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CaP Nanoparticles Improve the Effect of dsRNA on Gene Expression, Growth, and Mycotoxin Production of Toxigenic Fusarium graminearum

Summary

Scientists developed a new way to fight a harmful fungus that damages wheat crops and produces dangerous toxins. They used specially designed RNA molecules wrapped in tiny calcium phosphate particles that protect the RNA and keep it working longer than unwrapped RNA. When tested, this approach successfully stopped the fungus from growing and reduced toxin production for up to two weeks, offering promise for safer crop protection without chemical pesticides.

Background

Fusarium graminearum causes significant agricultural losses through fusarium head blight and produces mycotoxins like deoxynivalenol (DON) that contaminate food crops. RNA interference (RNAi) offers an ecologically safe alternative to chemical fungicides, but dsRNA molecules are rapidly degraded in environmental conditions, limiting their practical application.

Objective

To evaluate whether RNAi-mediated silencing of the regulatory FgVe1 gene inhibits growth and mycotoxin production of F. graminearum, and to determine whether calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaPs) as dsRNA carriers enhance and prolong the silencing effect compared to naked dsRNA.

Results

FgVe1_540 dsRNA at 500 ng/mL induced 19.78-fold silencing of FgVe1 expression and suppressed secondary metabolism genes, reducing DON accumulation by approximately 78% at 6 days post-inoculation. CaPs:dsRNA nanocomplexes showed weaker initial silencing but provided prolonged effects lasting up to 10 days in liquid cultures and 14 days on detached leaves, while naked dsRNA effects diminished after 7 days.

Conclusion

CaPs nanoparticles effectively protect dsRNA and prolong its silencing effect on F. graminearum, demonstrating potential for developing improved SIGS-based plant protection strategies against mycotoxigenic fungi. Further development requires testing on whole plants and field trials under various environmental conditions.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 41155314
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