This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (31725023, 31861133019 to GW, and 31171912 to CY).

1. Design of gene-specific primers and preparation of sgRNA
<ol>
	<li>Verify a conserved genomic region in the gene of interest through PCR amplification and sequencing analyses. Amplify the target gene from the genome DNA of H. armigera and distinguish the exons and introns. 
	NOTE: The sequence specificity of the guide site is necessary to avoid off-target gene editing. Search possible guide sites in the exons are close to the 5&#39; UTR of the gene. Then, it is important to make sure that the gene is completely nonfunctional. A summary of the flow path for the preparation of sgRNA is illustrated in Figure 1.</li>
	<li>Choose the sgRNA targets. Use the CRISPR online website CRISPOR (Version 4.97) (http://crispor.tefor.net/crispor.py)&#160;to search for possible guide sites in the exons close to the 5&#39; UTR of the gene. Input the exon sequence into the textbox and select the target genome to Helicoverpa armigera (Harm_1.0). Choose the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) option of &#34;20 bp-NGG&#34; and leave the other settings on the default parameters according to the user manuals of the websites.</li>
	<li>Compare the predicted guide sequences from the software and choose the guide sequence with the highest predicted efficiency and fewest mismatches to improve the editing efficiency and reduce off-target editing. A 20 bp guide sequence containing one or two G on the 5&#39; UTR is recommended as it could increase the cutting efficiency. 
	NOTE: A pair of gRNAs across exon-regions are also recommended to obtain a large segment deletion, which simplifies mutant detection in later steps. Ensure the spacing distance between the two selected guide sequences is at least 100 bp. In this protocol, we choose the commonly used SpCas9 protein, which recognizes the NGG motif. According to the manufacturer&#39;s instruction, the guide sequence lacking G is also acceptable when choosing the T7 promoter because the promoter adds a G to the 5&#39; UTR of the sequence.</li>
	<li>Design forward and reverse oligonucleotides. Set the sequence order to 5&#39;-20 bp guide sequence-NGG-3&#39; and reverse complement the guide sequence. Add the T7 promoter sequence to the forward and reverse strand guide sequence, respectively according to the user guide of the gRNA synthesis kit. 
	NOTE: The PAM sequence NGG should be excluded from the oligonucleotide sequence.</li>
	<li>Generate the sgRNA using the gRNA synthesis kit. This process includes three steps: DNA template assembly, in vitro transcription, and purification of sgRNA (Figure 2). Perform each step in accordance with the user instructions.</li>
</ol>
2. Embryo preparation and collection
<ol>
	<li>Separate male and female pupae as described by Hongtao et al.34 and segregate them into two different net cages. After eclosion, feed them ~30 mL of 10% (w/v) white sugar solution in absorbent cotton in a Petri dish. 
	NOTE: 3 g of white sugar was dissolved in 30 mL of sterile water to prepare the 10% (w/v) white sugar solution.</li>
	<li>Select 50 healthy individuals from 3-day-old males and 2-day-old females, respectively, and mix them in a clean net cage. Place a piece of cotton containing 10% (w/v) sugar solution in the cage and keep the cotton moist. Cover the net cages with gauze and fix the gauze with a rubber band. Spray water onto the gauze to keep moist.</li>
	<li>Allow selected male and female moths in step 2 to mate completely and observe the egg-laying amount. 
	NOTE: The peak of oviposition of H. armigera appears after 9:00 p.m. Therefore, the time of the mating should be considered to ensure a sufficient number of eggs in the subsequent steps. At the peak of oviposition, replace the gauze with a black cloth and enable free oviposition for 30 min. Replace the black cloth every 30 min for collecting fresh eggs (Figure 3A).</li>
	<li>Cut the black cloth into irregularly shaped patches with a size of 3 mm approximately. Ensure more eggs on each patch. 
	NOTE: Avoid choosing wrinkled eggs as they are usually unfertilized.</li>
	<li>Paste double-sided tape onto a microscope slide (25 mm x 75 mm) (Figure 3B). Using forceps, paste the patches with eggs in a row on the surface of the double-sided tape. Press the margin of each patch to make sure they stick firmly to the tape. Collect 50-100 eggs per microscope slide (Figure 3C). 
	NOTE: The patches need to cover the full surface of the double-sided tape, otherwise the hatching larval will have difficulty crawling out.</li>
	<li>Before microinjection, keep the microscope slide on ice to delay the development of embryos.</li>
</ol>
3. Microinjection of embryos
<ol>
	<li>Prepare the needle by pulling a capillary glass using a micropipette puller (Figure 4A). Set Heat to 540, Pull to 80, Vel to 75, Time to 170, and Pressure to 450. Ground the needle tip using a micro grinder. The ideal needle shows a sharp-edged tip (Figure 4B).</li>
	<li>Preparation of injection solutions. Add 2 &#181;L of commercialized Cas9 protein (1 mg/mL) and sgRNA (300-500 ng/&#181;L final concentration) to RNase-free water in a PCR tube to obtain a 10 &#181;L volume mixture. The volume of sgRNA depends on its concentration. Mix well by pipetting and put it on ice. 
	NOTE: All the pipette tips and PCR tubes used in this step are RNase-free.</li>
	<li>Set the parameters of the electronic microinjector. Set the injection pressure (pi) to 1,500 hPa, the injection time (ti) to 0.1 s, and the compensation pressure (pc) to 30 hPa.</li>
	<li>Load 2 &#181;L of the mixture into a needle using a micro loader pipette tip. The residual air in the tip of the needle should be exhausted as much as possible.</li>
	<li>Connect the injection needle to a micromanipulator and ensure a tight connection between the two parts.</li>
	<li>Place a slide in a Petri dish (100 mm) and put them on the stage of the microscope (Figure 5A).</li>
	<li>Adjust the position of the needle tip under a light microscope until both the needle tip and embryos are visible under the microscope (Figure 5B).</li>
