Compositions and methods for controlling arthropod parasite and pest infestations
Inventors
Inberg, Alex • Kapoor, Mahak • Evans, Jay
Assignees
US Department of Agriculture USDA • Greenlight Biosciences Inc
Publication Number
US-10927374-B2
Publication Date
2021-02-23
Expiration Date
2034-11-04
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Abstract
This application provides and discloses anti-parasitic, anti-pest or insecticidal nucleic acid molecules and their calmodulin target genes for the control of arthropod parasites and pests. This application further provides methods and compositions for the control and treatment of parasites and pests in Apis mellifera (honey bee) hives.
Core Innovation
This invention provides selective insecticide compositions and methods for controlling arthropod parasite and pest infestations. The compositions comprise anti-parasitic, anti-pest or insecticidal nucleic acid molecules that are essentially complementary or identical to regions of calmodulin gene sequences or transcribed RNA. These nucleic acid molecules include variants such as double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and other RNA silencing agents that downregulate the expression of calmodulin genes in targeted pests or parasites, particularly the Varroa destructor mite.
The problem being solved concerns the widespread damage caused by pests and parasites to commercially cultured arthropods, especially honey bees (Apis mellifera) crucial for pollination and agriculture. Varroa destructor mites are the primary ectoparasitic threat to honey bees, infesting brood cells and adult bees, causing direct physiological harm and transmitting viruses. Existing treatments, which largely rely on chemical miticides, suffer from issues like reduced efficacy due to resistance, toxicity to bees, and residues in honey, fundamentally lacking safe, efficacious, long-lasting control options.
Claims Coverage
The claims include one independent composition claim and one independent method claim, covering nucleic acid-based selective miticidal compositions and methods of reducing parasitization of honeybees.
Selective miticidal composition comprising nucleic acid targeting calmodulin gene
A composition comprising a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence that is essentially complementary or identical to a region of a calmodulin gene sequence, or RNA transcribed therefrom.
Inclusion of excipient in the selective miticidal composition
The composition may further comprise an excipient selected from protein, pollen, carbohydrate, polymer, liquid solvent, sugar syrup, sugar solid, or semi-solid feed, making the composition mite-ingestible or mite-absorbable.
Nucleic acid molecule as double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)
The nucleic acid molecule in the composition is specifically a dsRNA, including sequences selected from SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, and 71-89 corresponding to calmodulin gene fragments.
Calmodulin gene sequence identity specifications
The calmodulin gene sequence targeted by the nucleic acid has at least 95% sequence identity to sequences selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, 6, 23, 26-35, and 69-89, or comprises at least 18 contiguous nucleotides of these sequences.
Method of reducing honeybee parasitization using selective miticidal composition
A method of reducing parasitization of a honeybee by providing the honeybee or arthropod a selective miticidal composition comprising a nucleic acid molecule essentially complementary or identical to a calmodulin gene region, thereby reducing honeybee parasitization by the arthropod, particularly effective against Varroa destructor.
The independent claims focus on a nucleic acid-based selective miticide targeting calmodulin gene sequences in arthropod parasites, especially Varroa destructor, formulated with excipients suitable for ingestion or absorption by mites, and methods of reducing honeybee parasitization using such compositions.
Stated Advantages
Provides a safe, efficacious, and long-lasting control of parasitic mites such as Varroa destructor in honey bee colonies.
Selective targeting reduces toxicity to non-target organisms including the honey bees themselves.
Avoids residues of toxic chemicals in honey and wax, overcoming drawbacks of current chemical miticides.
Demonstrated down-regulation of mite calmodulin gene expression leading to mite mortality and reduced infestation levels.
Provides a method that can be applied via bee-ingestible or mite-ingestible compositions, compatible with bee feeding practices.
Documented Applications
Control and treatment of Varroa destructor mite infestations in Apis mellifera (honey bee) hives.
Reduction and prevention of parasite load and parasitization in honey bee colonies, thereby addressing Colony Collapse Disorder related challenges.
Use as miticide compositions incorporated into bee feed or applied topically to hives to selectively reduce mite infestations without harming bees.
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