Increased RNAi Efficacy in Spodoptera exigua via the Formulation of dsRNA With Guanylated Polymers.

ABSTRACT: Lepidoptera comprise some of the most devastating herbivorous pest insects worldwide. One of the most promising novel pest control strategies is exploiting the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism to target essential genes for knockdown and incite toxic effects in the target species without harming other organisms in the ecosystem. However, many insects are refractory to oral RNAi, often due to rapid degradation of ingested dsRNA in their digestive system. This is the case for many lepidopteran insects, including the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua, which is characterized by a very alkaline gut environment (pH > 9.0) and a strong intestinal nucleolytic activity. In this research, guanidine-containing polymers were developed to protect dsRNA against nucleolytic degradation, specifically in hig

SUBMITTER: Christiaens O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5894468 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature