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Zhang D, Jue D, Smith N, Zhong C, Finnegan EJ, de Feyter R, Wang MB, Greaves I. Asymmetric bulges within hairpin RNA transgenes influence small RNA size, secondary siRNA production and viral defence. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:9904-9916. [PMID: 38967001 PMCID: PMC11381321 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Small RNAs (sRNAs) are essential for normal plant development and range in size classes of 21-24 nucleotides. The 22nt small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and miRNAs are processed by Dicer-like 2 (DCL2) and DCL1 respectively and can initiate secondary siRNA production from the target transcript. 22nt siRNAs are under-represented due to competition between DCL2 and DCL4, while only a small number of 22nt miRNAs exist. Here we produce abundant 22nt siRNAs and other siRNA size classes using long hairpin RNA (hpRNA) transgenes. By introducing asymmetric bulges into the antisense strand of hpRNA, we shifted the dominant siRNA size class from 21nt of the traditional hpRNA to 22, 23 and 24nt of the asymmetric hpRNAs. The asymmetric hpRNAs effectively silenced a β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter transgene and the endogenous ethylene insensitive-2 (EIN2) and chalcone synthase (CHS) genes. Furthermore, plants containing the asymmetric hpRNA transgenes showed increased amounts of 21nt siRNAs downstream of the hpRNA target site compared to plants with the traditional hpRNA transgenes. This indicates that these asymmetric hpRNAs are more effective at inducing secondary siRNA production to amplify silencing signals. The 22nt asymmetric hpRNA constructs enhanced virus resistance in plants compared to the traditional hpRNA constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daai Zhang
- Agriculture and Food Research Unit, CSIRO, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Dengwei Jue
- Agriculture and Food Research Unit, CSIRO, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Economic Plant Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Special Plant Industry in Chongqing, College of Landscape Architecture and Life Science/Institute of Special Plants, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Yongchuan 402160, China
| | - Neil Smith
- Agriculture and Food Research Unit, CSIRO, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Chengcheng Zhong
- Agriculture and Food Research Unit, CSIRO, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - E Jean Finnegan
- Agriculture and Food Research Unit, CSIRO, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Robert de Feyter
- Agriculture and Food Research Unit, CSIRO, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Ming-Bo Wang
- Agriculture and Food Research Unit, CSIRO, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Ian Greaves
- Agriculture and Food Research Unit, CSIRO, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
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Li J, Hong E, Zhang P, Tör M, Zhao J, Jackson S, Hong Y. Antiviral defense in plant stem cells. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 29:955-957. [PMID: 38763842 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Undifferentiated plant and animal stem cells are essential for cell, tissue, and organ differentiation, development, and growth. They possess unusual antiviral immunity which differs from that in specialized cells. By comparison to animal stem cells, we discuss how plant stem cells defend against viral invasion and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei International Research Center of Vegetable Functional Genomics, College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Elizabeth Hong
- St George's University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Pengcheng Zhang
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK
| | - Mahmut Tör
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK
| | - Jianjun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei International Research Center of Vegetable Functional Genomics, College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Stephen Jackson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Yiguo Hong
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei International Research Center of Vegetable Functional Genomics, College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK; School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
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3
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Choi J, Browning S, Schmitt-Keichinger C, Fuchs M. Mutations in the WG and GW motifs of the three RNA silencing suppressors of grapevine fanleaf virus alter their systemic suppression ability and affect virus infectivity. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1451285. [PMID: 39188317 PMCID: PMC11345138 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1451285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs) encoded by grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV), one of the most economically consequential viruses of grapevine (Vitis spp.), were recently identified. GFLV VSRs include the RNA1-encoded protein 1A and the putative helicase protein 1BHel, as well as their fused form (1ABHel). Key characteristics underlying the suppression function of the GFLV VSRs are unknown. In this study, we explored the role of the conserved tryptophan-glycine (WG) motif in protein 1A and glycine-tryptophan (GW) motif in protein 1BHel in their systemic RNA silencing suppression ability by co-infiltrating Nicotiana benthamiana 16c line plants with a GFP silencing construct and a wildtype or a mutant GFLV VSR. We analyzed and compared wildtype and mutant GFLV VSRs for their (i) efficiency at suppressing RNA silencing, (ii) ability to limit siRNA accumulation, (iii) modulation of the expression of six host genes involved in RNA silencing, (iv) impact on virus infectivity in planta, and (v) variations in predicted protein structures using molecular and biochemical assays, as well as bioinformatics tools such as AlphaFold2. Mutating W to alanine (A) in WG of proteins 1A and 1ABHel abolished their ability to induce systemic RNA silencing suppression, limit siRNA accumulation, and downregulate NbAGO2 expression by 1ABHel. This mutation in the GFLV genome resulted in a non-infectious virus. Mutating W to A in GW of proteins 1BHel and 1ABHel reduced their ability to suppress systemic RNA silencing and abolished the downregulation of NbDCL2, NbDCL4,, and NbRDR6 expression by 1BHel. This mutation in the GFLV genome delayed infection at the local level and inhibited systemic infection in planta. Double mutations of W to A in WG and GW of protein 1ABHel abolished its ability to induce RNA silencing suppression, limit siRNA accumulation, and downregulate NbDCL2 and NbRDR6 expression. Finally, in silico protein structure prediction indicated that a W to A substitution potentially modifies the structure and physicochemical properties of the three GFLV VSRs. Together, this study provided insights into the specific roles of WG/GW not only in GFLV VSR functions but also in GFLV biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeong Choi
- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Cornell AgriTech at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, NY, United States
| | - Scottie Browning
- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Cornell AgriTech at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, NY, United States
| | - Corinne Schmitt-Keichinger
- CNRS, IBMP UPR 2357, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- INRAE, SVQV UMR 1131, Université de Strasbourg, Colmar, France
| | - Marc Fuchs
- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Cornell AgriTech at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, NY, United States
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4
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Kallemi P, Verret F, Andronis C, Ioannidis N, Glampedakis N, Kotzabasis K, Kalantidis K. Stress-related transcriptomic changes associated with GFP transgene expression and active transgene silencing in plants. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13314. [PMID: 38858413 PMCID: PMC11164987 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63527-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Plants respond to biotic and abiotic stress by activating and interacting with multiple defense pathways, allowing for an efficient global defense response. RNA silencing is a conserved mechanism of regulation of gene expression directed by small RNAs important in acquired plant immunity and especially virus and transgene repression. Several RNA silencing pathways in plants are crucial to control developmental processes and provide protection against abiotic and biotic stresses as well as invasive nucleic acids such as viruses and transposable elements. Various notable studies have shed light on the genes, small RNAs, and mechanisms involved in plant RNA silencing. However, published research on the potential interactions between RNA silencing and other plant stress responses is limited. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that spreading and maintenance of systemic post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) of a GFP transgene are associated with transcriptional changes that pertain to non-RNA silencing-based stress responses. To this end, we analyzed the structure and function of the photosynthetic apparatus and conducted whole transcriptome analysis in a transgenic line of Nicotiana benthamiana that spontaneously initiates transgene silencing, at different stages of systemic GFP-PTGS. In vivo analysis of chlorophyll a fluorescence yield and expression levels of key photosynthetic genes indicates that photosynthetic activity remains unaffected by systemic GFP-PTGS. However, transcriptomic analysis reveals that spreading and maintenance of GFP-PTGS are associated with transcriptional reprogramming of genes that are involved in abiotic stress responses and pattern- or effector-triggered immunity-based stress responses. These findings suggest that systemic PTGS may affect non-RNA-silencing-based defense pathways in N. benthamiana, providing new insights into the complex interplay between different plant stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Kallemi
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Frederic Verret
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Christos Andronis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Kriton Kalantidis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Greece.
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 70013, Heraklion, Greece.
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5
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Nielsen CPS, Arribas-Hernández L, Han L, Reichel M, Woessmann J, Daucke R, Bressendorff S, López-Márquez D, Andersen SU, Pumplin N, Schoof EM, Brodersen P. Evidence for an RNAi-independent role of Arabidopsis DICER-LIKE2 in growth inhibition and basal antiviral resistance. THE PLANT CELL 2024; 36:2289-2309. [PMID: 38466226 PMCID: PMC11132882 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koae067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Flowering plant genomes encode four or five DICER-LIKE (DCL) enzymes that produce small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs, which function in RNA interference (RNAi). Different RNAi pathways in plants effect transposon silencing, antiviral defense, and endogenous gene regulation. DCL2 acts genetically redundantly with DCL4 to confer basal antiviral defense. However, DCL2 may also counteract DCL4 since knockout of DCL4 causes growth defects that are suppressed by DCL2 inactivation. Current models maintain that RNAi via DCL2-dependent siRNAs is the biochemical basis of both effects. Here, we report that DCL2-mediated antiviral resistance and growth defects cannot be explained by the silencing effects of DCL2-dependent siRNAs. Both functions are defective in genetic backgrounds that maintain high levels of DCL2-dependent siRNAs, either with specific point mutations in DCL2 or with reduced DCL2 dosage because of heterozygosity for dcl2 knockout alleles. Intriguingly, all DCL2 functions require its catalytic activity, and the penetrance of DCL2-dependent growth phenotypes in dcl4 mutants correlates with DCL2 protein levels but not with levels of major DCL2-dependent siRNAs. We discuss this requirement and correlation with catalytic activity but not with resulting siRNAs, in light of other findings that reveal a DCL2 function in innate immunity activation triggered by cytoplasmic double-stranded RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Poul Skou Nielsen
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Laura Arribas-Hernández
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Lijuan Han
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Marlene Reichel
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Jakob Woessmann
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Rune Daucke
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Simon Bressendorff
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Diego López-Márquez
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Stig Uggerhøj Andersen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Nathan Pumplin
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, Universitätsstrasse 2, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Erwin M Schoof
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Peter Brodersen
- Copenhagen Plant Science Center, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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6
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Ma L, Zhang X, Deng Z, Zhang P, Wang T, Li R, Li J, Cheng K, Wang J, Ma N, Qu G, Zhu B, Fu D, Luo Y, Li F, Zhu H. Dicer-like2b suppresses the wiry leaf phenotype in tomato induced by tobacco mosaic virus. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 116:1737-1747. [PMID: 37694805 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Dicer-like (DCL) proteins are principal components of RNA silencing, a major defense mechanism against plant virus infections. However, their functions in suppressing virus-induced disease phenotypes remain largely unknown. Here, we identified a role for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) DCL2b in regulating the wiry leaf phenotype during defense against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Knocking out SlyDCL2b promoted TMV accumulation in the leaf primordium, resulting in a wiry phenotype in distal leaves. Biochemical and bioinformatics analyses showed that 22-nt virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) accumulated less abundantly in slydcl2b mutants than in wild-type plants, suggesting that SlyDCL2b-dependent 22-nt vsiRNAs are required to exclude virus from leaf primordia. Moreover, the wiry leaf phenotype was accompanied by upregulation of Auxin Response Factors (ARFs), resulting from a reduction in trans-acting siRNAs targeting ARFs (tasiARFs) in TMV-infected slydcl2b mutants. Loss of tasiARF production in the slydcl2b mutant was in turn caused by inhibition of miRNA390b function. Importantly, silencing SlyARF3 and SlyARF4 largely restored the wiry phenotype in TMV-infected slydcl2b mutants. Our work exemplifies the complex relationship between RNA viruses and the endogenous RNA silencing machinery, whereby SlyDCL2b protects the normal development of newly emerging organs by excluding virus from these regions and thus maintaining developmental silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Ma
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhiqi Deng
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Peiyu Zhang
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Tian Wang
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Ran Li
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jinyan Li
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Ke Cheng
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jubin Wang
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Department of Ornamental Horticulture, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Development and Quality Control of Ornamental Crops, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Guiqin Qu
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Benzhong Zhu
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Daqi Fu
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yunbo Luo
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Feng Li
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Hongliang Zhu
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
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7
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Choi J, Pakbaz S, Yepes LM, Cieniewicz EJ, Schmitt-Keichinger C, Labarile R, Minutillo SA, Heck M, Hua J, Fuchs M. Grapevine Fanleaf Virus RNA1-Encoded Proteins 1A and 1B Hel Suppress RNA Silencing. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2023; 36:558-571. [PMID: 36998121 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-01-23-0008-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) (genus Nepovirus, family Secoviridae) causes fanleaf degeneration, one of the most damaging viral diseases of grapevines. Despite substantial advances at deciphering GFLV-host interactions, how this virus overcomes the host antiviral pathways of RNA silencing is poorly understood. In this study, we identified viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs) encoded by GFLV, using fluorescence assays, and tested their capacity at modifying host gene expression in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein gene (EGFP). Results revealed that GFLV RNA1-encoded protein 1A, for which a function had yet to be assigned, and protein 1BHel, a putative helicase, reverse systemic RNA silencing either individually or as a fused form (1ABHel) predicted as an intermediary product of RNA1 polyprotein proteolytic processing. The GFLV VSRs differentially altered the expression of plant host genes involved in RNA silencing, as shown by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. In a co-infiltration assay with an EGFP hairpin construct, protein 1A upregulated NbDCL2, NbDCL4, and NbRDR6, and proteins 1BHel and 1A+1BHel upregulated NbDCL2, NbDCL4, NbAGO1, NbAGO2, and NbRDR6, while protein 1ABHel upregulated NbAGO1 and NbRDR6. In a reversal of systemic silencing assay, protein 1A upregulated NbDCL2 and NbAGO2 and protein 1ABHel upregulated NbDCL2, NbDCL4, and NbAGO1. This is the first report of VSRs encoded by a nepovirus RNA1 and of two VSRs that act either individually or as a predicted fused form to counteract the systemic antiviral host defense, suggesting that GFLV might devise a unique counterdefense strategy to interfere with various steps of the plant antiviral RNA silencing pathways during infection. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeong Choi
- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY 14456, U.S.A
| | - Samira Pakbaz
- Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Luz Marcela Yepes
- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY 14456, U.S.A
| | - Elizabeth Jeannette Cieniewicz
- Deparment of Plant and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, U.S.A
| | - Corinne Schmitt-Keichinger
- CNRS, IBMP UPR 2357, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- INRAE, SVQV UMR 1131, Université de Strasbourg, 68000 Colmar, France
| | - Rossella Labarile
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Chemical-Physical Processes, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Serena Anna Minutillo
- International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies - Institute of Bari (CIHEAM-Bari), 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Michelle Heck
- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, U.S.A
- Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Ithaca, NY 14853, U.S.A
| | - Jian Hua
- Plant Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, U.S.A
| | - Marc Fuchs
- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY 14456, U.S.A
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8
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Jeynes-Cupper K, Catoni M. Long distance signalling and epigenetic changes in crop grafting. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1121704. [PMID: 37021313 PMCID: PMC10067726 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1121704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Humans have used grafting for more than 4000 years to improve plant production, through physically joining two different plants, which can continue to grow as a single organism. Today, grafting is becoming increasingly more popular as a technique to increase the production of herbaceous horticultural crops, where rootstocks can introduce traits such as resistance to several pathogens and/or improving the plant vigour. Research in model plants have documented how long-distance signalling mechanisms across the graft junction, together with epigenetic regulation, can produce molecular and phenotypic changes in grafted plants. Yet, most of the studied examples rely on proof-of-concept experiments or on limited specific cases. This review explores the link between research findings in model plants and crop species. We analyse studies investigating the movement of signalling molecules across the graft junction and their implications on epigenetic regulation. The improvement of genomics analyses and the increased availability of genetic resources has allowed to collect more information on potential benefits of grafting in horticultural crop models. Ultimately, further research into this topic will enhance our ability to use the grafting technique to exploit genetic and epigenetic variation in crops, as an alternative to traditional breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Catoni
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy, Torino, Italy
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9
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Assessment of the RNA Silencing Suppressor Activity of Protein P0 of Pepper Vein Yellows Virus 5: Uncovering Natural Variability, Relevant Motifs and Underlying Mechanism. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121801. [PMID: 36552310 PMCID: PMC9775047 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pepper vein yellows virus 5 (PeVYV-5) belongs to a group of emerging poleroviruses (family Solemoviridae) which pose a risk to pepper cultivation worldwide. Since its first detection in Spain in 2013 and the determination of the complete genome sequence of an isolate in 2018, little is known on the presence, genomic variation and molecular properties of this pathogen. As other members of genus Polerovirus, PeVYV-5 encodes a P0 protein that was predicted to act as viral suppressor of RNA silencing (VSR), one of the major antiviral defense mechanisms in plants. The results of the present work have indicated that PeVYV-5 P0 is a potent VSR, which is able to induce the degradation of Argonaute (AGO) endonucleases, the main effectors of RNA silencing. New viral isolates have been identified in samples collected in 2020-2021 and sequencing of their P0 gene has revealed limited heterogeneity, suggesting that the protein is under negative selection. Analysis of natural and engineered P0 variants has pinpointed distinct protein motifs as critical for the VSR role. Moreover, a positive correlation between the VSR activity of the protein and its capability to promote AGO degradation could be established, supporting that such activity essentially relies on the clearance of core components of the RNA silencing machinery.
