RNAi Silencing Elements for Coleopteran Pest Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling insect pests in agriculture, such as those using Bacillus-derived insecticidal proteins, have limitations in specificity and environmental impact, and there is a need for alternative approaches to effectively manage pest damage to crops.
Innovation Solution
The use of silencing elements, such as specific polynucleotides and formulations, that are ingested by pests to decrease the expression of target sequences, thereby controlling pest populations and reducing crop damage, including the use of RNAi-based methods to target Coleopteran and Diabrotica plant pests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Bacillus-derived insecticidal proteins are used to control pests, then insecticidal activity is provided, but specificity is limited and environmental consequences occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pest control approach by using RNAi technology to specifically silence individual genes in target pests, rather than using broad-spectrum insecticidal proteins. This allows for precise targeting of specific pest species while leaving other organisms unaffected, thereby reducing environmental harm while maintaining effective pest control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces double-stranded RNA molecules as intermediaries that mediate gene silencing in pests. These dsRNA molecules act as specific mediators that bind to complementary mRNA sequences in the pest, preventing translation and effectively controlling the pest without the need for toxic chemical proteins, thus reducing environmental consequences
2Reliability
If Bacillus-derived insecticidal proteins are used to control pests, then insecticidal activity is provided, but specificity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pest control approach by using RNAi technology to specifically silence individual genes in target pests, rather than using broad-spectrum insecticidal proteins. This allows for precise targeting of specific pest species while leaving other organisms unaffected, thereby reducing environmental harm while maintaining effective pest control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by designing dsRNA molecules with sequences that are highly specific to particular pest species' gene sequences. Each dsRNA molecule is tailored to match the unique genetic code of its target pest, ensuring that only the intended pest population is affected while other insects and organisms remain unaffected, thus achieving high specificity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively limits pest damage by reducing the expression of target sequences in pests, providing a more targeted and environmentally friendly method for controlling insect pests compared to traditional methods, with potential reductions in pest damage of up to 90%.
Implementation Method 1
employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a pest, such as Coleopteran plant pest including a Diabrotica plant pest, is capable of decreasing the expression of a target sequence in the pest
Data Source
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Figure 1A
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AI summary
Methods and compositions are provided which employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a pest, such as a Coleopteran plant pest or a Diabrotica plant pest, decrease the expression of a target sequence in the pest. The present invention provides various target polynucleotides set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: disclosed herein, (but not including the forward and reverse primers.) or active variants and fragments thereof, or complements thereof, wherein a decrease in expression of one or more of the sequences in the target pest controls the pest (i.e., has insecticidal activity). Plants, plant parts, bacteria and other host cells comprising the silencing elements or an active variant or fragment thereof of the invention are also provided.