Effects of the tom1 mutation of Arabidopsis thaliana on the multiplication of tobacco mosaic virus RNA in protoplasts

Breaking Boundaries: The Perpetual Interplay Between Tobamoviruses and Plant Immunity

Plant viruses of the genus Tobamovirus cause significant economic losses in various crops. The emergence of new tobamoviruses such as the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) poses a major threat to global agriculture. Upon infection, plants mount a complex immune response to restrict virus replication and spread, involving a multilayered defense system that includes defense hormones, RNA silencing, and immune receptors. To counter these defenses, tobamoviruses have evolved various strategies to evade or suppress the different immune pathways. Understanding the interactions between tobamoviruses and the plant immune pathways is crucial for the development of effective control measures and genetic resistance to these viruses. In this review, we discuss past and current knowledge of the intricate relationship between tobamoviruses and host immunity. We use this knowledge to understand the emergence of ToBRFV and discuss potential approaches for the development of new resistance strategies to cope with emerging tobamoviruses.

Knockout of SlTOM1 and SlTOM3 results in differential resistance to tobamovirus in tomato

During tobamovirus-host coevolution, tobamoviruses developed numerous interactions with host susceptibility factors and exploited these interactions for replication and movement. The plant-encoded TOBAMOVIRUS MULTIPLICATION (TOM) susceptibility proteins interact with the tobamovirus replicase proteins and allow the formation of the viral replication complex. Here CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis allowed the exploration of the roles of SlTOM1a, SlTOM1b, and SlTOM3 in systemic tobamovirus infection of tomato. Knockouts of both SlTOM1a and SlTOM3 in sltom1a/sltom3 plants resulted in an asymptomatic response to the infection with recently emerged tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). In addition, an accumulation of ToBRFV RNA and coat protein (CP) in sltom1a/sltom3 mutant plants was 516- and 25-fold lower, respectively, than in wild-type (WT) plants at 12 days postinoculation. In marked contrast, sltom1a/sltom3 plants were susceptible to previously known tomato viruses, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), indicating that SlTOM1a and SlTOM3 are not essential for systemic infection of TMV and ToMV in tomato plants. Knockout of SlTOM1b alone did not contribute to ToBRFV and ToMV resistance. However, in triple mutants sltom1a/sltom3/sltom1b, ToMV accumulation was three-fold lower than in WT plants, with no reduction in symptoms. These results indicate that SlTOM1a and SlTOM3 are essential for the replication of ToBRFV, but not for ToMV and TMV, which are associated with additional susceptibility proteins. Additionally, we showed that SlTOM1a and SlTOM3 positively regulate the tobamovirus susceptibility gene SlARL8a3. Moreover, we found that the SlTOM family is involved in the regulation of plant development.

New Transcriptome-Based SNP Markers for Noug (Guizotia abyssinica) and Their Conversion to KASP Markers for Population Genetics Analyses

The development and use of genomic resources are essential for understanding the population genetics of crops for their efficient conservation and enhancement. Noug (Guizotia abyssinica) is an economically important oilseed crop in Ethiopia and India. The present study sought to develop new DNA markers for this crop. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted on two genotypes and 628 transcript sequences containing 959 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were developed. A competitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) assay was developed for the SNPs and used for genotyping of 24 accessions. A total of 554 loci were successfully genotyped across the accessions, and 202 polymorphic loci were used for population genetics analyses. Polymorphism information content (PIC) of the loci varied from 0.01 to 0.37 with a mean of 0.24, and about 49% of the loci showed significant deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The mean expected heterozygosity was 0.27 suggesting moderately high genetic variation within accessions. Low but significant differentiation existed among accessions (FST = 0.045, p < 0.0001). Landrace populations from isolated areas may have useful mutations and should be conserved and used in breeding this crop. The genomic resources developed in this study were shown to be useful for population genetics research and can also be used in, e.g., association genetics.

The Plant Cellular Systems for Plant Virus Movement

Plasmodesmata (PDs) are specialized intercellular channels that facilitate the exchange of various molecules, including sugars, ribonucleoprotein complexes, transcription factors, and mRNA. Their diameters, estimated to be 2.5 nm in the neck region, are too small to transfer viruses or viral genomes. Tobacco mosaic virus and Potexviruses are the most extensively studied viruses. In viruses, the movement protein (MP) is responsible for the PD gating that allows the intercellular movement of viral genomes. Various host factors interact with MP to regulate complicated mechanisms related to PD gating. Virus replication and assembly occur in viral replication complex (VRC) with membrane association, especially in the endoplasmic reticulum. VRC have a highly organized structure and are highly regulated by interactions among the various host factors, proteins encoded by the viral genome, and the viral genome. Virus trafficking requires host machineries, such as the cytoskeleton and the secretory systems. MP facilitates the virus replication and movement process. Despite the current level of understanding of virus movement, there are still many unknown and complex interactions between virus replication and virus movement. While numerous studies have been conducted to understand plant viruses with regards to cell-to-cell movement and replication, there are still many knowledge gaps. To study these interactions, adequate research tools must be used such as molecular, and biochemical techniques. Without such tools, virologists will not be able to gain an accurate or detailed understanding of the virus infection process.

The Minimum Open Reading Frame, AUG-Stop, Induces Boron-Dependent Ribosome Stalling and mRNA Degradation

Upstream open reading frames (uORFs) are often translated ahead of the main ORF of a gene and regulate gene expression, sometimes in a condition-dependent manner, but such a role for the minimum uORF (hereafter referred to as AUG-stop) in living organisms is currently unclear. Here, we show that AUG-stop plays an important role in the boron (B)-dependent regulation of NIP5;1, encoding a boric acid channel required for normal growth under low B conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana High B enhanced ribosome stalling at AUG-stop, which was accompanied by the suppression of translation and mRNA degradation. This mRNA degradation was promoted by an upstream conserved sequence present near the 5'-edge of the stalled ribosome. Once ribosomes translate a uORF, reinitiation of translation must take place in order for the downstream ORF to be translated. Our results suggest that reinitiation of translation at the downstream NIP5;1 ORF is enhanced under low B conditions. A genome-wide analysis identified two additional B-responsive genes, SKU5 and the transcription factor gene ABS/NGAL1, which were regulated by B-dependent ribosome stalling through AUG-stop. This regulation was reproduced in both plant and animal transient expression and cell-free translation systems. These findings suggest that B-dependent AUG-stop-mediated regulation is common in eukaryotes.

Recessive Resistance to Plant Viruses: Potential Resistance Genes Beyond Translation Initiation Factors

The ability of plant viruses to propagate their genomes in host cells depends on many host factors. In the absence of an agrochemical that specifically targets plant viral infection cycles, one of the most effective methods for controlling viral diseases in plants is taking advantage of the host plant’s resistance machinery. Recessive resistance is conferred by a recessive gene mutation that encodes a host factor critical for viral infection. It is a branch of the resistance machinery and, as an inherited characteristic, is very durable. Moreover, recessive resistance may be acquired by a deficiency in a negative regulator of plant defense responses, possibly due to the autoactivation of defense signaling. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 4E and eIF4G and their isoforms are the most widely exploited recessive resistance genes in several crop species, and they are effective against a subset of viral species. However, the establishment of efficient, recessive resistance-type antiviral control strategies against a wider range of plant viral diseases requires genetic resources other than eIF4Es. In this review, we focus on recent advances related to antiviral recessive resistance genes evaluated in model plants and several crop species. We also address the roles of next-generation sequencing and genome editing technologies in improving plant genetic resources for recessive resistance-based antiviral breeding in various crop species.

An unrecognized function for COPII components in recruiting the viral replication protein BMV 1a to the perinuclear ER

Positive-strand RNA viruses invariably assemble their viral replication complexes (VRCs) by remodeling host intracellular membranes. How viral replication proteins are targeted to specific organelle membranes to initiate VRC assembly remains elusive. Brome mosaic virus (BMV), whose replication can be recapitulated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, assembles its VRCs by invaginating the outer perinuclear endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. Remarkably, BMV replication protein 1a (BMV 1a) is the only viral protein required for such membrane remodeling. We show that ER-vesicle protein of 14 kD (Erv14), a cargo receptor of coat protein complex II (COPII), interacts with BMV 1a. Moreover, the perinuclear ER localization of BMV 1a is disrupted in cells lacking ERV14 or expressing dysfunctional COPII coat components (Sec13, Sec24 or Sec31). The requirement of Erv14 for the localization of BMV 1a is bypassed by addition of a Sec24-recognizable sorting signal to BMV 1a or by overexpressing Sec24, suggesting a coordinated effort by both Erv14 and Sec24 for the proper localization of BMV 1a. The COPII pathway is well known for being involved in protein secretion; our data suggest that a subset of COPII coat proteins have an unrecognized role in targeting proteins to the perinuclear ER membrane.

Replication of Tobamovirus RNA

Tobacco mosaic virus and other tobamoviruses have served as models for studying the mechanisms of viral RNA replication. In tobamoviruses, genomic RNA replication occurs via several steps: (a) synthesis of viral replication proteins by translation of the genomic RNA; (b) translation-coupled binding of the replication proteins to a 5'-terminal region of the genomic RNA; (c) recruitment of the genomic RNA by replication proteins onto membranes and formation of a complex with host proteins TOM1 and ARL8; (d) synthesis of complementary (negative-strand) RNA in the complex; and (e) synthesis of progeny genomic RNA. This article reviews current knowledge on tobamovirus RNA replication, particularly regarding how the genomic RNA is specifically selected as a replication template and how the replication proteins are activated. We also focus on the roles of the replication proteins in evading or suppressing host defense systems.

Viruses roll the dice: the stochastic behavior of viral genome molecules accelerates viral adaptation at the cell and tissue levels

Recent studies on evolutionarily distant viral groups have shown that the number of viral genomes that establish cell infection after cell-to-cell transmission is unexpectedly small (1-20 genomes). This aspect of viral infection appears to be important for the adaptation and survival of viruses. To clarify how the number of viral genomes that establish cell infection is determined, we developed a simulation model of cell infection for tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), a positive-strand RNA virus. The model showed that stochastic processes that govern the replication or degradation of individual genomes result in the infection by a small number of genomes, while a large number of infectious genomes are introduced in the cell. It also predicted two interesting characteristics regarding cell infection patterns: stochastic variation among cells in the number of viral genomes that establish infection and stochastic inequality in the accumulation of their progenies in each cell. Both characteristics were validated experimentally by inoculating tobacco cells with a library of nucleotide sequence-tagged ToMV and analyzing the viral genomes that accumulated in each cell using a high-throughput sequencer. An additional simulation model revealed that these two characteristics enhance selection during tissue infection. The cell infection model also predicted a mechanism that enhances selection at the cellular level: a small difference in the replication abilities of coinfected variants results in a large difference in individual accumulation via the multiple-round formation of the replication complex (i.e., the replication machinery). Importantly, this predicted effect was observed in vivo. The cell infection model was robust to changes in the parameter values, suggesting that other viruses could adopt similar adaptation mechanisms. Taken together, these data reveal a comprehensive picture of viral infection processes including replication, cell-to-cell transmission, and evolution, which are based on the stochastic behavior of the viral genome molecules in each cell.

Mechanisms of tomato mosaic virus RNA replication and its inhibition by the host resistance factor Tm-1

In the plant immune system, sensor proteins encoded by dominant resistance genes activate a defense response upon pathogen infection. The tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) resistance gene Tm-1 is exceptional in that it inhibits ToMV multiplication without inducing a defense response. Several lines of evidence had suggested that Tm-1 encodes a direct inhibitor of ToMV RNA replication. The Tm-1 gene product was identified by purification of an inhibitor protein using a cell-free translation and replication system for ToMV RNA. Further analyses using the system showed that Tm-1 bound ToMV replication proteins, and that the Tm-1-bound ToMV replication proteins retained the ability to bind membranes, while Tm-1 inhibited replication complex formation on the membranes.

Microtubules in viral replication and transport

Viruses use and subvert host cell mechanisms to support their replication and spread between cells, tissues and organisms. Microtubules and associated motor proteins play important roles in these processes in animal systems, and may also play a role in plants. Although transport processes in plants are mostly actin based, studies, in particular with Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and its movement protein (MP), indicate direct or indirect roles of microtubules in the cell-to-cell spread of infection. Detailed observations suggest that microtubules participate in the cortical anchorage of viral replication complexes, in guiding their trafficking along the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/actin network, and also in developing the complexes into virus factories. Microtubules also play a role in the plant-to-plant transmission of Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) by assisting in the development of specific virus-induced inclusions that facilitate viral uptake by aphids. The involvement of microtubules in the formation of virus factories and of other virus-induced inclusions suggests the existence of aggresomal pathways by which plant cells recruit membranes and proteins into localized macromolecular assemblies. Although studies related to the involvement of microtubules in the interaction of viruses with plants focus on specific virus models, a number of observations with other virus species suggest that microtubules may have a widespread role in viral pathogenesis.