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10
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Gouthu S, Mandelli C, Eubanks BA, Deluc LG. Transgene-free genome editing and RNAi ectopic application in fruit trees: Potential and limitations. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:979742. [PMID: 36325537 PMCID: PMC9621297 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.979742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
For the past fifteen years, significant research advances in sequencing technology have led to a substantial increase in fruit tree genomic resources and databases with a massive number of OMICS datasets (transcriptomic, proteomics, metabolomics), helping to find associations between gene(s) and performance traits. Meanwhile, new technology tools have emerged for gain- and loss-of-function studies, specifically in gene silencing and developing tractable plant models for genetic transformation. Additionally, innovative and adapted transformation protocols have optimized genetic engineering in most fruit trees. The recent explosion of new gene-editing tools allows for broadening opportunities for functional studies in fruit trees. Yet, the fruit tree research community has not fully embraced these new technologies to provide large-scale genome characterizations as in cereals and other staple food crops. Instead, recent research efforts in the fruit trees appear to focus on two primary translational tools: transgene-free gene editing via Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery and the ectopic application of RNA-based products in the field for crop protection. The inherent nature of the propagation system and the long juvenile phase of most fruit trees are significant justifications for the first technology. The second approach might have the public favor regarding sustainability and an eco-friendlier environment for a crop production system that could potentially replace the use of chemicals. Regardless of their potential, both technologies still depend on the foundational knowledge of gene-to-trait relationships generated from basic genetic studies. Therefore, we will discuss the status of gene silencing and DNA-based gene editing techniques for functional studies in fruit trees followed by the potential and limitations of their translational tools (RNP delivery and RNA-based products) in the context of crop production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyanarayana Gouthu
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Christian Mandelli
- Oregon Wine Research Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Britt A. Eubanks
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Laurent G. Deluc
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- Oregon Wine Research Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
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11
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RNAi as a Foliar Spray: Efficiency and Challenges to Field Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126639. [PMID: 35743077 PMCID: PMC9224206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool that is being increasingly utilized for crop protection against viruses, fungal pathogens, and insect pests. The non-transgenic approach of spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), which relies on spray application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to induce RNAi, has come to prominence due to its safety and environmental benefits in addition to its wide host range and high target specificity. However, along with promising results in recent studies, several factors limiting SIGS RNAi efficiency have been recognized in insects and plants. While sprayed dsRNA on the plant surface can produce a robust RNAi response in some chewing insects, plant uptake and systemic movement of dsRNA is required for delivery to many other target organisms. For example, pests such as sucking insects require the presence of dsRNA in vascular tissues, while many fungal pathogens are predominately located in internal plant tissues. Investigating the mechanisms by which sprayed dsRNA enters and moves through plant tissues and understanding the barriers that may hinder this process are essential for developing efficient ways to deliver dsRNA into plant systems. In this review, we assess current knowledge of the plant foliar and cellular uptake of dsRNA molecules. We will also identify major barriers to uptake, including leaf morphological features as well as environmental factors, and address methods to overcome these barriers.
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12
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Rössner C, Lotz D, Becker A. VIGS Goes Viral: How VIGS Transforms Our Understanding of Plant Science. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 73:703-728. [PMID: 35138878 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-102820-020542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) has developed into an indispensable approach to gene function analysis in a wide array of species, many of which are not amenable to stable genetic transformation. VIGS utilizes the posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS) machinery of plants to restrain viral infections systemically and is used to downregulate the plant's endogenous genes. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms of DNA- and RNA-virus-based VIGS, its inherent connection to PTGS, and what is known about the systemic spread of silencing. Recently, VIGS-based technologies have been expanded to enable not only gene silencing but also overexpression [virus-induced overexpression (VOX)], genome editing [virus-induced genome editing (VIGE)], and host-induced gene silencing (HIGS). These techniques expand the genetic toolbox for nonmodel organisms even more. Further, we illustrate the versatility of VIGS and the methods derived from it in elucidating molecular mechanisms, using tomato fruit ripening and programmed cell death as examples. Finally, we discuss challenges of and future perspectives on the use of VIGS to advance gene function analysis in nonmodel plants in the postgenomic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Rössner
- Institute of Botany, Justus-Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany;
| | - Dominik Lotz
- Institute of Botany, Justus-Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany;
| | - Annette Becker
- Institute of Botany, Justus-Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany;
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13
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Hotspot siRNA Confers Plant Resistance against Viral Infection. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050714. [PMID: 35625441 PMCID: PMC9138956 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary A hallmark of antiviral RNAi is the production of viral siRNA (vsiRNA). Profiling of vsiRNAs indicates that certain hotspot regions of viral genome or transcribed viral RNAs are more prone to RNAi-mediated cleavage. However, the biological relevance of hotspot vsiRNAs to the host innate defence remains to be elucidated. Here, we show that direct targeting a hotspot by synthetic vsiRNA confers plant resistance to virus infection. Hotspot and coldspot vsiRNAs, based on vsiRNA profile of the African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV), were synthesised. However, only the double-stranded hotspot vsiRNA protected plants from ACMV infection with undetectable levels of viral DNA replication and viral mRNA. We further demonstrated that the hotspot vsiRNA-mediated virus resistance had a threshold effect and required an active RDR6. These data show that hotspot vsiRNAs bear a functional significance on antiviral RNAi, suggesting that they may have the potential as exogenous protection agents for controlling destructive plant viral diseases. Abstract A hallmark of antiviral RNA interference (RNAi) is the production of viral small interfering RNA (vsiRNA). Profiling of vsiRNAs indicates that certain regions of viral RNA genome or transcribed viral RNA, dubbed vsiRNA hotspots, are more prone to RNAi-mediated cleavage for vsiRNA biogenesis. However, the biological relevance of hotspot vsiRNAs to the host innate defence against pathogens remains to be elucidated. Here, we show that direct targeting a hotspot by a synthetic vsiRNA confers host resistance to virus infection. Using Northern blotting and RNAseq, we obtained a profile of vsiRNAs of the African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV), a single-stranded DNA virus. Sense and anti-sense strands of small RNAs corresponding to a hotspot and a coldspot vsiRNA were synthesised. Co-inoculation of Nicotiana benthamiana with the double-stranded hotspot siRNA protected plants from ACMV infection, where viral DNA replication and accumulation of viral mRNA were undetectable. The sense or anti-sense strand of this hotspot vsiRNA, and the coldspot vsiRNA in both double-stranded and single-stranded formats possessed no activity in viral protection. We further demonstrated that the hotspot vsiRNA-mediated virus resistance had a threshold effect and required an active RDR6. These data show that hotspot vsiRNAs bear a functional significance on antiviral RNAi, suggesting that they may have the potential as an exogenous protection agent for controlling destructive viral diseases in plants.
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14
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Han H, Wang Y, Zheng T, Peng Q, Qiu L, Hu X, Lin H, Xi D. NtAGO1 positively regulates the generation and viral resistance of dark green islands in Nicotiana tabacum. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2022; 174:1-10. [PMID: 35121480 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Dark green islands (DGIs) are the outcome of post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) in antiviral immunity, but their characteristics related to PTGS remain largely unknown. In this study, the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was inoculated on Nicotiana tabacum plants to explore the PTGS features of DGIs. Our results showed that higher expressions of PTGS-associated genes, especially NtAGO1, present in DGIs. To investigate the role of NtAGO1 in the generation and the antiviral effect of DGIs, NtAGO1 was then over-expressed or knocked out in N. tabacum plants through agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. The results showed that more DGIs with larger areas appeared on NtAGO1 over-expressed plants, accompanied by less virus accumulation, less reactive oxygen species production, and seldom membrane damage, whereas fewer DGIs appeared on NtAGO1 knockout plants with more damage on infected plants. In addition, the NtAGO1-participated antiviral process could promote the transduction of the salicylic acid-mediated defense pathway. Taken together, our results indicate that DGIs are maintained by a stronger PTGS mechanism, and NtAGO1 positively regulates the generation and viral resistance of DGIs in N. tabacum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Han
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunru Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianrui Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiding Peng
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Long Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinyue Hu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Honghui Lin
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Dehui Xi
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, China.