	<li>Adjust the volume of the droplet. Press the pedal and observe the liquid drop at the needle tip. Adjust the injection pressure of the microinjector until the volume of a liquid drop is about one-tenth of the volume of the embryos. 
	NOTE: The quality of the injection needle is vital for the survival rate of embryos.</li>
	<li>Carefully insert the needle tip into the top hemisphere of an embryo at a 45-degree angle (Figure 5C). Press the pedal to deliver the mixture into the embryo. The injection leads to a slight expansion of the embryo. Retract the needle immediately from the embryo and move the Petri dish with one hand until the next embryo is in proximity to the needle and inject the next embryo with the same procedure. 
	NOTE: The cytoplasmic outflow at the pinhole is acceptable. If the cytoplasmic leakage is too much, adjust the angle of the needle to a more severe angle until the fluid outflow is controlled.</li>
	<li>Inject at least 300 embryos to ensure a sufficient hatching amount. Cover the lid of the Petri dish(es) after injection. 
	&#8203;NOTE: The time from oviposition to injection of the 50-100 embryos is limited to 2 h. Most of the embryos are still at the one-cell stage within this time frame. In general, it is useful to repeat the oviposition procedure during embryo injection to promote efficiency.</li>
</ol>
4. Post-injection insect rearing
<ol>
	<li>Propagation of G0 embryos.
	<ol>
		<li>Incubate the embryos at 60% relative humidity and 28&#176;C in an artificial climate box with 14 h light/10 h dark.</li>
		<li>Check the development of embryos daily after injection. When the surface color of embryos has darkened, put artificial diet in the Petri dish around the microscope slide, and check the development of embryos every 12 h. 
		&#8203;NOTE: The artificial diet is prepared as described by Wu et al.35 and Jha et al.36.</li>
		<li>Prepare 24-well culture plates and fill each well to one-third of its volumetric capacity with artificial diet.</li>
		<li>Pick out hatching larvae (Figure 5D) using a small paintbrush and transfer them to the 24-well culture plate. Insert one larva per well to ensure that each larva has enough food to survive. 
		&#8203;NOTE: The larvae of H. armigera were reared individually in each well since they usually cannibalized each other.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>G0 larvae rearing
	<ol>
		<li>Rear the larvae in the same conditions as the embryos.</li>
		<li>Check the hatched larvae every day. When larvae grow to the third instar stage, transfer each larva into a new glass dactylethrae, filling one-fifth of the volume with artificial diet.</li>
		<li>Approximately 12 d after incubation, the mature larvae should begin to pupate.</li>
		<li>The G0 mature pupae are distinguished based on sex and placed in separate cages before eclosion. The same-aged pupae of wild type are also prepared.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>G0 adults rearing
	<ol>
		<li>Check the eclosion of both wild type and mutant pupae daily.</li>
		<li>Transfer the newly-eclosed G0 male adults and wild type female adults into a fresh net cage and make the ratio between G0 and wild type at approximately 1:1. Supply them with 10% (w/v) sugar solution dropped in cotton balls.</li>
		<li>Rear insects using the routine method above until the pupation of generation one (G1).</li>
		<li>Using a dactylethrae, transfer the newly-eclosed single pair of G1 adults into a plastic jar (13 cm x 12 cm x 12 cm) supplied with 10% (w/v) sugar solution. Cover each jar with gauze. Take about 50 pairs of G1 adults in total. 
		&#8203;NOTE: Eclosion of female moths predate that of male moths. In general, a 3-day-old male and a 2-day-old female are sexually mature and ready to mate. The newly-eclosed adults will not mate in their first light period without feeding.</li>
		<li>Collect the G1 adults in a plastic jar after they have laid eggs. Put each adult moth in a 1.5 mL centrifuge tube.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
5. Knock-out mutant detection
<ol>
	<li>Design a pair of primers spanning the predicted truncated site. The primers should be set at least 50 bp distance on either side (upstream and downstream) from the target site. 
	NOTE: The primers for the identification of the target sequence often cover large spans to amplify efficiently.</li>
	<li>Perform the PCR reaction using the genotyping primers with genome DNA extracted in section 1. Perform PCR cycling at 95 &#176;C for 20 s; 35 cycles of 95 &#176;C for 20 s, 55 &#176;C for 20 s, 72 &#176;C for 1 min; 72 &#176;C for 5 min, and 4 &#176;C on hold. Verify the reaction product via 1% (w/v) agarose gel. The selected pair of detection primers was confirmed by the quality of the PCR product. If the bands are evident and specific, the primers could be used for further mutant detection based on amplicon size.</li>
	<li>Screen for potential edited individuals. Remove a hind leg carefully using forceps and put each leg in a lysing matrix tube, respectively. Label the lysing matrix tube consistent with the number on the glass dactylethrae.</li>
	<li>Homogenize the hind leg using a tissue homogenizer. Set the speed to 6.0 m/s and the time to 60 s. Extract the genomic DNA of the homogenized sample using a commercial gDNA extraction kit according to the manufacturer&#39;s instructions.</li>
	<li>Amplify the gene segment using genotyping primers with the same PCR reaction conditions as described in step 2. Confirm the genotype by a gene sequencing service. Once G1 mutant genotypes (target the same site) contained in the same jar were detected, keep the G1 progeny and rename it as generation two (G2).</li>
	<li>Put G1 individuals of the same genotype in one net cage. Self-cross the G1 progenies and continue to screen using the same methods.</li>
	<li>Amplify the gene segment and confirm the genotype with the same procedure as outlined in step 2. Obtain G2 homozygous lines and maintain the knock-out mutant line.</li>
</ol>