Plant immune responses against viruses: how does a virus cause disease?

Plants respond to pathogens using elaborate networks of genetic interactions. Recently, significant progress has been made in understanding RNA silencing and how viruses counter this apparently ubiquitous antiviral defense. In addition, plants also induce hypersensitive and systemic acquired resistance responses, which together limit the virus to infected cells and impart resistance to the noninfected tissues. Molecular processes such as the ubiquitin proteasome system and DNA methylation are also critical to antiviral defenses. Here, we provide a summary and update of advances in plant antiviral immune responses, beyond RNA silencing mechanisms-advances that went relatively unnoticed in the realm of RNA silencing and nonviral immune responses. We also document the rise of Brachypodium and Setaria species as model grasses to study antiviral responses in Poaceae, aspects that have been relatively understudied, despite grasses being the primary source of our calories, as well as animal feed, forage, recreation, and biofuel needs in the 21st century. Finally, we outline critical gaps, future prospects, and considerations central to studying plant antiviral immunity. To promote an integrated model of plant immunity, we discuss analogous viral and nonviral immune concepts and propose working definitions of viral effectors, effector-triggered immunity, and viral pathogen-triggered immunity.

The cell biology of Tobacco mosaic virus replication and movement

Successful systemic infection of a plant by Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) requires three processes that repeat over time: initial establishment and accumulation in invaded cells, intercellular movement, and systemic transport. Accumulation and intercellular movement of TMV necessarily involves intracellular transport by complexes containing virus and host proteins and virus RNA during a dynamic process that can be visualized. Multiple membranes appear to assist TMV accumulation, while membranes, microfilaments and microtubules appear to assist TMV movement. Here we review cell biological studies that describe TMV-membrane, -cytoskeleton, and -other host protein interactions which influence virus accumulation and movement in leaves and callus tissue. The importance of understanding the developmental phase of the infection in relationship to the observed virus-membrane or -host protein interaction is emphasized. Utilizing the latest observations of TMV-membrane and -host protein interactions within our evolving understanding of the infection ontogeny, a model for TMV accumulation and intracellular spread in a cell biological context is provided.

Guanylylation-competent replication proteins of Tomato mosaic virus are disulfide-linked

The 130-kDa and 180-kDa replication proteins of Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) covalently bind guanylate and transfer it to the 5' end of RNA to form a cap. We found that guanylylation-competent ToMV replication proteins are in membrane-bound, disulfide-linked complexes. Guanylylation-competent replication proteins of Brome mosaic virus and Cucumber mosaic virus behaved similarly. To investigate the roles of disulfide bonding in the functioning of ToMV replication proteins, each of the 19 cysteine residues in the 130-kDa protein was replaced by a serine residue. Interestingly, three mutant proteins (C179S, C186S and C581S) failed not only to be guanylylated, but also to bind to the replication template and membranes. These mutants could trans-complement viral RNA replication. Considering that ToMV replication proteins recognize the replication templates, bind membranes, and are guanylylated in the cytoplasm that provides a reducing condition, we discuss the roles of cysteine residues and disulfide bonds in ToMV RNA replication.

A host small GTP-binding protein ARL8 plays crucial roles in tobamovirus RNA replication

Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), like other eukaryotic positive-strand RNA viruses, replicates its genomic RNA in replication complexes formed on intracellular membranes. Previous studies showed that a host seven-pass transmembrane protein TOM1 is necessary for efficient ToMV multiplication. Here, we show that a small GTP-binding protein ARL8, along with TOM1, is co-purified with a FLAG epitope-tagged ToMV 180K replication protein from solubilized membranes of ToMV-infected tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) cells. When solubilized membranes of ToMV-infected tobacco cells that expressed FLAG-tagged ARL8 were subjected to immunopurification with anti-FLAG antibody, ToMV 130K and 180K replication proteins and TOM1 were co-purified and the purified fraction showed RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity that transcribed ToMV RNA. From uninfected cells, TOM1 co-purified with FLAG-tagged ARL8 less efficiently, suggesting that a complex containing ToMV replication proteins, TOM1, and ARL8 are formed on membranes in infected cells. In Arabidopsis thaliana, ARL8 consists of four family members. Simultaneous mutations in two specific ARL8 genes completely inhibited tobamovirus multiplication. In an in vitro ToMV RNA translation-replication system, the lack of either TOM1 or ARL8 proteins inhibited the production of replicative-form RNA, indicating that TOM1 and ARL8 are required for efficient negative-strand RNA synthesis. When ToMV 130K protein was co-expressed with TOM1 and ARL8 in yeast, RNA 5'-capping activity was detected in the membrane fraction. This activity was undetectable or very weak when the 130K protein was expressed alone or with either TOM1 or ARL8. Taken together, these results suggest that TOM1 and ARL8 are components of ToMV RNA replication complexes and play crucial roles in a process toward activation of the replication proteins' RNA synthesizing and capping functions.

