RNAi mediated gene silencing in bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.)

The resurgence of bed bugs (Cimex lecturalius L.) has been a global public concern in recent decades. The success of bed bug control is constantly challenged because of evolving insecticide resistance. Therefore, RNA interference (RNAi) must be explored as an alternative.  The double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) are delivered into insect and these dsRNA are processed to make siRNAs by the enzyme dicer. The siRNA direct Rubisco complex to repress targeted genes. The V-ATPase and actin genes are highly expressed in insects. The V-ATPase is involved in ATP hydrolysis and maintaining the membrane ion and actin for important cellular processes, including muscle contraction. To investigate the effectiveness of RNAi on these genes in bed bugs, we conducted microinjection method in adult insects. Green fluorescence protein (GFP) was used as a control. The expression of actin and V-ATPase will be measured at different time points (day 2, 4 and 6) and compared to the expression of GFP by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition to decreased expression, mortality of the bed bugs will be also be determined. The RNAi offers great potential to evaluate gene functions and control strategies in bed bugs.