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J., Anderson, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Expansion+of+a+bitter+taste+receptor+family+in+a+polyphagous+insect+herbivore.">Expansion of a bitter taste receptor family in a polyphagous insect herbivore.</a> Science Reports. 6, 23666 (2016).</li><li>Gouin, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Two+genomes+of+highly+polyphagous+lepidopteran+pests+(Spodoptera+frugiperda,+Noctuidae)+with+different+host-plant+ranges.">Two genomes of highly polyphagous lepidopteran pests (Spodoptera frugiperda, Noctuidae) with different host-plant ranges.</a> Scientific Reports. 7 (1), 1-12 (2017).</li><li>Wang, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Functional+validation+of+cadherin+as+a+receptor+of+Bt+toxin+Cry1Ac+in+Helicoverpa+armigera+utilizing+the+CRISPR/Cas9+system.">Functional validation of cadherin as a receptor of Bt toxin Cry1Ac in Helicoverpa armigera utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 system.</a> Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 76, 11-17 (2016).</li><li>Wang, J., Wang, H., Liu, S., Liu, L., Wu, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=CRISPR/Cas9+mediated+genome+editing+of+Helicoverpa+armigera+with+mutations+of+an+ABC+transporter+gene+HaABCA2+confers+resistance+to+Bacillus+thuringiensis+Cry2A+toxins.">CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing of Helicoverpa armigera with mutations of an ABC transporter gene HaABCA2 confers resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry2A toxins.</a> Insect Biochemistry and Molecular biology. 87, 147 (2017).</li><li>Wang, J., Ma, H., Zhao, S., Huang, J., Wu, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Functional+redundancy+of+two+ABC+transporter+proteins+in+mediating+toxicity+of+Bacillus+thuringiensis+to+cotton+bollworm.">Functional redundancy of two ABC transporter proteins in mediating toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis to cotton bollworm.</a> PLoS Pathogens. 16 (3), 1008427 (2020).</li><li>Jin, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dominant+point+mutation+in+a+tetraspanin+gene+associated+with+field-evolved+resistance+of+cotton+bollworm+to+transgenic+Bt+cotton.">Dominant point mutation in a tetraspanin gene associated with field-evolved resistance of cotton bollworm to transgenic Bt cotton.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 115 (46), 11760-11765 (2018).</li><li>Hongtao, Z., Jianan, L., Lian, T., Yang, Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sexing+of+Helicoverpa+assulta+and+Helicoverpa+armigera+pupae+based+on+machine+vision.">Sexing of Helicoverpa assulta and Helicoverpa armigera pupae based on machine vision.</a> Tobacco Sciene &amp; Technology. 53 (2), 21-26 (2019).</li><li>Wu, K., Gong, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+new+and+practical+artificial+diet+for+the+cotton+boll-worm.">A new and practical artificial diet for the cotton boll-worm.</a> Insect science. 4 (3), 277-282 (1997).</li><li>Jha, R. K., Chi, H., Li-Cheng, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+Comparison+of+Artificial+Diet+and+Hybrid+Sweet+Corn+for+the+Rearing+of+Helicoverpa+armigera+(H&#252;bner)+(Lepidoptera:+Noctuidae)+Based+on+Life+Table+Characteristics.">A Comparison of Artificial Diet and Hybrid Sweet Corn for the Rearing of Helicoverpa armigera (H&#252;bner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Based on Life Table Characteristics.</a> Environmental Entomology. (1), 30 (2012).</li><li>Bassett, A. R., Tibbit, C., Ponting, C. P., Liu, J. -. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Highly+efficient+targeted+mutagenesis+of+Drosophila+with+the+CRISPR/Cas9+system.">Highly efficient targeted mutagenesis of Drosophila with the CRISPR/Cas9 system.</a> Cell Reports. 4 (1), 220-228 (2013).</li><li>Zheng, M. -. Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+non-destructive+method+of+genotyping+individual+insects+from+the+exuviate+of+final+instar+larvae,+or+puparia.">A non-destructive method of genotyping individual insects from the exuviate of final instar larvae, or puparia.</a> Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology. (2), 21 (2018).</li><li>Pashley, D. P., Hammond, A. M., Hardy, T. N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reproductive+isolating+mechanisms+in+fall+armyworm+host+strains+(Lepidoptera:+Noctuidae).">Reproductive isolating mechanisms in fall armyworm host strains (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).</a> Annals of The Entomological Society of America. 85 (4), 400-405 (1992).</li><li>Kamimura, M., Tatsuki, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Diel+rhythms+of+calling+behavior+and+pheromone+production+of+oriental+tobacco+budworm+moth,+Helicoverpa+assulta(Lepidoptera:+Noctuidae).">Diel rhythms of calling behavior and pheromone production of oriental tobacco budworm moth, Helicoverpa assulta(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).</a> Journal of Chemical Ecology. 19 (12), 2953-2963 (1993).</li><li>Edwards, K. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Activity+rhythms+of+lepidopterous+defoliators:+ii.+Halisidota+argentata+pack.+(arctiidae),+and+nepytia+phantasmaria+stkr.+(GEOMETRIDAE).">Activity rhythms of lepidopterous defoliators: ii. Halisidota argentata pack. (arctiidae), and nepytia phantasmaria stkr. (GEOMETRIDAE).</a> Canadian Journal of Zoology. 42 (6), 939-958 (1964).</li></ol>

