Protocol for RNA interference in gene expression in adult insects of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

RNA interference (RNAi) is a technique that enables post-transcriptional gene silencing in organisms. Here, we present a protocol for silencing the clock gene period (per) in adult insects of Triatoma infestans using RNAi. We describe steps for insect rearing, synthesis of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) of target genes, and abdominal microinjection with dsRNA. We then detail procedures for collecting and extracting RNA from heads at different time points and evaluating silencing efficiency using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Córdoba et al.¹.