10 days of treatment, with suppression ratios induced by ds1‐ 21E01 , ds2‐ 21E01 and ds3‐ 21E01 of 41, 55 and 48% respectively. CONCLUSION: An efficient and convenient RNAi technique involving dsRNA ingestion has been successfully developed for N. lugens . This will be a useful tool for further functional genomic investigation in this organism. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry