miRNA Dynamics for Pest Management: Implications in Insecticide Resistance

Simple Summary MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to play a vital role in the evolution of insecticide resistance. This review delves into how these miRNAs regulate biological functions and their impact on insecticide resistance. It highlights the recent advancements in miRNA research, including their discovery through RNA sequencing and their regulatory roles among various insect species. It discusses the potential of miRNAs in managing insecticide resistance, focusing on the use of miRNA-based strategies. These strategies are proposed as effective and sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical pest management methods.Abstract Utilizing chemical agents in pest management in modern agricultural practices has been the predominant approach since the advent of synthetic insecticides. However, insecticide resistance is an emerging issue, as pest populations evolve to survive exposure to chemicals that were once effective in controlling them, underlining the need for advanced and innovative approaches to managing pests. In insects, microRNAs (miRNAs) serve as key regulators of a wide range of biological functions, characterized by their dynamic expression patterns and the ability to target genes. Recent studies are increasingly attributed to the significance of miRNAs in contributing to the evolution of insecticide resistance in numerous insect species. Abundant miRNAs have been discovered in insects using RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis and are known to play vital roles in regulation at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Globally, there is growing research interest in the characterization and application of miRNAs, especially for their potential role in managing insecticide resistance. This review focuses on how miRNAs contribute to regulating insecticide resistance across various insect species. Furthermore, we discuss the gain and loss of functions of miRNAs and the techniques for delivering miRNAs into the insect system. The review emphasizes the application of miRNA-based strategies to studying their role in diminishing insecticide resistance, offering a more efficient and lasting approach to insect management.