Wrapping membranes around plant virus infection

Positive strand RNA viruses cause membrane modifications which are microenvironments or larger intracellular compartments, also called 'viroplasms'. These compartments serve to concentrate virus and host factors needed to produce new genomes. Forming these replication sites often involves virus induced membrane synthesis, changes in fatty acid metabolism, and viral recruitment of cellular factors to subcellular domains. Interacting viral and host factors builds the physical scaffold for replication complexes. Such virus induced changes are a visible cytopathology that has been used by plant and mammalian virologists to describe virus disease. This article describes key examples of membrane modifications that are essential for plant virus replication and intercellular transport.

Arabidopsis cell-free extract, ACE, a new in vitro translation system derived from Arabidopsis callus cultures

The analysis of post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms in plants has benefited greatly from the use of cell-free extract systems. Arabidopsis as a model system provides extensive genetic resources; however, to date a suitable cell-free translation system from Arabidopsis has not been available. In this study, we devised an Arabidopsis cell-free extract (ACE) to be used for in vitro translation studies. Protoplasts were prepared from callus cultures derived from Arabidopsis seedlings, and cell-free extracts were prepared after evacuolation of the protoplasts by Percoll gradient centrifugation. The new ACE system exhibits translation activity comparable with that of the wheat germ extract system. We demonstrated that ACE prepared from the 5'-3' exoribonuclease-deficient mutant of Arabidopsis, xrn4-5, exhibited increased stability of an uncapped mRNA as compared with that from wild-type Arabidopsis. We applied the ACE system to study post-transcriptional regulation of AtCGS1. AtCGS1 codes for cystathionine γ-synthase (CGS) that catalyzes the first committed step of methionine and S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) biosynthesis in plants, and is feedback regulated by mRNA degradation coupled with translation elongation arrest. The ACE system was capable of reproducing translation elongation arrest and subsequent AtCGS1 mRNA degradation that are induced by AdoMet. The ACE system described here can be prepared in a month after seed sowing and will make it possible to study post-transcriptional regulation of plant genes while taking advantage of the genetics of Arabidopsis.

Recessive resistance to plant viruses

About half of the approximately 200 known virus resistance genes in plants are recessively inherited, suggesting that this form of resistance is more common for viruses than for other plant pathogens. The use of such genes is therefore a very important tool in breeding programs to control plant diseases caused by pathogenic viruses. Over the last few years, the detailed analysis of many host/virus combinations has substantially advanced basic research on recessive resistance mechanisms in crop species. This type of resistance is preferentially expressed in protoplasts and inoculated leaves, influencing virus multiplication at the single-cell level as well as cell-to-cell movement. Importantly, a growing number of recessive resistance genes have been cloned from crop species, and further analysis has shown them all to encode translation initiation factors of the 4E (eIF4E) and 4G (eIF4G) families. However, not all of the loss-of-susceptibility mutants identified in collections of mutagenized hosts correspond to mutations in eIF4E and eIF4G. This, together with other supporting data, suggests that more extensive characterization of the natural variability of resistance genes may identify new host factors conferring recessive resistance. In this chapter, we discuss the recent work carried out to characterize loss-of-susceptibility and recessive resistance genes in crop and model species. We review actual and probable recessive resistance mechanisms, and bring the chapter to a close by summarizing the current state-of-the-art and offering perspectives on potential future developments.

