Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

This international journal publishes original contributions and mini-reviews in the fields of insect biochemistry and insect molecular biology. Main areas of interest are neurochemistry, hormone and pheromone biochemistry, enzymes and metabolism, hormone action and gene regulation, gene characterization and structure, pharmacology, immunology and cell and tissue culture. Papers on the biochemistry and molecular biology of other groups of arthropods are published if of general interest to the readership. Technique papers will be considered for publication if they significantly advance the field of insect biochemistry and molecular biology in the opinion of the Editors and Editorial Board.

Requirements for RNAi Experiments in Lepidopteran Insects

1. Use of alternative and complementary methods: Whenever appropriate and feasible, authors are encouraged to consider established genetic approaches such as CRISPR/Cas‑mediated gene knockout prior to relying on RNA interference (RNAi). When RNAi is employed, results should be supported by complementary approaches, including pharmacological inhibition or other independent validation methods.

2. Minimization of off‑target effects: To reduce the possibility of off‑target silencing, at least two non‑overlapping dsRNA sequences targeting the same gene must be tested separately.

3. Rigorous experimental controls: RNAi experiments must include a non-treatment (or vehicle) control, as well as multiple dsRNA treatment controls (such as dsRNA against unrelated genes like GFP, as well as dsRNA against other endogenous genes, such as those in the same gene family) to demonstrate specificity of the observed phenotypes.

4. Demonstration of specific and significant knockdown: Authors must provide quantitative evidence (e.g., qRT‑PCR or other validated quantitative assays) showing that expression of the target gene is significantly reduced by the specific dsRNA treatments, but not by control dsRNAs. A minimum of three independent biological replicates is required for each treatment. Whenever possible, knockdown should also be confirmed by an independent method, such as quantification of the encoded protein.

5. Consideration of biological and technical variability: The editorial board recognizes that factors such as dsRNA delivery method, developmental stage, and tissue accessibility can strongly influence RNAi outcomes. Manuscripts will therefore be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis, taking these experimental constraints into account.