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 RNA effector molecule comprises an oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the oligonucleotide is a single stranded or double stranded oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the oligonucleotide is modified. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the modification is selected from the group consisting of: 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotide, a nucleotide having a 5′-phosphorothioate group, a terminal nucleotide linked to a cholesteryl derivative, a 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro modified nucleotide, a 2′-deoxy-modified nucleotide, a locked nucleotide, an abasic nucleotide, 2′-amino-modified nucleotide, 2′-alkyl-modified nucleotide, morpholino nucleotide, a phosphoramidate, and a non-natural base comprising nucleotide. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the oligonucleotide comprises 9-36 base pairs. 
     
     
         7 . 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. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the insect is a pest. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the RNA effector molecule comprises an oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the oligonucleotide is a single stranded or double stranded oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the oligonucleotide is modified. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the modification is selected from the group consisting of: 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotide, a nucleotide having a 5′-phosphorothioate group, a terminal nucleotide linked to a cholesteryl derivative, a 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro modified nucleotide, a 2′-deoxy-modified nucleotide, a locked nucleotide, an abasic nucleotide, 2′-amino-modified nucleotide, 2′-alkyl-modified nucleotide, morpholino nucleotide, a phosphoramidate, and a non-natural base comprising nucleotide. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the composition is specific to the pest and does not affect other insects. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the oligonucleotide comprises 9-36 base pairs. 
     
     
         15 . 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. 
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 15 , wherein the RNA effector molecule comprises an oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 15 , 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. 
     
     
         18 . The composition of  claim 16 , wherein the oligonucleotide is a single stranded or double stranded oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         19 . The composition of  claim 16 , wherein the oligonucleotide is modified. 
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 20 , wherein the modification is selected from the group consisting of: 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotide, a nucleotide having a 5′-phosphorothioate group, a terminal nucleotide linked to a cholesteryl derivative, a 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro modified nucleotide, a 2′-deoxy-modified nucleotide, a locked nucleotide, an abasic nucleotide, 2′-amino-modified nucleotide, 2′-alkyl-modified nucleotide, morpholino nucleotide, a phosphoramidate, and a non-natural base comprising nucleotide.