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15
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Chen X, Rechavi O. Plant and animal small RNA communications between cells and organisms. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:185-203. [PMID: 34707241 PMCID: PMC9208737 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00425-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of eukaryotic small RNAs as the main effectors of RNA interference in the late 1990s, diverse types of endogenous small RNAs have been characterized, most notably microRNAs, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). These small RNAs associate with Argonaute proteins and, through sequence-specific gene regulation, affect almost every major biological process. Intriguing features of small RNAs, such as their mechanisms of amplification, rapid evolution and non-cell-autonomous function, bestow upon them the capacity to function as agents of intercellular communications in development, reproduction and immunity, and even in transgenerational inheritance. Although there are many types of extracellular small RNAs, and despite decades of research, the capacity of these molecules to transmit signals between cells and between organisms is still highly controversial. In this Review, we discuss evidence from different plants and animals that small RNAs can act in a non-cell-autonomous manner and even exchange information between species. We also discuss mechanistic insights into small RNA communications, such as the nature of the mobile agents, small RNA signal amplification during transit, signal perception and small RNA activity at the destination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Chen
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Oded Rechavi
- Department of Neurobiology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. .,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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16
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Zhang X, Rashid MO, Zhao TY, Li YY, He MJ, Wang Y, Li DW, Yu JL, Han CG. The Carboxyl Terminal Regions of P0 Protein Are Required for Systemic Infections of Poleroviruses. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1945. [PMID: 35216065 PMCID: PMC8875975 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23041945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
P0 proteins encoded by poleroviruses Brassica yellows virus (BrYV) and Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) are viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSR) involved in abolishing host RNA silencing to assist viral infection. However, other roles that P0 proteins play in virus infection remain unclear. Here, we found that C-terminal truncation of P0 resulted in compromised systemic infection of BrYV and PLRV. C-terminal truncation affected systemic but not local VSR activities of P0 proteins, but neither transient nor ectopic stably expressed VSR proteins could rescue the systemic infection of BrYV and PLRV mutants. Moreover, BrYV mutant failed to establish systemic infection in DCL2/4 RNAi or RDR6 RNAi plants, indicating that systemic infection might be independent of the VSR activity of P0. Partially rescued infection of BrYV mutant by the co-infected PLRV implied the functional conservation of P0 proteins within genus. However, although C-terminal truncation mutant of BrYV P0 showed weaker interaction with its movement protein (MP) when compared to wild-type P0, wild-type and mutant PLRV P0 showed similar interaction with its MP. In sum, our findings revealed the role of P0 in virus systemic infection and the requirement of P0 carboxyl terminal region for the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Z.); (M.-O.R.); (Y.-Y.L.); (M.-J.H.); (Y.W.); (D.-W.L.); (J.-L.Y.)
| | - Mamun-Or Rashid
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Z.); (M.-O.R.); (Y.-Y.L.); (M.-J.H.); (Y.W.); (D.-W.L.); (J.-L.Y.)
| | - Tian-Yu Zhao
- China National Center for Biotechnology Development, Beijing 100039, China;
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Z.); (M.-O.R.); (Y.-Y.L.); (M.-J.H.); (Y.W.); (D.-W.L.); (J.-L.Y.)
| | - Meng-Jun He
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Z.); (M.-O.R.); (Y.-Y.L.); (M.-J.H.); (Y.W.); (D.-W.L.); (J.-L.Y.)
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Z.); (M.-O.R.); (Y.-Y.L.); (M.-J.H.); (Y.W.); (D.-W.L.); (J.-L.Y.)
| | - Da-Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Z.); (M.-O.R.); (Y.-Y.L.); (M.-J.H.); (Y.W.); (D.-W.L.); (J.-L.Y.)
| | - Jia-Lin Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Z.); (M.-O.R.); (Y.-Y.L.); (M.-J.H.); (Y.W.); (D.-W.L.); (J.-L.Y.)
| | - Cheng-Gui Han
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Z.); (M.-O.R.); (Y.-Y.L.); (M.-J.H.); (Y.W.); (D.-W.L.); (J.-L.Y.)
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17
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Wen YX, Wang JY, Zhu HH, Han GH, Huang RN, Huang L, Hong YG, Zheng SJ, Yang JL, Chen WW. Potential Role of Domains Rearranged Methyltransferase7 in Starch and Chlorophyll Metabolism to Regulate Leaf Senescence in Tomato. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:836015. [PMID: 35211145 PMCID: PMC8860812 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.836015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation is an important epigenetic mark involved in diverse biological processes. Here, we report the critical function of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Domains Rearranged Methyltransferase7 (SlDRM7) in plant growth and development, especially in leaf interveinal chlorosis and senescence. Using a hairpin RNA-mediated RNA interference (RNAi), we generated SlDRM7-RNAi lines and observed pleiotropic developmental defects including small and interveinal chlorosis leaves. Combined analyses of whole genome bisulfite sequence (WGBS) and RNA-seq revealed that silencing of SlDRM7 caused alterations in both methylation levels and transcript levels of 289 genes, which are involved in chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis, and starch degradation. Furthermore, the photosynthetic capacity decreased in SlDRM7-RNAi lines, consistent with the reduced chlorophyll content and repression of genes involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis, photosystem, and photosynthesis. In contrast, starch granules were highly accumulated in chloroplasts of SlDRM7-RNAi lines and associated with lowered expression of genes in the starch degradation pathway. In addition, SlDRM7 was activated by aging- and dark-induced senescence. Collectively, these results demonstrate that SlDRM7 acts as an epi-regulator to modulate the expression of genes related to starch and chlorophyll metabolism, thereby affecting leaf chlorosis and senescence in tomatoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xin Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guang Hao Han
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ru Nan Huang
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Huang
- Laboratory of Cell & Molecular Biology, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Guo Hong
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shao Jian Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wei Chen
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
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18
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Zhao L, Che X, Wang Z, Zhou X, Xie Y. Functional Characterization of Replication-Associated Proteins Encoded by Alphasatellites Identified in Yunnan Province, China. Viruses 2022; 14:222. [PMID: 35215816 PMCID: PMC8875141 DOI: 10.3390/v14020222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphasatellites, which encode only a replication-associated protein (alpha-Rep), are frequently found to be non-essential satellite components associated with begomovirus/betasatellite complexes, and their presence can modulate disease symptoms and/or viral DNA accumulation during infection. Our previous study has shown that there are three types of alphasatellites associated with begomovirus/betasatellite complexes in Yunnan province in China and they encode three corresponding types of alpha-Rep proteins. However, the biological functions of alpha-Reps remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the biological functions of alpha-Reps in post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) and transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) using 16c and 16-TGS transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Results showed that all the three types of alpha-Rep proteins were capable of suppressing the PTGS and reversing the TGS. Among them, the alpha-Rep of Y10DNA1 has the strongest PTGS and TGS suppressor activities. We also found that the alpha-Rep proteins were able to increase the accumulation of their helper virus during coinfection. These results suggest that the alpha-Reps may have a role in overcoming host defense, which provides a possible explanation for the selective advantage provided by the association of alphasatellites with begomovirus/betasatellite complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.Z.); (X.C.); (X.Z.)
- Biotechnology and Germplasm Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Xuan Che
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.Z.); (X.C.); (X.Z.)
| | - Zhanqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China;
| | - Xueping Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.Z.); (X.C.); (X.Z.)
- Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.Z.); (X.C.); (X.Z.)
