Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Biology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

Three genes found in the Unfolded protein response, Ribophorin 1, Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 beta, and Peptidylprolyl isomerase A are thought to be potential targets for RNA Interference (RNAi) in Acyrthosiphon pisum.  Ribophorin 1 (RPN1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that assists in anchoring ribosomes to the rough endoplasmic reticulum membrane.  It acts as a substrate-specific chaperone.  It facilitates N-glycosylation by delivering newly synthesized proteins to the oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) complex.  Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 beta (eIF2B) is a key component of the eIF2 heterotrimer that facilitates protein synthesis initiation by binding GTP and recruiting a specific transfer RNA to the 40S ribosome.  The RNA it recruits is tRNAiMet, which delivers the first methionine to the ribosome to start protein synthesis.  eIF2B is part of both the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) and the Integrated Stress Response (ISR).  Peptidylprolyl isomerase A (PPIA) is also known as Cyclophilin A (CypA).  CypA is a molecular chaperone that catalyzes the cis-trans isomerization of peptide bonds, which facilitates protein folding and maturation during stressful conditions.  Previous studies confirm that RNAi can affect the lifespan and fecundity of pea aphids.  The objective of this study was to determine whether the selected genes would also affect the lifespan of pea aphids.  Decreasing concentrations of dsRNA were fed to the aphids to test the effects of each chosen gene.  The experiment's objective is to identify the effects of each dsRNA knockdown on the aphids.  Higher concentrations had a greater effect on decreasing aphid survival.  RPN1 and CypA reduced aphid survival only at the highest concentration tested.  eIF2B showed a greater effect on aphid survival at lower concentrations than the other genes tested.  It was effective at decreasing survival at a concentration of 100 ng/mL.  The result of this study agrees with previous studies that aphid survival can be affected by the introduction of dsRNAs.

Keywords

RNA Silencing, Unfolded Protein Response, Pest Mitigation, dsRNA Knockdown, BAPC

Advisor

Dr. James Balthazor

Date of Award

Spring 2026

Document Type

Thesis

Rights

© The Author

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