The authors do not have any conflicts of interest.

The application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system has provided powerful technical support for the analysis of gene function and interaction among various genes. The detailed protocol we present here demonstrates the generation of a homozygote mutant in H. armigera via CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. This reliable procedure provides a straightforward way for directed gene mutagenesis in H. armigera.
The choice of CRISPR target sites could affect the mutagenesis efficiency<sup class="xref"...

The application of genome editing technology provides an efficient tool to achieve target-gene mutants in diverse species. The emergence of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/associated protein 9 (Cas9) system provides a novel method to manipulate genomes1. The CRISPR/Cas9 system consists of a guide RNA (gRNA) and the Cas9 endonuclease2,3, while the gRNA can be further divided into two parts, a target complementary CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and a trans-activating crRNA (tracrRNA). The gRNA integrates with Cas9 endonuclease and forms a ribonucleoprotein (RNP). With the gRNA, Cas9 endonuclease can be directed to a specific site of the genome via base complementation. The RuvC and HNH domains of the Cas9 cleave the target site of the genome three bases before the protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) sequence and create a double-strand break (DSB). The DNA cleavage can then be repaired through two mechanisms, non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homology-directed repair (HDR)4. Repair of the DSB introduces insertions or deletions as a way to inactivate the targeted gene, potentially causing a complete loss of gene function. Hence, the hereditable and specificity of the CRISPR/Cas9 system make it a robust method to characterize gene functions in vivo and analyze gene interactions5.
With numerous merits, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been applied to various fields, including biomedicine6,7, gene therapy8,9, and agriculture10,11,12, and has been used for various biological systems including microorganisms13, plants14,15, nematodes16 , and mammals17. In invertebrates, many insect species have been subjected to CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and beyond18,19,20,21,22.
Helicoverpa armigera is one of the most destructive pests worldwide23, and damages numerous crops, including cotton, soybean, and sorghum24,25. With the development of sequencing technology, the genome of H. armigera, as well as that of a range of Lepidoptera insect species, have been sequenced completely26,27,28,29. A large number of resistance and olfactory receptor genes have been identified and characterized from these insects in recent years19,27,28,29. Some resistance-related genes have been identified in H. armigera, such as the genes encoding for cadherin30, an ATP-binding cassette transporter31,32, as well as HaTSPAN133. Knockout of these genes using CRISPR/Cas9 technology results in a high level of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) toxin in susceptible strains. Also, Chang et al. (2017) knocked out a pheromone receptor, which validated its significant function in mating time regulation19. These reports suggest that CRISPR/Cas9 can act as an effective tool to study gene function in vivo in insect systems. However, a detailed procedure for CRISPR/Cas9 modification in insect systems remains incomplete, which limits its application range in insect functional genomics.
Here, we present a protocol for knocking out a functional gene in H. armigera using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. A detailed step-by-step protocol is provided, including the design and preparation of gene-specific primers for gRNA production, embryo collection, microinjection, insect rearing, and mutant identification. This protocol serves as a valuable reference to manipulate any functional genes in H. armigera and can be extended to other Lepidoptera species.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>2kb DNA ladder</td>
			<td>TransGen Biotech</td>
			<td>BM101</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Capillary Glass</td>
			<td>World Precision Instrucments</td>
			<td>504949</td>
			<td>referred to as &#34;capillary glass&#34; in the protocol</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Double Sided Tape</td>
			<td>Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Corporation</td>
			<td>665</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eppendorf FemtoJet 4i Microinjector</td>
			<td>Eppendorf Corporate</td>
			<td>E5252000021</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eppendorf InjectMan 4 micromanipulator</td>
			<td>Eppendorf Corporate</td>
			<td>5192000051</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eppendorf Microloader Pipette Tips</td>
			<td>Eppendorf Corporate</td>
			<td>G2835241</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GeneArt Precision gRNA Synthesis Kit</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>A29377</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microscope Slide</td>
			<td>Sail Brand</td>
			<td>7105</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Olympus Microscope</td>
			<td>Olympus Corporation</td>
			<td>SZX16</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PrimeSTAR HS (Premix)</td>
			<td>Takara Biomedical Technology</td>
			<td>R040</td>
			<td>used for mutant detection</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sutter Micropipette Puller</td>
			<td>Sutter Instrument Company</td>
			<td>P-1000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TIANamp Genomic DNA Kit</td>
			<td>TIANGEN Corporate</td>
			<td>DP304-03</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TrueCut Cas9 Protein v2</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>A36499</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