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19
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Voorburg CM, Bai Y, Kormelink R. Small RNA Profiling of Susceptible and Resistant Ty-1 Encoding Tomato Plants Upon Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus Infection. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:757165. [PMID: 34868151 PMCID: PMC8637622 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.757165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ty-1 presents an atypical dominant resistance gene that codes for an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDR) of the gamma class and confers resistance to tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and other geminiviruses. Tomato lines bearing Ty-1 not only produce relatively higher amounts of viral small interfering (vsi)RNAs, but viral DNA also exhibits a higher amount of cytosine methylation. Whether Ty-1 specifically enhances posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS), leading to a degradation of RNA target molecules and primarily relying on 21-22 nucleotides (nts) siRNAs, and/or transcriptional gene silencing (TGS), leading to the methylation of cytosines within DNA target sequences and relying on 24-nts siRNAs, was unknown. In this study, small RNAs were isolated from systemically TYLCV-infected leaves of Ty-1 encoding tomato plants and susceptible tomato Moneymaker (MM) and sequence analyzed. While in susceptible tomato plants vsiRNAs of the 21-nt size class were predominant, their amount was drastically reduced in tomato containing Ty-1. The latter, instead, revealed elevated levels of vsiRNAs of the 22- and 24-nt size classes. In addition, the genomic distribution profiles of the vsiRNAs were changed in Ty-1 plants compared with those from susceptible MM. In MM three clear hotspots were seen, but these were less pronounced in Ty-1 plants, likely due to enhanced transitive silencing to neighboring viral genomic sequences. The largest increase in the amount of vsiRNAs was observed in the intergenic region and the V1 viral gene. The results suggest that Ty-1 enhances an antiviral TGS response. Whether the elevated levels of 22 nts vsiRNAs contribute to an enhanced PTGS response or an additional TGS response involving a noncanonical pathway of RNA dependent DNA methylation remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corien M. Voorburg
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Yuling Bai
- Plant Breeding, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Richard Kormelink
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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20
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Fei Y, Pyott DE, Molnar A. Temperature modulates virus-induced transcriptional gene silencing via secondary small RNAs. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 232:356-371. [PMID: 34185326 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) can be harnessed to sequence-specifically degrade host transcripts and induce heritable epigenetic modifications referred to as virus-induced post-transcriptional gene silencing (ViPTGS) and virus-induced transcriptional gene silencing (ViTGS), respectively. Both ViPTGS and ViTGS enable manipulation of endogenous gene expression without the need for transgenesis. Although VIGS has been widely used in many plant species, it is not always uniform or highly efficient. The efficiency of VIGS is affected by developmental, physiological and environmental factors. Here, we use recombinant Tobacco rattle viruses (TRV) to study the effect of temperature on ViPTGS and ViTGS using GFP as a reporter gene of silencing in N. benthamiana 16c plants. We found that unlike ViPTGS, ViTGS was impaired at high temperature. Using a novel mismatch-small interfering RNA (siRNA) tool, which precisely distinguishes virus-derived (primary) from target-generated (secondary) siRNAs, we demonstrated that the lack of secondary siRNA production/amplification was responsible for inefficient ViTGS at 29°C. Moreover, inefficient ViTGS at 29°C inhibited the transmission of epigenetic gene silencing to the subsequent generations. Our finding contributes to understanding the impact of environmental conditions on primary and secondary siRNA production and may pave the way to design/optimize ViTGS for transgene-free crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Fei
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Douglas E Pyott
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Attila Molnar
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
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21
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Wang Y, Gong Q, Wu Y, Huang F, Ismayil A, Zhang D, Li H, Gu H, Ludman M, Fátyol K, Qi Y, Yoshioka K, Hanley-Bowdoin L, Hong Y, Liu Y. A calmodulin-binding transcription factor links calcium signaling to antiviral RNAi defense in plants. Cell Host Microbe 2021; 29:1393-1406.e7. [PMID: 34352216 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an across-kingdom gene regulatory and defense mechanism. However, little is known about how organisms sense initial cues to mobilize RNAi. Here, we show that wounding to Nicotiana benthamiana cells during virus intrusion activates RNAi-related gene expression through calcium signaling. A rapid wound-induced elevation in calcium fluxes triggers calmodulin-dependent activation of calmodulin-binding transcription activator-3 (CAMTA3), which activates RNA-dependent RNA polymerase-6 and Bifunctional nuclease-2 (BN2) transcription. BN2 stabilizes mRNAs encoding key components of RNAi machinery, notably AGONAUTE1/2 and DICER-LIKE1, by degrading their cognate microRNAs. Consequently, multiple RNAi genes are primed for combating virus invasion. Calmodulin-, CAMTA3-, or BN2-knockdown/knockout plants show increased susceptibility to geminivirus, cucumovirus, and potyvirus. Notably, Geminivirus V2 protein can disrupt the calmodulin-CAMTA3 interaction to counteract RNAi defense. These findings link Ca2+ signaling to RNAi and reveal versatility of host antiviral defense and viral counter-defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjing Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qian Gong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuyao Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fan Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Asigul Ismayil
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Danfeng Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Huangai Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hanqing Gu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Márta Ludman
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Szent-Györgyi Albert u. 4, Gödöllő 2100, Hungary
| | - Károly Fátyol
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Szent-Györgyi Albert u. 4, Gödöllő 2100, Hungary
| | - Yijun Qi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Keiko Yoshioka
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Linda Hanley-Bowdoin
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC 27695, USA
| | - Yiguo Hong
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK
| | - Yule Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China.
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22
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Hendrix B, Zheng W, Bauer MJ, Havecker ER, Mai JT, Hoffer PH, Sanders RA, Eads BD, Caruano-Yzermans A, Taylor DN, Hresko C, Oakes J, Iandolino AB, Bennett MJ, Deikman J. Topically delivered 22 nt siRNAs enhance RNAi silencing of endogenous genes in two species. PLANTA 2021; 254:60. [PMID: 34448043 PMCID: PMC8390415 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-021-03708-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION 22 nt siRNAs applied to leaves induce production of transitive sRNAs for targeted genes and can enhance local silencing. Systemic silencing was only observed for a GFP transgene. RNA interference (RNAi) is a gene silencing mechanism important in regulating gene expression during plant development, response to the environment and defense. Better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of this pathway may lead to future strategies to improve crop traits of value. An abrasion method to deliver siRNAs into leaf cells of intact plants was used to investigate the activities of 21 and 22 nt siRNAs in silencing genes in Nicotiana benthamiana and Amaranthus cruentus. We confirmed that both 21 and 22 nt siRNAs were able to silence a green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgene in treated leaves of N. benthamiana, but systemic silencing of GFP occurred only when the guide strand contained 22 nt. Silencing in the treated leaves of N. benthamiana was demonstrated for three endogenous genes: magnesium cheletase subunit I (CHL-I), magnesium cheletase subunit H (CHL-H), and GENOMES UNCOUPLED4 (GUN4). However, systemic silencing of these endogenous genes was not observed. Very high levels of transitive siRNAs were produced for GFP in response to treatment with 22 nt siRNAs but only low levels were produced in response to a 21 nt siRNA. The endogenous genes tested also produced transitive siRNAs in response to 22 nt siRNAs. 22 nt siRNAs produced greater local silencing phenotypes than 21 nt siRNAs for three of the genes. These special properties of 22 nt siRNAs were also observed for the CHL-H gene in A. cruentus. These experiments suggest a functional role for transitive siRNAs in amplifying the RNAi response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bill Hendrix
- Bayer Crop Science, 37437 State Highway 16, Woodland, CA, 95695, USA
- Bayer U.S. LLC, Research and Development, Crop Science, Biologics Pest Control, 890 Embarcadero Drive, West Sacramento, CA, 95605, USA
| | - Wei Zheng
- Bayer Crop Science, 37437 State Highway 16, Woodland, CA, 95695, USA
| | - Matthew J Bauer
- Bayer Crop Science, 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Ericka R Havecker
- Bayer Crop Science, 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Jennifer T Mai
- Bayer Crop Science, 37437 State Highway 16, Woodland, CA, 95695, USA
| | - Paul H Hoffer
- Bayer Crop Science, 37437 State Highway 16, Woodland, CA, 95695, USA
- California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, 3650 Schriever Avenue, Mather, CA, 95655, USA
| | - Rick A Sanders
- Bayer Crop Science, 37437 State Highway 16, Woodland, CA, 95695, USA
| | - Brian D Eads
- Bayer Crop Science, 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
| | | | - Danielle N Taylor
- Bayer Crop Science, 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Chelly Hresko
- Bayer Crop Science, 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Janette Oakes
- Bayer Crop Science, 37437 State Highway 16, Woodland, CA, 95695, USA
| | | | - Michael J Bennett
- Bayer Crop Science, 37437 State Highway 16, Woodland, CA, 95695, USA
| | - Jill Deikman
- Bayer Crop Science, 37437 State Highway 16, Woodland, CA, 95695, USA.
