The coming of RNA-based pest controls

RNA interference( RNAi) is a gene silencing tool that targets messenger RNA( m RNA)transcripts in a sequence specific manner and down regulates gene expression by interacting with small interfering RNAs( si RNAs). m RNAs can be silenced either through endogenous degradation via nuclease activity( e. g.,RNAi pathway),or by inhibiting translation( e. g.,mi RNA). Over the past decade,RNAi has been used broadly in entomological research to decipher the gene functions in insects. With the success of RNAi in functional genomics research,much attention has shifted to the potential applications of RNAi in agriculture,especially for the control of insect pests. In addition to RNAi-based gene silencing,genome editing,an exciting new biotechnology,offers yet another option for pest controls. The modification of plant genomes to knock-in genes that are heritable to increase the tolerance of plants to insect infestation,or knock-out genes in pest insects through genetically modified( GM)-insect releases are on the forefront of the genetic-based pest managements. In this review,we summarize the current knowledge regarding RNAi-based gene silencing and CRISPR / Cas9-based genome editing. Technical challenges and regulatory concerns for this new wave of RNA-based pest controls are discussed in great detail. We also share the perspective of modifying current environmental risk assessment frameworks to better fit the RNA-based pest management strategies. Given the current discussions / attentions over the safety of Genetically Modified Organisms( GMO),we,respectively,compared pros and cons of RNAibased gene silencing and CRISPR / Gas9-based genome editing,and later we identified the regulatory issues that should be addressed before these emerging biotechnologies can move from the bench top to the table top.