RNA interference-mediated knockdown of voltage-gated sodium channel (MpNav) gene causes mortality in peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae

Abstract

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) are transmembrane proteins that generate an action potential in excitable cells and play an essential role in neuronal signaling. Since VGSCs play a crucial role in nerve transmission they have become primary targets for a broad range of commercial insecticides. RNA interference (RNAi) is a valuable reverse genetics tool used in functional genomics, but recently, it has also shown promise as a novel agent that could be used to control agricultural insect pests. In this study, we targeted the VGSC (MpNa_v) gene in the peach-potato aphid Myzus persicae, by oral feeding of artificial diets mixed with dsRNAs. Knock-down of MpNa_v gene expression caused up to 65% mortality in 3^rd instar nymphs. Moreover, significantly lower fecundity and longevity was observed in adult aphids that had been fed with dsMpNa_v solution at the nymphal stage. Analysis of gene expression by qRT-PCR indicated that the aphid mortality rates and the lowered fecundity and longevity were attributable to the down-regulation of MpNa_v by RNAi. Taken together, our results show that MpNa_v is a viable candidate target gene for the development of an RNAi-based bio-aphicide.