Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Journal Open Access

Department of Chemistry, Fort Hays State University, Hays, United States of America

Publications

• Research Article   
  Evaluating the Effect of RNA Interference of X-Box Binding Protein 1 (XBP1) on Survival and Fecundity in Acyrthosiphon pisum
  Author(s): Jacob Lutgen and James Balthazor*
  
  Acyrthosiphon pisum (pea aphid) is a major pest of Fabaceae (legume) crops, causing direct feeding damage and transmitting plant viruses. Conventional control relies on broad-spectrum insecticides and natural enemies, both of which can harm non-target organisms and ecosystems. RNA interference (RNAi) offers a promising, species-specific alternative by silencing essential genes via double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). This study targeted X-Box Binding Protein 1 (XBP1), a key transcription factor in the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) pathway that regulates proper protein folding in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER). This chaperone promotes folding of newly synthesized polypeptides and helps manage misfolded proteins. Silencing the XBP1 gene was hypothesized to cause accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER lumen, triggering ER stress, UPR overload and ultimately apoptosis, leading to aphid mo.. View More»
  

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