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Program Symposium

Physiology, Biochemistry, and Toxicology

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

25-Year Anniversary of RNAi for Pest Management: Milestones and Prospects – Foundational Science

Molecular mechanisms underlying RNAi in Western corn rootworm: From dsRNA uptake to systemic spread

Sunday, November 9, 2025
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM Pacific
Location: Oregon Convention Center, Portland Ballroom 251, OCC
Oral Presentation
The western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) was the first insect pest targeted with RNA interference (RNAi) via transgenic corn expressing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting the dvSnf7 gene. Since then, it has been a model system for understanding RNAi mechanisms in insects and advancing RNAi-based pest control strategies. This presentation provides an overview of the molecular and cellular pathways involved in RNAi in western corn rootworm, focusing on three critical stages: dsRNA uptake into cells, intracellular processing by the RNAi machinery, and the systemic spread of the RNAi signal between cells. Drawing from studies conducted in our lab, we will highlight key findings that shed light on the factors influencing RNAi efficiency and variability in this species. Additionally, we will discuss methodological approaches and best practices for studying RNAi mechanisms in non-model insects, including RNAi of RNAi, pharmacological inhibitors, labeled dsRNA, gene expression assays, and cellular imaging techniques. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of RNAi biology in coleopterans and inform the development of RNAi-based pest management tools.