Native bee populations are declining. Since 2010, more than 90% of native bees in Asia have been decimated due to the outbreak of a disease known as cyst rot. This viral disease, referred to as “bee AIDS,” causes infected larvae to succumb and die before they can pupate.
The cyst rot disease continues to spread. Western bees are replacing native bees in the ecosystem. While Western bees show a high level of resistance to the cyst rot disease, there remains a risk of a mutant virus emerging.
Gene therapy specialist Zenolution announced last month that it has received approval from the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency for its ‘HoneyGuard-R’ solution, a preventive and therapeutic agent targeting the cystic rot virus.
The development of the world’s first treatment for cyst rot is largely attributed to Director Kim Min-i. In an interview on the 7th of this month, Director Kim stated, “This is a groundbreaking case globally in the development of a treatment for cystic rot based on RNAi technology,” and emphasized, “This technology suppresses the expression of genes responsible for cyst rot.”
Director Kim elaborated, “RNAi technology analyzes base sequences to inhibit gene expression for specific diseases and poses no environmental side effects, such as on humans or soil.” He added, “Moreover, since we possess data for analyzing base sequences, we can respond rapidly should a mutant virus arise.”
Director Kim detailed the development process for the HoneyGuard treatment, saying, “Initially, we identified the RNA of the virus causing cyst rot using native bee larvae,” followed by “We proceeded with verification experiments on outdoor farms.”
He noted that conducting field experiments requires a significant amount of RNA, and Genolution is the only company capable of synthesizing large quantities of RNA. Therefore, the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency was able to take over the technology for treating cyst rot that it originally developed, leading to the completion of a viable treatment.
Director Kim remarked, “During the cyst rot research, we faced numerous challenges, especially regarding clinical trials due to a lack of related research.”
Kim also highlighted the ecological implications of the HoneyGuard treatment, stating, “Honeybees play a crucial role in plant reproduction. About 70% of the top 100 crops rely on honeybee pollination.” He added, “Restoring the native bee ecosystem through this treatment is expected to positively influence local native plants.”
Kim Min-i, Director of Genolution Research Institute
Additionally, Director Kim discussed the administration of HoneyGuard, explaining its usage.
“HoneyGuard treatment is most effective as a preventive measure before cyst rot sets in,” he explained, adding, “It is administered three times at two-week intervals in both spring and fall, totaling six applications a year. The treatment is easily prepared by mixing it with sugar water and placing it in the hive.”
Finally, Director Kim expressed his commitment to contributing to ESG (environmental, social, and governance) goals through green biotechnology based on RNAi technology instead of chemical pesticides.
“New diseases, including viruses and fungi, are rapidly diminishing crop productivity,” stated Director Kim. “This issue affects our food supply, and it also poses ecological challenges.”
Genolution was established in 2006 and initially focused on developing equipment and reagents for RNA extraction. The company achieved remarkable success with its patented automated nucleic acid extraction device during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Reporter Kim Beom-su sway@segye.com
[ⓒ 세계일보 & Segye.com, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]
The Disappearing Native Bee Population and Innovative Solutions
Native bees play a crucial role in our ecosystems, particularly in pollination. However, alarming reports indicate that since 2010, more than 90% of native bees across Asia have fallen victim to the cyst rot disease, a viral ailment nicknamed “bee AIDS.” This disease primarily affects the larvae, leading to their untimely deaths before they reach the pupation stage.
Cyst Rot Disease: Understanding the Threat
The threat of cyst rot disease is ongoing, causing a shift in bee populations as Western bees gradually replace native species. While Western bees exhibit high resistance to the disease, the possibility of a mutant virus poses a significant risk. Continuous monitoring and innovative solutions are essential to combat this spreading illness.
The Breakthrough: HoneyGuard-R Treatment
Recently, Zenolution, a gene therapy specialist, announced its groundbreaking product approval for ‘HoneyGuard-R’, a preventive and therapeutic agent designed specifically for the cystic rot virus, certified by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency.
Director Kim Min-i, a key figure in the development of the world’s first treatment for cystic rot disease, stated, “This is a pioneering case, utilizing RNAi technology to suppress the expression of cystic fibrosis genes.” This innovative approach not only targets the disease effectively but also minimizes environmental side effects.
RNAi Technology: The Science Behind HoneyGuard
Director Kim elaborated on the RNA interference (RNAi) technology, explaining how it utilizes base sequence analysis to suppress gene expression associated with specific diseases. This technology offers quick responses to potential mutant viral strains, ensuring adaptability in treatment strategies.
Research and Development Process
Kim outlined the meticulous process behind HoneyGuard’s development:
- Discovery of the cyst rot virus’s RNA through analyses of infected larvae.
- Field verification experiments conducted in outdoor farms.
- Synthesis of large RNA quantities, facilitated by Genolution, enabling effective treatment development.
Ecological Impact of HoneyGuard Treatment
Director Kim emphasized the critical role of honeybees in crop production, stating that approximately 70% of the top 100 crops depend on honeybee pollination. Restoring the native bee ecosystem through HoneyGuard is expected to have beneficial effects on domestic native plants and overall biodiversity.
Usage and Administration of HoneyGuard
Director Kim provided guidance on the effective administration of HoneyGuard. For optimal results, it is recommended to use HoneyGuard as a preventive measure:
- Administered three times at two-week intervals in both spring and fall.
- A total of six applications per year.
- Simple administration involves mixing the treatment into sugar water and placing it in the hive.
Commitment to Environmental Well-being
Kim expressed a strong desire to promote environmental sustainability, advocating for the use of green bio solutions, such as RNAi technology, over chemical pesticides. “Emerging diseases caused by viruses and fungi are diminishing crop yields,” he noted. “Addressing these issues is not solely a matter of agriculture; it also pertains to ecological balance.”
Genolution: Innovating for the Future
Founded in 2006, Genolution initially focused on developing extraction equipment and reagents for RNA. The company gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic through its innovative automated nucleic acid extraction device.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Native Bee Conservation
The introduction of HoneyGuard-R marks a hopeful chapter in the fight against cyst rot disease and emphasizes the importance of preserving native bee populations for ecological balance and agricultural sustainability. The innovative applications of RNA technology present promising avenues for combating bee diseases and safeguarding our food systems.
Reporter: Kim Beom-su sway@segye.com
[ⓒ 세계일보 & Segye.com, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]
