RNA activation in insects: The targeted activation of endogenous and exogenous genes

Abstract

RNA activation (RNAa) is a newly emerging area of research in which dsRNA targeting promoter regions can induce the expression of the target gene. Although still in its infancy, it is already having significant impacts in several research areas in particular as cancer therapeutics. So far, the scope of RNAa has been limited to mammals and Caenorhabditis elegans with no indication of its prevalence in insects. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the presence of RNAa in the insect dengue vector Aedes aegypti. Furthermore, we looked to uncover some details surrounding the involvement of host factors in order to present this as a new technique for insect research. The outcomes of this study provide new opportunities to further research into arthropod-borne diseases and insect biology in the same way as RNA interference.

Keywords: Aedes aegypti; Insects; Mosquito; RNA activation; RNA interference; Small RNA.