Control of western corn rootworm via RNAi traits in maize: Lethal and sublethal effects of Sec23 dsRNA

Background: RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by maize plants expressing RNA hairpins against specific western corn rootworm ( WCR) transcripts have proven to be effective at controlling this pest. To provide robust crop protection, mRNA transcripts targeted by double-stranded RNA must be sensitive to knockdown and encode essential proteins. Results: Using WCR adult feeding assays, we identified Sec23 as a highly lethal RNAi target. Sec23 encodes a coatomer protein, a component of the coat protein (COPII) complex that mediates ER-Golgi transport. The lethality detected in WCR adults was also observed in early instar larvae, the life stage causing most of the crop damage, suggesting that WCR adults can serve as an alternative to larvae for dsRNA screening. Surprisingly, over 85% transcript inhibition resulted in less than 40% protein knockdown, suggesting that complete protein knockdown is not necessary for Sec23 RNAi-mediated mortality. The efficacy of Sec23 dsRNA for rootworm control was confirmed in planta; T0maize events carrying rootwormSec23 hairpin transgenes showed high levels of root protection in greenhouse assays. A reduction in larval survival and weight were observed in the offspring of WCR females exposed to Sec23 dsRNA LC25in diet bioassays. Conclusion: We describe Sec23 as RNAi target for in planta rootworm control. High mortality in exposed adult and larvae and moderate sublethal effects in the offspring of females exposed to Sec23 dsRNA LC25, suggest the potential for field application of this RNAi trait and the need to factor in responses to sublethal exposure into insect resistance management programs. Includes supplemental materials

RNAi targeting of rootworm \u3ci\u3eTroponin I\u3c/i\u3e transcripts confers root protection in maize

Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is the major agronomically important pest of maize in the US Corn Belt. To augment the repertoire of the available dsRNA-based traits that control rootworm, we explored a potentially haplolethal gene target, wings up A (wupA), which encodes Troponin I. Troponin I, a component of the Troponin-Tropomyosin complex, is an inhibitory protein involved in muscle contraction. In situ hybridization showed that feeding on wupA-targeted dsRNAs caused systemic transcript knockdown in D. v. virgifera larvae. The knockdown of wupA transcript, and by extension Troponin I protein, led to deterioration of the striated banding pattern in larval body muscle and decreased muscle integrity. Additionally, the loss of function of the circular muscles surrounding the alimentary system led to significant accumulation of food material in the hind gut, which is consistent with a loss of peristaltic motion of the alimentary canal. In this study, we demonstrate that wupA dsRNA is lethal in D. v. virgifera larvae when fed via artificial diet, with growth inhibition of up to 50% within two days of application. Further, wupA hairpins can be stably expressed and detected in maize. Maize expressing wupA hairpins exhibit robust root protection in greenhouse bioassays, with several maize transgene integration events showing root protection equivalent to commercial insecticidal protein-expressing maize

Abstracts from the 8th International Conference on cGMP Generators, Effectors and Therapeutic Implications

This work was supported by a restricted research grant of Bayer AG

Discutindo a educação ambiental no cotidiano escolar: desenvolvimento de projetos na escola formação inicial e continuada de professores

A presente pesquisa buscou discutir como a Educação Ambiental (EA) vem sendo trabalhada, no Ensino Fundamental e como os docentes desta escola compreendem e vem inserindo a EA no cotidiano escolar., em uma escola estadual do município de Tangará da Serra/MT, Brasil. Para tanto, realizou-se entrevistas com os professores que fazem parte de um projeto interdisciplinar de EA na escola pesquisada. Verificou-se que o projeto da escola não vem conseguindo alcançar os objetivos propostos por: desconhecimento do mesmo, pelos professores; formação deficiente dos professores, não entendimento da EA como processo de ensino-aprendizagem, falta de recursos didáticos, planejamento inadequado das atividades. A partir dessa constatação, procurou-se debater a impossibilidade de tratar do tema fora do trabalho interdisciplinar, bem como, e principalmente, a importância de um estudo mais aprofundado de EA, vinculando teoria e prática, tanto na formação docente, como em projetos escolares, a fim de fugir do tradicional vínculo “EA e ecologia, lixo e horta”.Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educació

Control of western corn rootworm via RNAi traits in maize: Lethal and sublethal effects of Sec23 dsRNA

