Silencing of two vitellogenin genes inhibits oviposition in the Chagas disease vector Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

CARLA G. GROSSO; BEATRIZ A. GARCÍA; MARÍA J. BLARIZA

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE

AMER SOC TROP MED & HYGIENE

Año: 2017 vol. 97 p. 477 - 480

0002-9637

RNA interference (RNAi) caused by exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is used to down-regulate crucial genes to control insects. The reproductive success of all oviparous species depends on vitellogenin (Vg) biosynthesis and its accumulation in the developing oocytes. Adult females of Triatoma infestans were independently injected with two Vg dsRNAs (Vg1 dsRNA or Vg2 dsRNA) or nuclease free water (control) 24 h before feeding, and a group of adult females not injected was also analyzed (control). Vg1 and Vg2 mRNAs silencing was verified by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The transcript levels of the Vg1 and Vg2 genes were significantly reduced after dsRNA treatment in fat body and ovary of T. infestans in relation to those detected in individuals injected with nuclease free water and not injected (controls). Moreover, the present study demonstrated that the silencing of the Vg1 or Vg2 genes inhibits oviposition in the Chagas disease vector T. infestans. These findings may have important implications for the development of novel vector control strategies.