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23
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Marcianò D, Ricciardi V, Marone Fassolo E, Passera A, Bianco PA, Failla O, Casati P, Maddalena G, De Lorenzis G, Toffolatti SL. RNAi of a Putative Grapevine Susceptibility Gene as a Possible Downy Mildew Control Strategy. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:667319. [PMID: 34127927 PMCID: PMC8196239 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.667319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola, is one of the diseases causing the most severe economic losses to grapevine (Vitis vinifera) production. To date, the application of fungicides is the most efficient method to control the pathogen and the implementation of novel and sustainable disease control methods is a major challenge. RNA interference (RNAi) represents a novel biotechnological tool with a great potential for controlling fungal pathogens. Recently, a candidate susceptibility gene (VviLBDIf7) to downy mildew has been identified in V. vinifera. In this work, the efficacy of RNAi triggered by exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in controlling P. viticola infections has been assessed in a highly susceptible grapevine cultivar (Pinot noir) by knocking down VviLBDIf7 gene. The effects of dsRNA treatment on this target gene were assessed by evaluating gene expression, disease severity, and development of vegetative and reproductive structures of P. viticola in the leaf tissues. Furthermore, the effects of dsRNA treatment on off-target (EF1α, GAPDH, PEPC, and PEPCK) and jasmonic acid metabolism (COI1) genes have been evaluated. Exogenous application of dsRNA led to significant reductions both in VviLBDIf7 gene expression, 5 days after the treatment, and in the disease severity when artificial inoculation was carried out 7 days after dsRNA treatments. The pathogen showed clear alterations to both vegetative (hyphae and haustoria) and reproductive structures (sporangiophores) that resulted in stunted growth and reduced sporulation. Treatment with dsRNA showed signatures of systemic activity and no deleterious off-target effects. These results demonstrated the potential of RNAi for silencing susceptibility factors in grapevine as a sustainable strategy for pathogen control, underlying the possibility to adopt this promising biotechnological tool in disease management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gabriella De Lorenzis
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Laura Toffolatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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24
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Hendrix B, Hoffer P, Sanders R, Schwartz S, Zheng W, Eads B, Taylor D, Deikman J. Systemic GFP silencing is associated with high transgene expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245422. [PMID: 33720987 PMCID: PMC7959375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene silencing in plants using topical dsRNA is a new approach that has the potential to be a sustainable component of the agricultural production systems of the future. However, more research is needed to enable this technology as an economical and efficacious supplement to current crop protection practices. Systemic gene silencing is one key enabling aspect. The objective of this research was to better understand topically-induced, systemic transgene silencing in Nicotiana benthamiana. A previous report details sequencing of the integration site of the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) transgene in the well-known N. benthamiana GFP16C event. This investigation revealed an inadvertent co-integration of part of a bacterial transposase in this line. To determine the effect of this transgene configuration on systemic silencing, new GFP transgenic lines with or without the transposase sequences were produced. GFP expression levels in the 19 single-copy events and three hemizygous GFP16C lines produced for this study ranged from 50-72% of the homozygous GFP16C line. GFP expression was equivalent to GFP16C in a two-copy event. Local GFP silencing was observed in all transgenic and GFP16C hemizygous lines after topical application of carbon dot-based formulations containing a GFP targeting dsRNA. The GFP16C-like systemic silencing phenotype was only observed in the two-copy line. The partial transposase had no impact on transgene expression level, local GFP silencing, small RNA abundance and distribution, or systemic GFP silencing in the transgenic lines. We conclude that high transgene expression level is a key enabler of topically-induced, systemic transgene silencing in N. benthamiana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bill Hendrix
- Bayer Crop Science, Woodland, California, United States of America
| | - Paul Hoffer
- Bayer Crop Science, Woodland, California, United States of America
| | - Rick Sanders
- Bayer Crop Science, Woodland, California, United States of America
| | - Steve Schwartz
- Bayer Crop Science, Woodland, California, United States of America
| | - Wei Zheng
- Bayer Crop Science, Woodland, California, United States of America
| | - Brian Eads
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield Parkway, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Danielle Taylor
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield Parkway, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Jill Deikman
- Bayer Crop Science, Woodland, California, United States of America
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25
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Wu X, Cheng X. Intercellular movement of plant RNA viruses: Targeting replication complexes to the plasmodesma for both accuracy and efficiency. Traffic 2020; 21:725-736. [PMID: 33090653 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Replication and movement are two critical steps in plant virus infection. Recent advances in the understanding of the architecture and subcellular localization of virus-induced inclusions and the interactions between viral replication complex (VRC) and movement proteins (MPs) allow for the dissection of the intrinsic relationship between replication and movement, which has revealed that recruitment of VRCs to the plasmodesma (PD) via direct or indirect MP-VRC interactions is a common strategy used for cell-to-cell movement by most plant RNA viruses. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the understanding of virus-induced inclusions and their roles in virus replication and cell-to-cell movement, analyze the advantages of such coreplicational movement from a viral point of view and discuss the possible mechanical force by which MPs drive the movement of virions or viral RNAs through the PD. Finally, we highlight the missing pieces of the puzzle of viral movement that are especially worth investigating in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Germplasm Enhancement, Physiology and Ecology of Food Crops in Cold Region of Chinese Education Ministry, College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaofei Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Germplasm Enhancement, Physiology and Ecology of Food Crops in Cold Region of Chinese Education Ministry, College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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26
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27
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Khaing YY, Kobayashi Y, Takeshita M. The C-terminal region of the 2a protein and 2b protein of cucumber mosaic virus are involved in the induction of shoestring-like leaf blade in tomato. Virus Res 2020; 289:198172. [PMID: 32980403 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has numerous strains with distinct pathological properties in nature. In this study, we focused on the distinct host-specificity of two isolates of CMV regarding induction of the shoestring-like leaf blade (SLB) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Sekaiichi). During the initial infection stage, plants inoculated with CMV-D8 and CMV-Y developed green/yellow systemic mosaic and stunting. Late in infection, CMV-D8 caused severe systemic symptoms with SLB on the newly emerged leaves, whereas CMY-Y caused severe yellow mosaic with stunting. Accumulation of viral RNA of CMV-D8 during initial infection was higher than for CMV-Y, but their levels did not differ significantly at 5 weeks post inoculation. Pseudorecombination and recombination analyses between CMV-D8 and CMV-Y genomic RNAs showed that recombinant that contained the C-terminal region of 2a and the entire 2b protein of CMV-D8 (D2a-C/D2b) induced SLB. Changing isoleucine to valine at position 830 in the 2a ORF played an important role in formation of chronic SLB. We further elucidated that infection with CMV-D8 or the recombinant Y1Y2(D2a-C/D2b)D3, but not with CMV-Y, upregulated miRNAs and transcript levels of AGO1, which is involved in RNA silencing, and of HD-ZIP, TCP4, and PHAN, which are essential for leaf morphogenesis. The present results first demonstrated that the cooperative function of D2a-C/D2b is involved indispensably in SLB formation. In addition, we suggest that D2a-C/D2b region interferes with the miRNA pathway that is associated with RNA silencing and leaf morphogenesis, leading to the enhanced virulence of CMV-D8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yu Khaing
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Miyazaki, Gakuenkibanadainishi 1-1, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Yudai Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Miyazaki, Gakuenkibanadainishi 1-1, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Minoru Takeshita
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Miyazaki, Gakuenkibanadainishi 1-1, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan.
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28
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Yao M, Chen W, Kong J, Zhang X, Shi N, Zhong S, Ma P, Gallusci P, Jackson S, Liu Y, Hong Y. METHYLTRANSFERASE1 and Ripening Modulate Vivipary during Tomato Fruit Development. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 183:1883-1897. [PMID: 32503901 PMCID: PMC7401104 DOI: 10.1104/pp.20.00499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Vivipary, wherein seeds germinate prior to dispersal while still associated with the maternal plant, is an adaptation to extreme environments. It is normally inhibited by the establishment of dormancy. The genetic framework of vivipary has been well studied; however, the role of epigenetics in vivipary remains unknown. Here, we report that silencing of METHYLTRANSFERASE1 (SlMET1) promoted precocious seed germination and seedling growth within the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) epimutant Colorless non-ripening (Cnr) fruits. This was associated with decreases in abscisic acid concentration and levels of mRNA encoding 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid-dioxygenase (SlNCED), which is involved in abscisic acid biosynthesis. Differentially methylated regions were identified in promoters of differentially expressed genes, including SlNCED SlNCED knockdown also induced viviparous seedling growth in Cnr fruits. Strikingly, Cnr ripening reversion suppressed vivipary. Moreover, neither SlMET1/SlNCED-virus-induced gene silencing nor transgenic SlMET1-RNA interference produced vivipary in wild-type tomatoes; the latter affected leaf architecture, arrested flowering, and repressed seed development. Thus, a dual pathway in ripening and SlMET1-mediated epigenetics coordinates the blockage of seed vivipary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqin Yao
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Junhua Kong
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xinlian Zhang
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of California, San Diego, California 92093
- Department of Statistics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Nongnong Shi
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Silin Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Statistics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Philippe Gallusci
- UMR EGFV, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, INRA, Université de Bordeaux, 210 Chemin de Leysotte, CS 50008, 33882 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Stephen Jackson
- Warwick-Hangzhou RNA Signaling Joint Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Warwick CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Yule Liu
- Centre for Plant Biology and MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yiguo Hong
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Warwick-Hangzhou RNA Signaling Joint Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Warwick CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Worcester-Hangzhou Joint Molecular Plant Health Laboratory, School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester WR2 6AJ, United Kingdom
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29
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Zhang X, Kang L, Zhang Q, Meng Q, Pan Y, Yu Z, Shi N, Jackson S, Zhang X, Wang H, Tor M, Hong Y. An RNAi suppressor activates in planta virus-mediated gene editing. Funct Integr Genomics 2020; 20:471-477. [PMID: 31848794 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-019-00730-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RNA-guided CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been developed for gene/genome editing (GE) in organisms across kingdoms. However, in planta delivery of the two core GE components, Cas9 and small guide RNA (sgRNA), often involves time-consuming and labor-intensive production of transgenic plants. Here we show that Foxtail mosaic virus, a monocot- and dicot-infecting potexvirus, can simultaneously express Cas9, sgRNA, and an RNAi suppressor to efficiently induce GE in Nicotiana benthamiana through a transgenic plant-free manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhang
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, China
| | - Lihua Kang
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, China
| | - Qiqi Meng
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, China
| | - Yafei Pan
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, China
| | - Zhiming Yu
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, China
| | - Nongnong Shi
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, China
| | - Stephen Jackson
- Warwick-Hangzhou RNA Signaling Joint Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Warwick, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Xinlian Zhang
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Division of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Huizhong Wang
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, China
| | - Mahmut Tor
- Department of Biology, School of Science and the Environment, Worcester-Hangzhou Joint Molecular Plant Health Laboratory, University of Worcester, Worcester, WR2 6AJ, UK
| | - Yiguo Hong
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, China.
