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RNA Interference01:23

RNA Interference

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RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which a small non-coding RNA molecule blocks the post-transcriptional expression of a gene by binding to its messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing the protein from being translated.
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
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RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism that inhibits gene expression by suppressing its transcription or activating the RNA degradation process. The mechanism was discovered by Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 1998 in plants. Today, it is observed in almost all eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. This precise cellular mechanism of gene silencing has been developed into a technique that provides an efficient way to identify and determine the...
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Small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, are short regulatory RNA molecules that can silence genes post-transcriptionally, as well as the transcriptional level in some cases. siRNAs are important for protecting cells against viral infections and silencing transposable genetic elements.
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Overview
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
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Riboswitches01:56

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Riboswitches are non-coding mRNA domains that regulate the transcription and translation of downstream genes without the help of proteins. Riboswitches bind directly to a metabolite and can form unique stem-loop or hairpin structures in response to the amount of the metabolite present. They have two distinct regions – a metabolite-binding aptamer and an expression platform.
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Updated: Mar 25, 2026

Double-stranded RNA Oral Delivery Methods to Induce RNA Interference in Phloem and Plant-sap-feeding Hemipteran Insects
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Symbiont-mediated RNA interference in insects.

Miranda M A Whitten1, Paul D Facey1, Ricardo Del Sol1

  • 1Institute of Life Science, College of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK.

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|February 26, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Insect symbiotic bacteria were engineered to synthesize and deliver double-stranded (ds) RNA, enabling systemic RNA interference (RNAi) in pest insects. This novel delivery method overcomes challenges in insect RNAi research and biocide development.

Keywords:
Chagas diseaseRNA interferencebiocideinsectsymbiotic bacteria

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Area of Science:

  • Entomology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool for insect research and pest control.
  • Current RNAi methods face limitations in double-stranded (ds) RNA delivery, hindering applications in non-model insects.
  • Developing efficient and non-invasive dsRNA delivery systems is crucial for advancing insect functional genomics and developing novel biocides.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To engineer insect symbiotic bacteria for constitutive synthesis and trauma-free delivery of dsRNA.
  • To establish a sustainable and horizontally transmissible RNAi system in insect pests.
  • To overcome delivery challenges in insect RNAi, expanding its applicability to a broader range of species.

Main Methods:

  • Engineered RNaseIII-deficient bacterial strains from symbionts of Rhodnius prolixus and Frankliniella occidentalis to express dsRNA.
  • Administered engineered bacteria to target insect species.
  • Monitored bacterial colonization, competition with native microflora, and systemic RNAi effects.

Main Results:

  • Engineered bacteria successfully colonized target insects and competed with wild-type microflora.
  • Sustained, systemic RNAi-mediated knockdown phenotypes were observed in treated insects.
  • The RNAi effect was horizontally transmissible between insects.
  • Demonstrated successful RNAi delivery in two diverse insect species, Rhodnius prolixus and Frankliniella occidentalis.

Conclusions:

  • Engineered insect symbiotic bacteria provide a novel and effective system for dsRNA synthesis and delivery.
  • This approach overcomes significant hurdles in insect RNAi, enabling reverse genetics and biocide development.
  • The method holds potential for widespread application across various non-model insect species.