embryo microinjection and knockout mutant identification of crispr/cas9 genome-edited helicoverpa armigera (h&#252;bner)

The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, is one of the most destructive pests in the world. A combination of molecular genetics, physiology, functional genomics, and behavioral studies has made H. armigera a model species in Lepidoptera Noctuidae. To study the in vivo functions of and interactions between different genes, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/ associated protein 9 (Cas9) genome editing technology is a convenient and effective method used for performing functional genomic studies. In this study, we provide a step-by-step systematic method to complete gene knockout in H. armigera using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The design and synthesis of guide RNA (gRNA) are described in detail. Then, the subsequent steps consisting of gene-specific primer design for guide RNA (gRNA) creation, embryo collection, microinjection, insect rearing, and mutant detection are summarized. Finally, troubleshooting advice and notes are provided to improve the efficiency of gene editing. Our method will serve as a reference for the application of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in H. armigera as well as other Lepidopteran moths.

This protocol provides detailed steps for obtaining gene knock-out lines of H. armigera using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The representative results obtained by this protocol are summarized for gDNA selection, embryo collection and injection, insect rearing, and mutant detection.
In this study, the target site of our gene of interest was located in its second exon (Figure 2A). This site was hig...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Embryo Microinjection and Knockout Mutant Identification of CRISPR/Cas9 Genome-Edited Helicoverpa Armigera HÃƒÂ¼bner at JoVE.com

Embryo Microinjection and Knockout Mutant Identification of CRISPR/Cas9 Genome-Edited Helicoverpa Armigera H&#252;bner

Presented here is a protocol of Helicoverpa armigera (H&#252;bner) embryo microinjection and knockout mutant identification created by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Mutant insects enable further research of gene function and interaction among different genes in vivo.

Embryo Microinjection and Knockout Mutant Identification of CRISPR/Cas9 Genome-Edited Helicoverpa Armigera (H&#252;bner)

The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, is one of the most destructive pests in the world. A combination of molecular genetics, physiology, functional ...

embryo-microinjection-knockout-mutant-identification-crisprcas9

Research

JoVE Journal

Behavior

4.3K Views.  China University of Mining and Technology. Presented here is a protocol of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) embryo microinjection and knockout mutant identification created by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Mutant insects enable further research of gene function and interaction among different genes in vivo.

Video: Embryo Microinjection and Knockout Mutant Identification of CRISPR/Cas9 Genome-Edited Helicoverpa Armigera Hübner

Stereotaxic Microinjection of Viral Vectors Expressing Cre Recombinase to Study the Role of Target Genes in Cocaine Conditioned Place Preference

Microinjecting recombinant adenoassociated viral (rAAV) vectors expressing Cre recombinase into distinct mouse brain regions to selectively knockout genes of interest allows for enhanced temporally- and regionally-specific control of gene deletion, compared to existing methods. While conditional deletion can also be achieved by mating mice that express Cre recombinase under the control of specific gene promoters with mice carrying a floxed gene, stereotaxic microinjection allows for targeting of discrete brain areas at experimenter-determined time points of interest. In the context of cocaine conditioned place preference, and other cocaine behavioral paradigms such as self-administration or psychomotor sensitization that can involve withdrawal, extinction and/or reinstatement phases, this technique is particularly useful in exploring the unique contribution of target genes to these distinct phases of behavioral models of cocaine-induced plasticity. Specifically, this technique allows for selective ablation of target genes during discrete phases of a behavior to test their contribution to the behavior across time. Ultimately, this understanding allows for more targeted therapeutics that are best able to address the most potent risk factors that present themselves during each phase of addictive behavior.

This article describes how to microinject viral vectors into mouse brain and then test in a conditioned place preference paradigm that includes an acquisition, extinction and reinstatement phase.

Microinjecting recombinant adenoassociated viral (rAAV) vectors expressing Cre recombinase into distinct mouse brain regions to selectively knockout genes ...

