• Small RNAs in insects: emergin...

*Result*: Small RNAs in insects: emerging classes and functions.

Title:
Small RNAs in insects: emerging classes and functions.
Authors:
Cedden D; Department of Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute, Göttingen, Germany. Electronic address: doga.cedden@biologie.uni-goettingen.de., Güney G; Agricultural Entomology, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
Source:
Current opinion in insect science [Curr Opin Insect Sci] 2026 Feb; Vol. 73, pp. 101458. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Nov 09.
Publication Type:
Journal Article; Review
Language:
English
Journal Info:
Publisher: Elsevier Country of Publication: Netherlands NLM ID: 101635599 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2214-5753 (Electronic) NLM ISO Abbreviation: Curr Opin Insect Sci Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s):
Original Publication: Amsterdam : Elsevier
MeSH Terms:
Insecta*/genetics , Insecta*/growth & development , Insecta*/metabolism , Insecta*/physiology , MicroRNAs*/genetics , MicroRNAs*/metabolism , RNA, Small Interfering*/metabolism , RNA, Small Interfering*/genetics , RNA, Small Untranslated*, Animals
Substance Nomenclature:
0 (MicroRNAs)
0 (RNA, Small Interfering)
0 (RNA, Small Untranslated)
Entry Date(s):
Date Created: 20251111 Date Completed: 20251211 Latest Revision: 20251211
Update Code:
20260130
DOI:
10.1016/j.cois.2025.101458
PMID:
41218694
Database:
MEDLINE

*Further Information*

*Insects produce diverse small RNAs (sRNAs) that play important roles in gene regulation and immunity, and some are being exploited as species-specific pest control strategies. Here, we review recent advances in insect sRNA biology. First, we summarize the canonical classes, microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). Next, we highlight emerging functions for transfer RNA-derived sRNAs (tsRNAs) in development and stress responses. We highlight that mechanistic studies are now beginning to link sRNAs to various biological phenomena using methods such as RNA sequencing and degradomics in combination with functional validations. We outline design features that increase the efficacy of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) derived siRNAs and note that siRNAs appear to play a limited part in transposon control compared with piRNAs. We discuss emerging roles of piRNAs in reproduction and sex determination that suggest potential pest control strategies. Lastly, we highlight emerging evidence for cross-kingdom miRNAs delivered by insects to plants to facilitate herbivory, and conversely, plant miRNAs that may be transferred to insects to regulate their physiology. Overall, we argue that our understanding of insect sRNAs is rapidly expanding, which has implications for novel pest management strategies.
(Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)*

*Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.*