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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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Larval RNA Interference in the Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum
Published on: October 13, 2014
Bacillus subtilis expressing double-stranded RNA induced RNA interference in Tribolium castaneum
Li He1,2, Yifan Zhou1,2, Junhua Xie1,2
1School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Pest Management Science
|June 24, 2026
Summary
Bacillus subtilis was engineered to produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for pest control. This efficient dsRNA production platform demonstrates potential for eco-friendly biopesticide development and pest management applications.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- RNA interference (RNAi) offers a sustainable method for pest control.
- Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) synthesis is crucial for developing RNA biopesticides.
- Bacillus subtilis is a suitable host for large-scale dsRNA production due to its safety and fermentation capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer Bacillus subtilis as an efficient dsRNA bio-factory for pest management.
- To optimize dsRNA expression in B. subtilis using specific promoters.
- To evaluate the efficacy of dsRNA produced by B. subtilis against Tribolium castaneum.
Main Methods:
- Construction of an RNase-III-deficient B. subtilis strain.
- Screening and optimization of promoters (pcotY, pcgeA, phag) for dsRNA expression.
- Expression of dsRNA targeting Tribolium castaneum genes (TcSpt5, TcPolr2A) in engineered B. subtilis.
Main Results:
- An optimized promoter (phag-1) significantly enhanced dsRNA yield.
- B. subtilis expressing dsRNA targeting TcSpt5 and TcPolr2A reduced Tribolium castaneum larval survival and pupation rates.
- Reduced expression of target genes was observed in larvae fed with recombinant B. subtilis.
Conclusions:
- Bacillus subtilis is an effective platform for dsRNA production.
- Engineered B. subtilis can be utilized for practical pest control applications.
- This approach represents a promising strategy for developing eco-friendly RNA biopesticides.
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