Measurement of Neurophysiological Signals of Ignoring and Attending Processes in Attention Control

Attention control is the ability to selectively attend to some sensory signals while ignoring others. This ability is thought to involve two processes: enhancement of sensory signals that are to be attended and the attenuation of sensory signals that are to be ignored. The overall strength of attentional modulation is often measured by comparing the amplitude of a sensory neural response to an external input when attended versus when ignored. This method is robust for detecting attentional modulation, but precludes the ability to assess the separate dynamics of attending and ignoring processes. Here, we describe methodology to measure independently the neurophysiological signals of attending and ignoring using the intermodal attention task (IMAT). This task, when combined with electroencephalography, isolates neurophysiological sensory responses in auditory and visual modalities, when either attending or ignoring, with respect to a passive control. As a result, independent dynamics of attending and of a ignoring can be assessed in either modality. Our results using this task indicate that the timing and cortical sources of attending and ignoring effects differ, as do their contributions to the attention modulation effect, pointing to unique neural trajectories and demonstrating sample utility of measuring them separately.

Attention control comprises enhancement of target signals and attenuation of distractor signals. We describe an approach to measure separately but concurrently, the neurophysiology of attending and ignoring in sustained intermodal attention, utilizing a passive control condition during which neither process is continuously engaged.

Attention control is the ability to selectively attend to some sensory signals while ignoring others. This ability is thought to involve two processes: ...

Rodent Brain Microinjection to Study Molecular Substrates of Motivated Behavior

Brain microinjection can aid elucidation of the molecular substrates of complex behaviors, such as motivation. For this purpose rodents can serve as appropriate models, partly because the response to behaviorally relevant stimuli and the circuitry parsing stimulus-action outcomes is astonishingly similar between humans and rodents. In studying molecular substrates of complex behaviors, the microinjection of reagents that modify, augment, or silence specific systems is an invaluable technique. However, it is crucial that the microinjection site is precisely targeted in order to aid interpretation of the results. We present a method for the manufacture of surgical implements and microinjection needles that enables accurate microinjection and unlimited customizability with minimal cost. Importantly, this technique can be successfully completed in awake rodents if conducted in conjunction with other JoVE articles that covered requisite surgical procedures. Additionally, there are many behavioral paradigms that are well suited for measuring motivation. The progressive ratio is a commonly used method that quantifies the efficacy of a reinforcer to maintain responding despite an (often exponentially) increasing work requirement. This assay is sensitive to reinforcer magnitude and pharmacological manipulations, which allows reinforcing efficacy and/ or motivation to be determined. We also present a straightforward approach to program operant software to accommodate a progressive ratio reinforcement schedule.

Rodents are an appropriate model to investigate the molecular substrates of behavior and complex psychiatric disorders. Brain microinjection in awake rodents can be used to elucidate disease substrates. An efficient and customizable brain microinjection method as well as the execution of an operant paradigm that quantifies motivation is presented.

Brain microinjection can aid elucidation of the molecular substrates of complex behaviors, such as motivation. For this purpose rodents can serve as ...

Holistic Facial Composite Creation and Subsequent Video Line-up Eyewitness Identification Paradigm

The paradigm detailed in this manuscript describes an applied experimental method based on real police investigations during which an eyewitness or victim to a crime may create from memory a holistic facial composite of the culprit with the assistance of a police operator. The aim is that the composite is recognized by someone who believes that they know the culprit. For this paradigm, participants view a culprit actor on video and following a delay, participant-witnesses construct a holistic system facial composite. Controls do not construct a composite. From a series of arrays of computer-generated, but realistic faces, the holistic system construction method primarily requires participant-witnesses to select the facial images most closely meeting their memory of the culprit. Variation between faces in successive arrays is reduced until ideally the final image possesses a close likeness to the culprit. Participant-witness directed tools can also alter facial features, configurations between features and holistic properties (e.g., age, distinctiveness, skin tone), all within a whole face context. The procedure is designed to closely match the holistic manner by which humans&#8217; process faces. On completion, based on their memory of the culprit, ratings of composite-culprit similarity are collected from the participant-witnesses. Similar ratings are collected from culprit-acquaintance assessors, as a marker of composite recognition likelihood. Following a further delay, all participants &#8212; including the controls&#160;&#8212; attempt to identify the culprit in either a culprit-present or culprit-absent video line-up, to replicate circumstances in which the police have located the correct culprit, or an innocent suspect. Data of control and participant-witness line-up outcomes are presented, demonstrating the positive influence of holistic composite construction on identification accuracy. Correlational analyses are conducted to measure the relationship between assessor and participant-witness composite-culprit similarity ratings, delay, identification accuracy, and confidence to examine which factors influence video line-up outcomes.

This applied experimental paradigm replicates circumstances by which an eyewitness to a real crime may create a holistic facial composite of the culprit from memory, and then attempt to identify the culprit from a video line-up containing the culprit or one in which he or she is not present.

The paradigm detailed in this manuscript describes an applied experimental method based on real police investigations during which an eyewitness or victim ...

