摘要
MicroRNAs （miRNAs） are small noncoding RNAs, which participate in many biological processes. The small RNA transcriptome in the migratory locust has been characterized and 50 conserved miRNA families and 185 potential locust-specific miRNA family candidates have been identified using high-throughput sequencing. However, it is unclear whether miRNAs influence a wide variety of locusts＇ biological processes, such as growth or development. In insects, Dicerl ribonuclease transforms miRNA precursors into mature miRNAs. Thus, using systemic RNA interference （RNAi） to silence the expression of Dicer1 in the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, we reduced miRNA contents in the locust and disrupted two types of molt （nymph-nymph, and nymph-adult）. The RNAi of LmDicerl also resulted in a high mortality in L. migratora. Our study revealed that LmDicerl was essential for miRNA regulation and development ofL. migratoria. These results further support our notion that LmDicerl could serve as an excellent target for developing novel strategies for controlling this important insect pest.
MicroRNAs （miRNAs） are small noncoding RNAs, which participate in many biological processes. The small RNA transcriptome in the migratory locust has been characterized and 50 conserved miRNA families and 185 potential locust-specific miRNA family candidates have been identified using high-throughput sequencing. However, it is unclear whether miRNAs influence a wide variety of locusts＇ biological processes, such as growth or development. In insects, Dicerl ribonuclease transforms miRNA precursors into mature miRNAs. Thus, using systemic RNA interference （RNAi） to silence the expression of Dicer1 in the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, we reduced miRNA contents in the locust and disrupted two types of molt （nymph-nymph, and nymph-adult）. The RNAi of LmDicerl also resulted in a high mortality in L. migratora. Our study revealed that LmDicerl was essential for miRNA regulation and development ofL. migratoria. These results further support our notion that LmDicerl could serve as an excellent target for developing novel strategies for controlling this important insect pest.
