Abstract:
RNA interference involves the targeted knockdown of mRNA triggered by complementary
dsRNA molecules applied to an experimental organism. Although this technique has been
successfully used in honeybees (Apis mellifera), it remains unclear whether the application
of dsRNA leads to unintended expression knockdown in unspecific, non-targeted genes.
Therefore, we studied the gene expression of four non-target genes coding for proteins that
are involved in different physiological processes after treatment with three dsRNAs in two
abdominal tissues. We found unspecific gene downregulation depending on both the dsRNA
used and the different tissues. Hence, RNAi experiments in the honeybee require rigid
controls and carefully selected dsRNA sequences to avoid misinterpretation of RNAi-derived
phenotypes.
