CRISPR/Cas9 Applications in Functional Genomics of Lepidopteran Pests

Zilu Peng; Yiwen Wu

doi:10.54097/as4z0j86

Authors

Zilu Peng
Yiwen Wu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/as4z0j86

Keywords:

CRISPR, Lepidoptera, Spodoptera frugiperda, Plutella Xylo stella.

Abstract

CRISPR/Cas9 technology originates from bacteria and represents the third-generation gene-editing tool. It has significantly advanced research on gene functions in Lepidopteran insects. This article studied Spodoptera frugiperda and Plutella xylostella in the order Lepidoptera. And summarized the application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in studying the body color genes, reproductive genes, insecticide resistance genes, and gene drive systems of the two insects. Studies have found that when knocking out reproductive related genes in insects such as SfPBAN, PxDCr-1, PxNap1, can disrupt their mating habits or lower their ability to reproduce. When editing insect resistance genes such as SfABCB1, PxABCB1, and PxRDL, pests become much more sensitive. When knocking out insect color related genes, such as SfKmo and SfYellow-y, can change the color of their eggs. This article also summarizes the research on the gene drive system in Plutella Xylo stella, which can be combined with CRISPR technology for the dissemination of gene edited products in wild populations. Overall, CRISPR/Cas9 technology is a very useful method for analyzing gene functions in Lepidopteran pests. In practical applications, this technology still faces some challenges, such as gene editing efficiency, ecological safety, and field controllability.

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