- Warwick-Hangzhou RNA Signaling Joint Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Warwick, CV4 7AL, UK.
- Department of Biology, School of Science and the Environment, Worcester-Hangzhou Joint Molecular Plant Health Laboratory, University of Worcester, Worcester, WR2 6AJ, UK.
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30
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Lai T, Wang X, Ye B, Jin M, Chen W, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Blanks AM, Gu M, Zhang P, Zhang X, Li C, Wang H, Liu Y, Gallusci P, Tör M, Hong Y. Molecular and functional characterization of the SBP-box transcription factor SPL-CNR in tomato fruit ripening and cell death. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:2995-3011. [PMID: 32016417 PMCID: PMC7260717 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
SlSPL-CNR, an SBP-box transcription factor (TF) gene residing at the epimutant Colourless non-ripening (Cnr) locus, is involved in tomato ripening. This epimutant provides a unique model to investigate the (epi)genetic basis of fruit ripening. Here we report that SlSPL-CNR is a nucleus-localized protein with a distinct monopartite nuclear localization signal (NLS). It consists of four consecutive residues ' 30KRKR33' at the N-terminus of the protein. Mutation of the NLS abolishes SlSPL-CNR's ability to localize in the nucleus. SlSPL-CNR comprises two zinc-finger motifs (ZFMs) within the C-terminal SBP-box domain. Both ZFMs contribute to zinc-binding activity. SlSPL-CNR can induce cell death in tomato and tobacco, dependent on its nuclear localization. However, the two ZFMs have differential impacts on SlSPL-CNR's induction of severe necrosis or mild necrotic ringspot. NLS and ZFM mutants cannot complement Cnr fruits to ripen. SlSPL-CNR interacts with SlSnRK1. Virus-induced SlSnRK1 silencing leads to reduction in expression of ripening-related genes and inhibits ripening in tomato. We conclude that SlSPL-CNR is a multifunctional protein that consists of a distinct monopartite NLS, binds to zinc, and interacts with SlSnRK1 to affect cell death and tomato fruit ripening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongfei Lai
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bishun Ye
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingfei Jin
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Warwick-Hangzhou Joint RNA Signaling Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingying Zhou
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Andrew M Blanks
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Mei Gu
- The Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pengcheng Zhang
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinlian Zhang
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Division of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Chunyang Li
- Warwick-Hangzhou Joint RNA Signaling Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Huizhong Wang
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yule Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Centre for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Philippe Gallusci
- Laboratory of Grape Ecophysiology and Functional Biology, Bordeaux University, INRA, Bordeaux Science Agro, Villenave d’Ornon, France
| | - Mahmut Tör
- Worcester-Hangzhou Joint Molecular Plant Health Laboratory, School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
| | - Yiguo Hong
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Warwick-Hangzhou Joint RNA Signaling Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Worcester-Hangzhou Joint Molecular Plant Health Laboratory, School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
- Correspondence: , or
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31
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Basso MF, Arraes FBM, Grossi-de-Sa M, Moreira VJV, Alves-Ferreira M, Grossi-de-Sa MF. Insights Into Genetic and Molecular Elements for Transgenic Crop Development. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:509. [PMID: 32499796 PMCID: PMC7243915 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Climate change and the exploration of new areas of cultivation have impacted the yields of several economically important crops worldwide. Both conventional plant breeding based on planned crosses between parents with specific traits and genetic engineering to develop new biotechnological tools (NBTs) have allowed the development of elite cultivars with new features of agronomic interest. The use of these NBTs in the search for agricultural solutions has gained prominence in recent years due to their rapid generation of elite cultivars that meet the needs of crop producers, and the efficiency of these NBTs is closely related to the optimization or best use of their elements. Currently, several genetic engineering techniques are used in synthetic biotechnology to successfully improve desirable traits or remove undesirable traits in crops. However, the features, drawbacks, and advantages of each technique are still not well understood, and thus, these methods have not been fully exploited. Here, we provide a brief overview of the plant genetic engineering platforms that have been used for proof of concept and agronomic trait improvement, review the major elements and processes of synthetic biotechnology, and, finally, present the major NBTs used to improve agronomic traits in socioeconomically important crops.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabrício Barbosa Monteiro Arraes
- Plant Biotechnology, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maíra Grossi-de-Sa
- Plant Biotechnology, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Valdeir Junio Vaz Moreira
- Plant Biotechnology, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa
- Plant Biotechnology, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- Department of Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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Abstract
Protection against microbial infection in eukaryotes is provided by diverse cellular and molecular mechanisms. Here, we present a comparative view of the antiviral activity of virus-derived small interfering RNAs in fungi, plants, invertebrates and mammals, detailing the mechanisms for their production, amplification and activity. We also highlight the recent discovery of viral PIWI-interacting RNAs in animals and a new role for mobile host and pathogen small RNAs in plant defence against eukaryotic pathogens. In turn, viruses that infect plants, insects and mammals, as well as eukaryotic pathogens of plants, have evolved specific virulence proteins that suppress RNA interference (RNAi). Together, these advances suggest that an antimicrobial function of the RNAi pathway is conserved across eukaryotic kingdoms.
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Bilir Ö, Telli O, Norman C, Budak H, Hong Y, Tör M. Small RNA inhibits infection by downy mildew pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2019; 20:1523-1534. [PMID: 31557400 PMCID: PMC6804343 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Gene silencing exists in eukaryotic organisms as a conserved regulation of the gene expression mechanism. In general, small RNAs (sRNAs) are produced within the eukaryotic cells and incorporated into an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) within cells. However, exogenous sRNAs, once delivered into cells, can also silence target genes via the same RISC. Here, we explored this concept by targeting the Cellulose synthase A3 (CesA3) gene of Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis (Hpa), the downy mildew pathogen of Arabidopsis thaliana. Hpa spore suspensions were mixed with sense or antisense sRNAs and inoculated onto susceptible Arabidopsis seedlings. While sense sRNAs had no obvious effect on Hpa pathogenicity, antisense sRNAs inhibited spore germination and hence infection. Such inhibition of infection was not race-specific, but dependent on the length and capping of sRNAs. Inhibition of infection by double stranded sRNA was more efficient than that observed with antisense sRNA. Thus, exogenous sRNA targeting conserved CesA3 could suppress Hpa infection in Arabidopsis, indicating the potential of this simple and efficient sRNA-based approach for deciphering gene functions in obligate biotrophic pathogens as well as for R-gene independent control of diseases in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Bilir
- Department of BiologySchool of Science and the EnvironmentUniversity of WorcesterHenwick GroveWorcesterWR2 6AJUK
- Present address:
Directorate of Trakya Agricultural Research InstituteDepartment of BiotechnologyD‐100 Highway 22100EdirneTurkey
| | - Osman Telli
- Department of BiologySchool of Science and the EnvironmentUniversity of WorcesterHenwick GroveWorcesterWR2 6AJUK
| | - Chris Norman
- Department of BiologySchool of Science and the EnvironmentUniversity of WorcesterHenwick GroveWorcesterWR2 6AJUK
| | | | - Yiguo Hong
- Department of BiologySchool of Science and the EnvironmentUniversity of WorcesterHenwick GroveWorcesterWR2 6AJUK
- Research Centre for Plant RNA SignalingCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhou310036China
| | - Mahmut Tör
- Department of BiologySchool of Science and the EnvironmentUniversity of WorcesterHenwick GroveWorcesterWR2 6AJUK
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34
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Chen TY, Pai H, Hou LY, Lee SC, Lin TT, Chang CH, Hsu FC, Hsu YH, Lin NS. Dual resistance of transgenic plants against Cymbidium mosaic virus and Odontoglossum ringspot virus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10230. [PMID: 31308424 PMCID: PMC6629631 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46695-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Taxonomically distinct Cymbidium mosaic potexvirus (CymMV) and Odontoglossum ringspot tobamovirus (ORSV) are two of the most prevalent viruses worldwide; when co-infecting orchids, they cause synergistic symptoms. Because of the huge economic loss in quality and quantity in the orchid industry with virus-infected orchids, virus-resistant orchids are urgently needed. To date, no transgenic resistant lines against these two viruses have been reported. In this study, we generated transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana expressing various constructs of partial CymMV and ORSV genomes. Several transgenic lines grew normally and remained symptomless after mixed inoculation with CymMV and ORSV. The replication of CymMV and ORSV was approximately 70-90% lower in protoplasts of transgenic lines than wild-type (WT) plants. Of note, we detected extremely low or no viral RNA or capsid protein of CymMV and ORSV in systemic leaves of transgenic lines after co-infection. Grafting experiments further revealed that CymMV and ORSV trafficked extremely inefficiently from co-infected WT stocks to transgenic scions, presumably due to RNA-mediated interference. This study reports the first successful creation of dual resistant transgenic lines against CymMV and ORSV. Our studies shed light on the commercial development of transgenic orchid production to combat the global viral threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yu Chen
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan Pai
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Yu Hou
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chuan Lee
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Tung Lin
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hao Chang
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Chen Hsu
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yau-Heiu Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 40027, Taiwan
| | - Na-Sheng Lin
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, 11529, Taiwan.
