Characterization of Syntaxin 18 in Peregrinus maidis and In Vitro dsRNA Synthesis for Potential RNAi-Mediated Control of Maize Mosaic Alphanucleorhabdovirus (MMV) Transmission

Authors

• Hannah Corinne T. Cantaros, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna 4030, Philippines; Institute of Weed Science Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna 4030, Philippines
• Charlene Niebres, DOST- Philippine Textile Research Institute, Bicutan, Taguig City 1631, Philippines; Institute of Weed Science Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna 4030, Philippines
• Ruth Alessandra Banasihan, Institute of Weed Science Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna 4030, Philippines
• Argel L. Arenas, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna 4030, Philippines
• Karen B. Alviar, Institute of Weed Science Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna 4030, PhilippinesFollow

Publication Date

3-1-2026

Abstract

The plant virus known as Maize mosaic alphanucleorhabdovirus (MMV) is a persistent, propagative pathogen transmitted by the corn planthopper Peregrinus maidis Ashmead (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). It is the causal agent for a mosaic disease that can cause significant loss in corn yield. Currently, disease management is focused on controlling its insect vector population. The molecular mechanisms of virus transmission by the insect vector are not yet fully understood. Previously, P. maidis syntaxin 18 (PmSTX18) was identified as a receptor for MMV. PmSTX18 interacts with the viral glycoprotein and potentially facilitates MMV recognition and entry into the vector, enabling virus proliferation. Syntaxin 18 is a key component of the vesicular trafficking machinery and plays a critical role in neurotransmitter release in insects. This study investigated the expression of PmSTX18 in different developmental stages and major parts of the insect vector. Results showed a significant difference in the expression of syntaxin 18 in the different developmental stages of P. maidis but not between male and female adults and major body parts. A novel set of primers was designed to generate templates for the synthesis of double-stranded RNA targeting syntaxin 18. A 374 base pair (bp) amplicon was selected, and the gene-specific sequences were flanked by T7 promoter sequences for in vitro transcription. Reaction conditions and protocol for in vitro transcription were optimized to generate ~327% of the expected double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) yield. The findings of this study establish the gene expression pattern of PmSTX18 in the insect vector, providing insight into its role in the transmission process of MMV through the neurotropic route. In addition, the generation of dsRNA in vitro provides initial steps towards developing an RNA interference (RNAi)-based approach in controlling MMV transmission by targeting the syntaxin 18 receptor in P. maidis.

Recommended Citation

Cantaros, Hannah Corinne T.; Niebres, Charlene; Banasihan, Ruth Alessandra; Arenas, Argel L.; and Alviar, Karen B. (2026) "Characterization of Syntaxin 18 in Peregrinus maidis and In Vitro dsRNA Synthesis for Potential RNAi-Mediated Control of Maize Mosaic Alphanucleorhabdovirus (MMV) Transmission," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 109: No. 2, Article 5.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol109/iss2/5