Our results demonstrated that CPB PHB-1 protein is essential
for CPB larval viability and showed that this protein might be relevant
for Bt Cry3Aa toxic action. The combination of PHB-1 silencing
with Cry3Aa toxin treatment potentiated CPB larval mortality
evidencing the feasibility of utilizing RNAi strategies to complement
existing Bt based crop protection methods. Further knowledge
on the physiological function and regulation of CPB PHB-1,
as well as the molecular mechanisms of its involvement in Cry3Aa
toxin mode of action might broaden the biotechnological insect
control strategies by utilizing multiple targets.