Characterization of an RR‐2 cuticle protein DcCP8 and its potential application based on SPc nanoparticle‐wrapped dsRNA in Diaphorina citri

Abstract BACKGROUND The insect cuticle consists of chitin fibers and a protein matrix, which plays an important role in protecting the body from invasion of various pathogens and prevents water loss. Periodic synthesis and degradation of the cuticle is required for the growth and development of insects. Key genes involved in cuticle formation have long been considered a potential target for pest control. RESULTS In this study, a member of the RR‐2 subfamily of cuticular protein 8 (DcCP8) was identified from the Diaphorina citri genome database. Immunofluorescence analysis suggested that DcCP8 was mainly located in the Diaphorina citri exocuticle and can be induced to up‐regulate 12 h following 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) treatment. Silencing of DcCP8 by RNA interference (RNAi) significantly disrupted the metamorphosis to the adult stage, and improved the permeability of the cuticle. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that the synthesis of the exocuticle was impressed after silencing of DcCP8 . Furthermore, the recombinant DcCP8 protein exhibited chitin‐binding properties in vitro , down‐regulation of DcCP8 significantly inhibited expression levels of chitin metabolism‐related genes. Additionally, a sprayable RNAi method targeting DcCP8 based on star polycation (SPc) nanoparticles‐wrapped double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) significantly increased Diaphorina citri mortality. Transcriptome sequencing further confirmed that genes associated with the endocytic pathway and immune response were up‐regulated in Diaphorina citri after SPc treatment. CONCLUSIONS The current study indicated that DcCP8 is critical for the formation of Diaphorina citri exocuticles, and lays a foundation for Diaphorina citri control based on large‐scale dsRNA nanoparticles. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.