Implantation and Recording of Wireless Electroretinogram and Visual Evoked Potential in Conscious Rats

The full-field electroretinogram (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) are useful tools to assess retinal and visual pathway integrity in both laboratory and clinical settings. Currently, preclinical ERG and VEP measurements are performed with anesthesia to ensure stable electrode placements. However, the very presence of anesthesia has been shown to contaminate normal physiological responses. To overcome these anesthesia confounds, we develop a novel platform to assay ERG and VEP in conscious rats. Electrodes are surgically implanted sub-conjunctivally on the eye to assay the ERG and epidurally over the visual cortex to measure the VEP. A range of amplitude and sensitivity/timing parameters are assayed for both the ERG and VEP at increasing luminous energies. The ERG and VEP signals are shown to be stable and repeatable for at least 4 weeks post surgical implantation. This ability to record ERG and VEP signals without anesthesia confounds in the preclinical setting should provide superior translation to clinical data.

We show surgical implantation and Recording procedures to measure visual electrophysiological signals from the eye (electroretinogram) and brain (visual evoked potential) in conscious rats, which is more analogous to the human condition where recordings are conducted without anesthesia confounds.

The full-field electroretinogram (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) are useful tools to assess retinal and visual pathway integrity in both ...

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture

Ancient Chinese literature has documented that acupuncture possesses efficient therapeutic effects on epilepsy and insomnia. There is, however, little research to reveal the possible mechanisms behind these effects. To investigate the effect of acupuncture on epilepsy and sleep, several issues need to be addressed. The first is to identify the acupoints, which correspond between humans, rats, and mice. Furthermore, the depth of insertion of the acupuncture needle, the degree of needle twist in manual needle acupuncture, and the stimulation parameters for electroacupuncture (EA) need to be determined. To evaluate the effects of acupuncture on epilepsy and sleep, a feasible model of epilepsy in rodents is required. We administer pilocarpine into the left central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) to simulate focal temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in rats. Intraperitoneal (IP) injection of pilocarpine induces generalized epilepsy and status epilepticus (SE) in rats. Five IP injections of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) with a one-day interval between each injection successfully induces spontaneous generalized epilepsy in mice. Recordings of electrocorticograms (ECoGs), electromyograms (EMGs), brain temperature, and locomotor activity are used for sleep analysis in rats, while ECoGs, EMGs, and locomotor activity are employed for sleep analysis in mice. ECoG electrodes are implanted into the frontal, parietal, and contralateral occipital cortices, and a thermistor is implanted above the cerebral cortex by stereotactic surgery. EMG electrodes are implanted into the neck muscles, and an infrared detector determines locomotor activity. The criteria for categorizing vigilance stages, including wakefulness, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and non-REM (NREM) sleep are based on information from ECoGs, EMGs, brain temperature, and locomotor activity. Detailed classification criteria are stated in the text.

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms ECoGs and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture

This paper demonstrates the performance of acupuncture, epilepsy models, and the analysis of sleep in rodents. The acupuncture procedure and the identification of acupoints are described. Pilocarpine or pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) is used to induce epilepsy. Electrocorticogram (ECoG), electromyogram (EMG), brain temperature, and locomotor activity recordings are employed for sleep analysis.

Ancient Chinese literature has documented that acupuncture possesses efficient therapeutic effects on epilepsy and insomnia. There is, however, little ...

Methods of Pairing and Pair Maintenance of New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) Via Behavioral Ethogram, Monitoring, and Interventions

New Zealand White (NZW) laboratory rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), as well as their ancestors the European Rabbit, are a social species that exhibit numerous benefits to being housed accordingly. Although these rabbits are innately gregarious, certain behaviors can still arise when kept in captivity, which if left unchecked, can confound research results or lead to wounding, which in extreme cases can be severe. To prevent these issues, there must be a well-structured plan for the monitoring and maintenance of paired laboratory rabbits. The purpose of this protocol is to present effective procedures for establishing newly paired NZW rabbits as well as methods for successful maintenance. Multiple methods have been tested for the creation of newly paired female rabbits from the vendor, but the most efficacious technique emphasizes capitalizing on the stress bonding from transport, urine marking, pairing in a neutral cage with no forced sharing of resources and a system of monitoring and intervention. To determine the best method of housing paired rabbits in a standard caging environment, data were collected to generate a behavioral ethogram. Behaviors were then quantified as positive, neutral or negative and were tracked across the lifespan of the pair to determine which behaviors indicated pair success or failure. With the newfound knowledge of socially housed laboratory NZW rabbit behavior, enrichment intervention was applied to alleviate aggression and prevent wounding, thus resulting in a higher percentage of successful pairs. Through several years of trialing different pairing methods, the development of the ethogram and the resulting enrichment interventions, understanding of the highly complex social constructs that dominate pair housed rabbit behavior has dramatically increased and allowed for the provision of more species-specific care and increased standards of welfare.