Background: RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by maize plants expressing RNA hairpins against specific western corn rootworm ( WCR) transcripts have proven to be effective at controlling this pest. To provide robust crop protection, mRNA transcripts targeted by double-stranded RNA must be sensitive to knockdown and encode essential proteins. Results: Using WCR adult feeding assays, we identified Sec23 as a highly lethal RNAi target. Sec23 encodes a coatomer protein, a component of the coat protein (COPII) complex that mediates ER-Golgi transport. The lethality detected in WCR adults was also observed in early instar larvae, the life stage causing most of the crop damage, suggesting that WCR adults can serve as an alternative to larvae for dsRNA screening. Surprisingly, over 85% transcript inhibition resulted in less than 40% protein knockdown, suggesting that complete protein knockdown is not necessary for Sec23 RNAi-mediated mortality. The efficacy of Sec23 dsRNA for rootworm control was confirmed in planta; T0maize events carrying rootwormSec23 hairpin transgenes showed high levels of root protection in greenhouse assays. A reduction in larval survival and weight were observed in the offspring of WCR females exposed to Sec23 dsRNA LC25in diet bioassays. Conclusion: We describe Sec23 as RNAi target for in planta rootworm control. High mortality in exposed adult and larvae and moderate sublethal effects in the offspring of females exposed to Sec23 dsRNA LC25, suggest the potential for field application of this RNAi trait and the need to factor in responses to sublethal exposure into insect resistance management programs. Includes supplemental materials

RNAi targeting of rootworm \u3ci\u3eTroponin I\u3c/i\u3e transcripts confers root protection in maize

Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is the major agronomically important pest of maize in the US Corn Belt. To augment the repertoire of the available dsRNA-based traits that control rootworm, we explored a potentially haplolethal gene target, wings up A (wupA), which encodes Troponin I. Troponin I, a component of the Troponin-Tropomyosin complex, is an inhibitory protein involved in muscle contraction. In situ hybridization showed that feeding on wupA-targeted dsRNAs caused systemic transcript knockdown in D. v. virgifera larvae. The knockdown of wupA transcript, and by extension Troponin I protein, led to deterioration of the striated banding pattern in larval body muscle and decreased muscle integrity. Additionally, the loss of function of the circular muscles surrounding the alimentary system led to significant accumulation of food material in the hind gut, which is consistent with a loss of peristaltic motion of the alimentary canal. In this study, we demonstrate that wupA dsRNA is lethal in D. v. virgifera larvae when fed via artificial diet, with growth inhibition of up to 50% within two days of application. Further, wupA hairpins can be stably expressed and detected in maize. Maize expressing wupA hairpins exhibit robust root protection in greenhouse bioassays, with several maize transgene integration events showing root protection equivalent to commercial insecticidal protein-expressing maize

Technique [Volume 86, Issue 5]

Administrative buildings hit by summer break-ins and burglaries'Army of Darkness' a timeless cult classic, even better as new release on director's cut DVDAvoiding regret: advice from a fifth-year seniorBasketball's Hewitt committed to winBringing mean machines to lifeBroadening academic horizons with minors and certificatesChorale, glee club prepare to entice campus with their vocale spectacles, looking for new membersCollier drafted, traded away to HoustonCo-op club centered on social funDefense, skill positions give football a bright outlook for the seasonDVD provides higher quality, more information vs. VHSExperience India in AtlantaFifth Street Project will give DuPree College of Management a new homeFight SongsFirst car in college can be cheapFootball and Beesball build on their success by expanding their stadiumsFrat Rush events excite campusFreshman aides program involves new students earlyFreshmen are high achieversGet your yum-yums hereGrads get subsidized health careGTCN-it's always onHousing Department changes loft policy to preserve student safetyHow do I get my tickets for football games?Internet cheating conspiracy exposed in CaliforniaI remember the days when the Stinger went up the HillIt's the most beautiful old car in the world...Jackets kick off the season against HokiesKid Rock will rock your face offLack of electives creates well-rounded dilemmaMetallic mayhem reigns supreme at Robot Battles 2000MLR offers more than just musicMolder leads talented new golf team into challenging fall seasonMoney and food: the essentials of survivalMovie version should be spectacularMusician's Network works for more music, music, musicN.C. State chancellor, president help students move into dormsNew Dungeons and Dragons movie hyped at Dragon*ConOlive's dry as a martiniOrchestra growing strongOrganization helps students find their niche on campusOverloads: what to do when every single class you need is fullPackaging Research Center offers opportunityPaint walls black, hang out in nude, options if you live off campusParents of Joe Morse continue search for sonPrepare for traveling adventures with some good booksPretty faces paired with 'Ugly' plotPros and cons of popular places to study on campusReal ramblin' recks stay activeResponsibility goes beyond cashSecret life of a pledgeSecurity on campus: how safe are we?Sewer renovation to affect East Campus students, parkingSGA Plans for Upcoming School YearStudent publications announce fall staff meeting schedulesStudent success through ADAPTS programTake me right to the theater, Jeeves!Tech harriers look to stretch their wings and run rampantTech Toy assembly and instructionsTech welcomes new department chairsThere's no shame in finding a tutorThe Women's Resource Center seeks to make campus yoursThis journey is the beginning of the rest of your lifeTiger-striped home of LSU students upsets neighborsTop textbook site recognizedTrinket is truly 'Set to Explode'Undiscovered talent takes the plunge at AtlantisUse your brain; read some booksU[sic]GA to fight admissions policy rulingVolleyball takes on international flairWelcome from USC Prez J.R. SpriggleWhat makes "The South's Liveliest College Newspaper" tick?When you tire of dining at Brittain, WoodruffWhite and Tillman taken early in draft, Hamilton to be a Tampa Bay Buccanee