Insects defend against fungal infection by employing microRNAs to silence virulence-related genes

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2023802118
• Publication Date: 2021-05-03T20:55:42Z
• Authors: Yan Wang; Chunlai Cui; Guandong Wang; Yifei Li; Sibao Wang
• Keywords: Silence

Significance The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana can overcome insecticide resistance and represents a promising tool for controlling mosquitoes other insect pests. Improvement of fungal efficacy requires better understanding fungus–mosquito interactions. Here, we report on new strategy defense against infection that employs translocation miRNAs to silence virulence genes. Fungal activates production Anopheles let-7 miR-100 microRNAs (miRNAs). These translocate into hyphae specifically the sec2p C6TF Both genes are essential invasive growth pathogenicity. Notably, B. strain expressing both anti–let-7 anti–miR-100 “sponge” RNAs is dramatically increased. This study may lead strategies improved fungal-based vector control efficacy.