Methods of Pairing and Pair Maintenance of New Zealand White Rabbits Oryctolagus Cuniculus Via Behavioral Ethogram, Monitoring, and Interventions

Though European rabbits are a social species, socially housing them can be challenging. Therefore, there must be a thorough understanding of behaviors and social structures of pair-housed laboratory rabbits. Here we present a protocol to identify pairing methods, species-typical hierarchy establishment behaviors and behaviors that warrant appropriate intervention.

New Zealand White (NZW) laboratory rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), as well as their ancestors the European Rabbit, are a social species that exhibit ...

Continuous Noninvasive Measuring of Crayfish Cardiac and Behavioral Activities

A crayfish is a pivotal aquatic organism that serves both as a practical biological model for behavioral and physiological studies of invertebrates and as a useful biological indicator of water quality. Even though crayfish cannot directly specify the substances that cause water quality deterioration, they can immediately (within a few seconds) warn humans of water quality deterioration via acute changes in their cardiac and behavioral activities.
In this study, we present a noninvasive method that is simple enough to be implemented under various conditions due to a combination of simplicity and reliability in one model.
This approach, in which the biological organisms are implemented into environmental evaluation processes, provides a reliable and timely alarm for warning of and preventing acute water deterioration in an ambient environment. Therefore, this noninvasive system based on crayfish physiological and ethological parameter recordings was investigated for the detection of changes in an aquatic environment. This system is now applied at a local brewery for controlling&#160;quality of the water used for beverage production, but it can be used at any water treatment and supply facility for continuous, real-time water quality evaluation and for regular laboratory investigations of crayfish cardiac physiology and behavior.

This article presents a noninvasive biomonitoring system for the continuous recording and analyses of crayfish cardiac and locomotor activities. This system consists of a near-infrared optical sensor, a video-tracking module, and software for evaluating crayfish heartbeats that reflects its physiological condition and characterizes crayfish behavior during heartbeat fluctuations.

A crayfish is a pivotal aquatic organism that serves both as a practical biological model for behavioral and physiological studies of invertebrates and as ...

Behavioral Tracking and Neuromast Imaging of Mexican Cavefish

Cave-dwelling animals have evolved a series of morphological and behavioral traits to adapt to their perpetually dark and food-sparse environments. Among these traits, foraging behavior is one of the useful windows into functional advantages of behavioral trait evolution. Presented herein are updated methods for analyzing vibration attraction behavior (VAB: an adaptive foraging behavior) and imaging of associated mechanosensors of cave-adapted tetra, Astyanax mexicanus. In addition, methods are presented for high-throughput tracking of a series of additional cavefish behaviors including hyperactivity and sleep-loss. Cavefish also show asociality, repetitive behavior and higher anxiety. Therefore, cavefish serve as an animal model for evolved behaviors. These methods use free-software and custom-made scripts that can be applied to other types of behavior. These methods provide practical and cost-effective alternatives to commercially available tracking software.

Here, we present methods for high-throughput study of a series of the Mexican cavefish behaviors and vital staining of a mechanosensory system. These methods use free-software and custom-made scripts, providing a practical and cost-effective method for the studies of behaviors.

Cave-dwelling animals have evolved a series of morphological and behavioral traits to adapt to their perpetually dark and food-sparse environments. Among ...

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) of Wernicke's and Broca's Areas in Studies of Language Learning and Word Acquisition

Language is a highly important yet poorly understood function of the human brain. While studies of brain activation patterns during language comprehension are abundant, what is often critically missing is causal evidence of brain areas&#39; involvement in a particular linguistic function, not least due to the unique human nature of this ability and a shortage of neurophysiological tools to study causal relationships in the human brain noninvasively. Recent years have seen a rapid rise in the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the human brain, an easy, inexpensive and safe noninvasive technique that can modulate the state of the stimulated brain area (putatively by shifting excitation/inhibition thresholds), enabling a study of its particular contribution to specific functions. While mostly focusing on motor control, the use of tDCS is becoming more widespread in both basic and clinical research on higher cognitive functions, language included, but the procedures for its application remain variable. Here, we describe the use of tDCS in a psycholinguistic word-learning experiment. We present the techniques and procedures for application of cathodal and anodal stimulation of core language areas of Broca and Wernicke in the left hemisphere of the human brain, describe the procedures of creating balanced sets of psycholinguistic stimuli, a controlled yet naturalistic learning regime, and a comprehensive set of techniques to assess the learning outcomes and tDCS effects. As an example of tDCS application, we show that cathodal stimulation of Wernicke&#39;s area prior to a learning session can impact word learning efficiency. This impact is both present immediately after learning and, importantly, preserved over longer time after the physical effects of stimulation wear off, suggesting that tDCS can have long-term influence on linguistic storage and representations in the human brain.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation tDCS of Wernicke's and Broca's Areas in Studies of Language Learning and Word Acquisition

Here, we describe a protocol for using transcranial direct current stimulation for psycho- and neurolinguistic experiments aimed at studying, in a naturalistic yet fully controlled way, the role of cortical areas of the human brain in word learning, and a comprehensive set of behavioral procedures for assessing the outcomes.

Language is a highly important yet poorly understood function of the human brain. While studies of brain activation patterns during language comprehension ...