Soybean miRNA Targets Brown Planthopper via Gene Silencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling the brown planthopper, a major pest of rice plants, lack effective plant-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) that are safe for human consumption and environmentally friendly.
Innovation Solution
A soybean-derived miRNA, Gma-miR482a, and its derivatives sRNA482a-228 and sRNA482a-542 are developed, which are synthesized and introduced into insect bodies or applied to plants to target and inhibit the growth of brown planthoppers, using a recombinant vector system and surfactant Tween 80 for enhanced efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional insecticides are used to control brown planthopper, then pest control efficacy is improved, but safety for human consumption and environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plant-derived miRNA as an intermediary substance that mediates between the need for effective pest control and the requirement for human safety. The miRNA acts as a biological mediator that specifically targets brown planthopper without harming humans or the environment, resolving the contradiction between efficacy and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of conventional insecticides into a beneficial biological control mechanism. By using miRNA that naturally occurs in plants, the harmful chemical substances are replaced with beneficial biological molecules that maintain pest control efficacy while eliminating safety concerns
2Reliability
If more miRNA sequences are screened and tested, then the likelihood of finding effective plant-derived miRNA increases, but time and resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first constructing a comprehensive miRNA sequence library from multiple plant species before conducting screening. This preliminary organization and classification of sequences based on homology and structural features enables more efficient subsequent testing, reducing the overall time and resources needed to find effective miRNA
Solution Approach 2:
The patent demonstrates universality by screening miRNA across multiple plant species (soybean, Arabidopsis, tobacco, etc.) to find sequences with broad applicability. This multi-functional approach allows the identification of conserved miRNA sequences that can effectively control brown planthopper across different plant hosts, reducing the need for extensive species-specific testing
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
The miRNA and its derivatives significantly reduce the survival rate and growth of brown planthoppers, demonstrating potential as a safe and effective insecticide that does not harm rice plants or humans, with practical application in transgenic rice plants for pest control.
Implementation Method 1
RNA interference (RNAi), a highly conserved cellular mechanism, is first found in nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans). Since the first report, the RNAi has rapidly become a powerful reverse genetics tool for studying gene function, regulation and interaction on cell and tissue levels.
Implementation Method 2
The siRNA binds to a target mRNA in a highly specific binding mode, and further degrades the target mRNA. The miRNA is a type of single-stranded RNA with a length ranging from 19 to 24 bp, which is derived from endogenous primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) and forms small single-stranded RNA through processing, and has main functions of mediating the degradation of the target mRNA and inhibiting the expression of the target gene in animals and plants.
Data Source
AI summary
A miRNA, derivative and use thereof are disclosed. The miRNA comprises a nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO. 1 or a nucleic acid sequence obtained by modifying, substituting, deleting or adding at least one base to the nucleic acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO. 1. According to the disclosure, the used miRNA is derived from Glycine max, is safe to human beings and has no effect on a rice plant; and the derivative of the miRNA obtained by modification also retains the effects and characteristics of the miRNA, can be used as a novel insecticide for safely and effectively preventing and controlling brown planthopper, can be directly used on a transgenic plant, and has a practical application value for brown planthopper prevention and control.