AUTHOR=Jamil Momana , Ahmad Shakil , Ran Yingqiao , Ma Siya , Cao Fengqin , Lin Xianwu , Yan Rihui 

TITLE=Argonaute1 and Gawky Are Required for the Development and Reproduction of Melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Genetics

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2022.880000

DOI=10.3389/fgene.2022.880000

ISSN=1664-8021

ABSTRACT=<p>Argonaute family genes encode a highly conserved group of proteins that have been associated with RNA silencing in both animals and plants. This study investigates the importance of microRNA biogenesis key regulators <italic>Argonaute1</italic> (<italic>Ago1</italic>) and <italic>Gawky</italic> genes in the post-embryonic and ovarian development of the melon fly, <italic>Zeugodacus cucurbitae</italic>. The expression levels of these genes were mapped in all developmental stages and different adult tissues. Their roles in development were investigated using RNA interference (RNAi) <italic>via</italic> two different dsRNA delivery techniques. Embryo microinjection and oral feeding of third instar larvae successfully knocked down and greatly reduced the expression level of the target genes. Additionally, ex vivo essays revealed the stability of dsRNA in food was sufficient for gene silencing, although its integrity was affected in midgut. A wide range of phenotypes were observed on pupation, segmentation, pigmentation, and ovarian development. RNAi-mediated silencing of <italic>Gawky</italic> caused high mortality and loss of body segmentation, while <italic>Ago1</italic> knockdown affected ovarian development and pigmentation. Developmental abnormalities and ovarian malformations caused by silencing these genes suggest that these genes are crucial for viability and reproductive capacity of <italic>Z. cucurbitae</italic>, and may be used as potential target genes in pest management.</p>