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35
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Adkar-Purushothama CR, Perreault JP. Suppression of RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase6 Favors the Accumulation of Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid in Nicotiana Benthamiana. Viruses 2019; 11:E345. [PMID: 31013994 PMCID: PMC6520914 DOI: 10.3390/v11040345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, two plant genes encoding RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRs) that play major roles in the defense against RNA viruses have been identified: (i) RdR1, which is responsible for the viral small RNAs (vsRNAs) found in virus-infected plants, and, (ii) RdR6, which acts as a surrogate in the absence of RdR1. In this study, the role of RdR6 in the defense against viroid infection was examined by knock-down of RdR6 followed by potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) infection. The suppression of RdR6 expression increased the plant's growth, as was illustrated by the plant's increased height. PSTVd infection of RdR6 compromised plants resulted in an approximately three-fold increase in the accumulation of viroid RNA as compared to that seen in control plants. Additionally, RNA gel blot assay revealed an increase in the number of viroids derived small RNAs in RdR6 suppressed plants as compared to control plants. These data provide a direct correlation between RdR6 and viroid accumulation and indicate the role of RDR6 in the plant's susceptibility to viroid infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charith Raj Adkar-Purushothama
- RNA Group/Groupe ARN, Département de Biochimie, Faculté de médecine des sciences de la santé, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée au Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, 3201 rue Jean-Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada.
| | - Jean-Pierre Perreault
- RNA Group/Groupe ARN, Département de Biochimie, Faculté de médecine des sciences de la santé, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée au Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, 3201 rue Jean-Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada.
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Zhang X, Lai T, Zhang P, Zhang X, Yuan C, Jin Z, Li H, Yu Z, Qin C, Tör M, Ma P, Cheng Q, Hong Y. Mini review: Revisiting mobile RNA silencing in plants. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 278:113-117. [PMID: 30471724 PMCID: PMC6556431 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2018.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Non-cell autonomous RNA silencing can spread from cell to cell and over long-distances in animals and plants. This process is genetically determined and requires mobile RNA signals. Genetic requirement and molecular nature of the mobile signals for non-cell-autonomous RNA silencing were intensively investigated in past few decades. No consensus dogma for mobile silencing can be reached in plants, yet published data are sometimes inconsistent and controversial. Thus, the genetic requirements and molecular signals involved in plant mobile silencing are still poorly understood. This article revisits our present understanding of intercellular and systemic non-cell autonomous RNA silencing, and summarises current debates on RNA signals for mobile silencing. In particular, we discuss new evidence on siRNA mobility, a DCL2-dependent genetic network for mobile silencing and its potential biological relevance as well as 22 nt siRNA being a mobile signal for non-cell-autonomous silencing in both Arabidopsis and Nicotiana benthamiana. This sets up a new trend in unravelling genetic components and small RNA signal molecules for mobile silencing in (across) plants and other organisms of different kingdoms. Finally we raise several outstanding questions that need to be addressed in future plant silencing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhang
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Tongfei Lai
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhang
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Xinlian Zhang
- Department of Statistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Chen Yuan
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Zhenhui Jin
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Zhiming Yu
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Cheng Qin
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Mahmut Tör
- Worcester-Hangzhou Joint Molecular Plant Health Laboratory, Institute of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, WR2 6AJ, UK
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Statistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Qi Cheng
- Nitrogen Fixation Laboratory, Qi Institute, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiguo Hong
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China; Worcester-Hangzhou Joint Molecular Plant Health Laboratory, Institute of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, WR2 6AJ, UK; Warwick-Hangzhou RNA Signaling Joint Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Warwick CV4 7AL, UK.
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37
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Lee CH, Carroll BJ. Evolution and Diversification of Small RNA Pathways in Flowering Plants. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 59:2169-2187. [PMID: 30169685 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcy167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Small regulatory RNAs guide gene silencing at the DNA or RNA level through repression of complementary sequences. The two main forms of small RNAs are microRNA (miRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNAs), which are generated from the processing of different forms of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) precursors. These two forms of small regulatory RNAs function in distinct but overlapping gene silencing pathways in plants. Gene silencing pathways in eukaryotes evolved from an ancient prokaryotic mechanism involved in genome defense against invasive genetic elements, but has since diversified to also play a crucial role in regulation of endogenous gene expression. Here, we review the biogenesis of the different forms of small RNAs in plants, including miRNAs, phased, secondary siRNAs (phasiRNAs) and heterochromatic siRNAs (hetsiRNAs), with a focus on their functions in genome defense, transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene silencing, RNA-directed DNA methylation, trans-chromosomal methylation and paramutation. We also discuss the important role that gene duplication has played in the functional diversification of gene silencing pathways in plants, and we highlight recently discovered components of gene silencing pathways in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Hong Lee
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bernard J Carroll
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Profile of siRNAs derived from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Papaya leaf distortion mosaic virus in infected papaya plants. Virus Genes 2018; 54:833-839. [PMID: 30218292 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-018-1601-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We used green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Papaya leaf distortion mosaic virus (PLDMV-GFP) to track PLDMV infection by fluorescence. The virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) of PLDMV-GFP were characterized from papaya plants by next-generation sequencing. The foreign GFP gene inserted into the PLDMV genome was also processed as a viral gene into siRNAs by components involved in RNA silencing. The siRNAs derived from PLDMV-GFP accumulated preferentially as 21- and 22-nucleotide (nt) lengths, and most of the 5'-terminal ends were biased towards uridine (U) and adenosine (A). The single-nucleotide resolution map revealed that vsiRNAs were heterogeneously distributed throughout the PLDMV-GFP genome, and vsiRNAs derived from the sense strand were more abundant than those from the antisense strand. The hotspots were mainly distributed in the P1 and GFP coding region of the antisense strand. In addition, 979 papaya genes targeted by the most abundant 1000 PLDMV-GFP vsiRNAs were predicted and annotated using GO and KEGG classification. Results suggest that vsiRNAs play key roles in PLDMV-papaya interactions. These data on the characterization of PLDMV-GFP vsiRNAs will help to provide insight into the function of vsiRNAs and their host target regulation patterns.
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39
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Wang T, Deng Z, Zhang X, Wang H, Wang Y, Liu X, Liu S, Xu F, Li T, Fu D, Zhu B, Luo Y, Zhu H. Tomato DCL2b is required for the biosynthesis of 22-nt small RNAs, the resulting secondary siRNAs, and the host defense against ToMV. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2018; 5:62. [PMID: 30181890 PMCID: PMC6119189 DOI: 10.1038/s41438-018-0073-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The tomato encode four functional DCL families, of which DCL2 is poorly studied. Here, we generated loss-of-function mutants for a tomato DCL2 gene, dcl2b, and we identified its major role in defending against tomato mosaic virus in relation to both natural and manual infections. Genome-wide small RNA expression profiling revealed that DCL2b was required for the processing 22-nt small RNAs, including a few species of miRNAs. Interestingly, these DCL2b-dependent 22-nt miRNAs functioned similarly to the DCL1-produced 22-nt miRNAs in Arabidopsis and could serve as triggers to generate a class of secondary siRNAs. In particular, the majority of secondary siRNAs were derived from plant defense genes when the plants were challenged with viruses. We also examined differentially expressed genes in dcl2b through RNA-seq and observed that numerous genes were associated with mitochondrial metabolism and hormone signaling under virus-free conditions. Notably, when the loss-of-function dcl2b mutant was challenged with tomato mosaic virus, a group of defense response genes was activated, whereas the genes related to lipid metabolism were suppressed. Together, our findings provided new insights into the roles of tomato DCL2b in small RNA biogenesis and in antiviral defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqi Deng
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China
| | - Hongzheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Xiuying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Songyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agro-Biotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - Feng Xu
- National Maize Improvement Center, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - Tao Li
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100081 Beijing, China
| | - Daqi Fu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Benzhong Zhu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Yunbo Luo
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Hongliang Zhu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083 Beijing, China
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