Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42307042›Full record

ArticlePest management science2026

De novo transcriptome meta-analysis reveals candidate genes involved in life-stage transitions for RNAi-mediated management of the citrus root weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus).

Tejbhan Saini, Nabil Killiny

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Pest management science, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
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1citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Tejbhan SainiDepartment of Plant Pathology, Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL, USA.
Nabil KillinyDepartment of Plant Pathology, Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3895-6943

Funding

Citrus Research and Development Foundation
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe citrus root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus, is a destructive agricultural pest for which molecular control options remain limited due to historically sparse genomic resources. Leveraging a comprehensive de novo transcriptome, we investigated developmental gene regulation across larval, pupal, and adult stages and identified essential targets for RNA interference (RNAi)-based intervention.

resultsStage-resolved transcriptomic analyses revealed extensive transcriptional reprogramming associated with metabolism, detoxification, cuticle biosynthesis, endocrine signaling, and sensory perception. Among these, chitin synthase (DaCHS) emerged as a critical developmental gene, exhibiting pronounced up-regulation during late larval and pupal stages corresponding to intensive cuticle synthesis. Phylogenetic and structural analyses demonstrated that DaCHS is highly conserved among insects and retains canonical catalytic domains and transmembrane topology. Alpha Fold-based structural modeling and molecular docking confirmed stable interaction of DaCHS with its substrate, N-acetylglucosamine, supporting functional conservation of enzymatic activity. Oral delivery of DaCHS double-stranded RNA induced robust transcript suppression, leading to significant mortality and severe developmental defects, including larval and pupal abnormalities, and adults with disrupted wing and abdominal morphogenesis.

conclusionThese findings establish DaCHS as an indispensable gene for D. abbreviates development and validate transcriptome-guided RNAi as a powerful framework for target discovery. This work provides a strong molecular foundation for developing RNAi-based strategies that can be integrated into sustainable management programs for citrus root weevil control. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Indexed as

Chitin SynthaseInsect ControlInsect ProteinsRNA InterferenceTranscriptomeWeevilsAnimalsGene Expression ProfilingLarvaPhylogenyPupaChitin SynthaseInsect Proteinschitin synthasecitrus root weevilde novo transcriptomeDiaprepes abbreviatusgene regulationin silico analysisRNA interference

Identifiers

PMID42307042
PMCPMC13569359

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.