RNA interference-mediated knockdown of voltage-gated sodium channel (MpNa(v)) gene causes mortality in peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) are transmembrane proteins that generate an action potential in excitable cells and play an essential role in neuronal signaling. Since VGSCs play a crucial role in nerve transmission they have become primary targets for a broad range of commercial insecticides. RNA interference (RNAi) is a valuable reverse genetics tool used in functional genomics, but recently, it has also shown promise as a novel agent that could be used to control agricultural insect pests. In this study, we targeted the VGSC (MpNa(v)) gene in the peach-potato aphid Myzus persicae, by oral feeding of artificial diets mixed with dsRNAs. Knock-down of MpNa(v) gene expression caused up to 65% mortality in 3(rd) instar nymphs. Moreover, significantly lower fecundity and longevity was observed in adult aphids that had been fed with dsMpNa(v) solution at the nymphal stage. Analysis of gene expression by qRT-PCR indicated that the aphid mortality rates and the lowered fecundity and longevity were attributable to the down-regulation of MpNa(v) by RNAi. Taken together, our results show that MpNa(v) is a viable candidate target gene for the development of an RNAi-based bio-aphicide.