RNA interference (RNAi) has been widely adopted as a primary reverse genetic tool to determine the physiological function of genes of interest. Nevertheless, the lack of optimized RNA delivery method has been a major obstacle for non-model organisms, such as Cimex lectularis. In this study, we have established a RNAi protocol for the silencing of C. lectularis salivary gland-specific cholinesterase (SChE) gene based on micro-injection of double stranded RNA (dsRNA). An aliquot (20 nl) of dsRNA solution (4.5 ng/nl) was injected to body cavity through the arthrodial membrane between metathoracic coxa and sternum of adult females. Observed mortality was less than 5% and at 6-day post injection, while the gene silencing efficiency reached 97~99% at 2-6 day post injection. This result demonstrates the efficacy of injection RNAi via the arthrodial membrane in C. lectularius.

• Jae Ho Lee(Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University)
• Si Hyeock Lee(Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University)