Applying gene technology for sustainability: developing dsRNA delivery tools for aquaculture

Aquaculture has been a key contributor to the national economy in Vietnam. With the application of biotechnology, the aquaculture sector has improved, resulting in the promotion of sustainable development but also raising the value of products for farmers. In recent years, RNAi (a technique to control gene expression, establishing a certain phenotype) studies have been conducted on a number of crustacean species and the results suggest that it has tremendous potential for controlling viral diseases in shrimp. However, RNAi has not been widely adopted due to a number of technical barriers such as dsRNA (double stranded RNA; the key actor) delivery to aquatic animals. In this proposal, we plan to generate a ribonucleoprotein complex and investigate its ability for dsRNA delivery via feeding or immersion, trying to enhance RNAi effectiveness in giant freshwater prawns and Artemia. Proof of concept could result in multiple applications in aquaculture in Vietnam, including viral disease control in crustaceans. The project will also train young scientists in the field who could promote the technology.