Methods and compositions for treating insects

Abstract

Provided herein are methods and compositions for modulating gene expression in insects by administering a composition comprising an RNA effector molecule and a delivery agent. Methods are provided for controlling pest populations by inhibiting insect growth, development, survival, reproduction and/or viability. Also provided herein are methods for treating or preventing disease in an insect caused by a pathogen or by external factors (e.g., pollution, environment, stress, weather, etc.).

1 . A method for treating or preventing disease in an insect, the method comprising administering to the insect a composition comprising an RNA effector molecule or a vector encoding an RNA effector molecule, and a delivery agent, wherein the RNA effector molecule modulates gene expression of an insect or an insect pathogen. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the disease is caused by an insect pathogen selected from the group consisting of a virus, mite, nematode, bacteria, fungus, or parasite. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the disease is caused by pollution, exposure to electromagnetic radiation, exposure to pesticides, environment, or stress. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the RNA effector molecule inhibits or activates gene expression. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein modulating gene expression inhibits pathogen infectivity, virulence, reproduction, viability, growth, translation, protein production, viral uptake or transmission. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein modulating gene expression decreases insect susceptibility to a pathogen. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering comprises providing a food source for the insect, wherein the food source comprises the composition. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the food source comprises a virus, a bacterium, a fungus, a plant, or a yeast cell expressing the RNA effector molecule. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering comprises contacting the insect with a solution comprising the composition. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the composition is administered topically. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the RNA effector molecule comprises an oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the oligonucleotide is a single stranded or double stranded oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the oligonucleotide comprises an siRNA, an miRNA, an shRNA, a ribozyme, an antisense RNA, a decoy oligonucleotide, an antimir, a supermir, or an RNA activator. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the vector is a viral vector, an expression vector, or a plasmid. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the viral vector comprises a baculoviral vector. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the insect is a bee, wasp, butterfly, ant or ladybug. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is administered to adult insects. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is administered to a breeding or feeding locus. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the insect is a hive bee or a forager bee, and the pathogen is selected from the group consisting of IAPV, Acute Bee Paralysis Virus and Kashmir Bee Paralysis Virus. 
     
     
         20 . A method for modulating gene expression in an insect, the method comprising: administering to the insect a composition comprising an RNA effector molecule or a vector encoding an RNA effector molecule and a delivery agent, wherein the RNA effector molecule modulates gene expression in the insect. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein modulation of gene expression inhibits viability, survival, growth, development, and/or reproduction of the insect. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the insect is a pest. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein modulation of gene expression increases insect susceptibility to a pathogen. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the insect is a hive-dwelling insect and modulation of gene expression in the insect is delayed until the insect returns to the hive. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the composition is specific to the pest and does not affect other insects. 
     
     
         26 . A composition comprising an RNA effector molecule or a vector encoding an RNA effector molecule, and a delivery agent, wherein the RNA effector molecule modulates gene expression of an insect or an insect pathogen.