Identification of an Arabidopsis thaliana protein that binds to tomato mosaic virus genomic RNA and inhibits its multiplication

The genomic RNAs of positive-strand RNA viruses carry RNA elements that play positive, or in some cases, negative roles in virus multiplication by interacting with viral and cellular proteins. In this study, we purified Arabidopsis thaliana proteins that specifically bind to 5' or 3' terminal regions of tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) genomic RNA, which contain important regulatory elements for translation and RNA replication, and identified these proteins by mass spectrometry analyses. One of these host proteins, named BTR1, harbored three heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K-homology RNA-binding domains and preferentially bound to RNA fragments that contained a sequence around the initiation codon of the 130K and 180K replication protein genes. The knockout and overexpression of BTR1 specifically enhanced and inhibited, respectively, ToMV multiplication in inoculated A. thaliana leaves, while such effect was hardly detectable in protoplasts. These results suggest that BTR1 negatively regulates the local spread of ToMV.

An inhibitor of viral RNA replication is encoded by a plant resistance gene

The tomato Tm-1 gene confers resistance to tomato mosaic virus (ToMV). Here, we report that the extracts of Tm-1 tomato cells (GCR237) have properties that inhibit the in vitro RNA replication of WT ToMV more strongly than that of the Tm-1-resistance-breaking mutant of ToMV, LT1. We purified this inhibitory activity and identified a polypeptide of approximately 80 kDa (p80(GCR237)) using LC-tandem MS. The amino acid sequence of p80(GCR237) had no similarity to any characterized proteins. The p80(GCR237) gene cosegregated with Tm-1; transgenic expression of p80(GCR237) conferred resistance to ToMV within tomato plants; and the knockdown of p80(GCR237) sensitized Tm-1 tomato plants to ToMV, indicating that Tm-1 encodes p80(GCR237) itself. We further show that in vitro-synthesized Tm-1 (p80(GCR237)) protein binds to the replication proteins of WT ToMV and inhibits their function at a step before, but not after, the viral replication complex is formed on the membrane surfaces. Such binding was not observed for the replication proteins of LT1. These results suggest that Tm-1 (p80(GCR237)) inhibits the replication of WT ToMV RNA through binding to the replication proteins.

Identification of a ribonucleoprotein intermediate of tomato mosaic virus RNA replication complex formation

The replication of eukaryotic positive-strand RNA virus genomes occurs in the membrane-bound RNA replication complexes. Previously, we found that the extract of evacuolated tobacco BY-2 protoplasts (BYL) is capable of supporting the translation and subsequent replication of the genomic RNAs of plant positive-strand RNA viruses, including Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV). Here, to dissect the process that precedes the formation of ToMV RNA replication complexes, we prepared membrane-depleted BYL (mdBYL), in which the membranes were removed by centrifugation. In mdBYL, ToMV RNA was translated to produce the 130-kDa and 180-kDa replication proteins, but the synthesis of any ToMV-related RNAs did not occur. When BYL membranes were added back to the ToMV RNA-translated mdBYL after the termination of translation with puromycin, ToMV RNA was replicated. Using a replication-competent ToMV derivative that encodes the FLAG-tagged 180-kDa replication protein, it was shown by affinity purification that a complex that contained the 130-kDa and 180-kDa proteins and ToMV genomic RNA was formed after translation in mdBYL. When the complex was mixed with BYL membranes, ToMV RNA was replicated, which suggests that this ribonucleoprotein complex is an intermediate of ToMV RNA replication complex formation. We have named this ribonucleoprotein complex the "pre-membrane-targeting complex." Our data suggest that the formation of the pre-membrane-targeting complex is coupled with the translation of ToMV RNA, while posttranslationally added exogenous 180-kDa protein and replication templates can contribute to replication and can be replicated, respectively. Based on these results, we discuss the mechanisms of ToMV RNA replication complex formation.

Involvement of THH1, an Arabidopsis thaliana homologue of the TOM1 gene, in tobamovirus multiplication

The TOM1 and TOM3 genes of Arabidopsis thaliana encode homologous proteins that are required for tobamovirus multiplication. Although the A. thaliana genome encodes another TOM1-like gene, THH1, the tobamovirus coat protein (CP) does not accumulate to a detectable level in the tom1 tom3 double mutant. Here, double and triple mutants of tom1, tom3 and thh1 were generated to investigate whether THH1 functions to support tobamovirus multiplication. In the tom1 thh1 double mutant, the tobamovirus CP accumulated to a level that was detectable, but lower than that in the tom1 single mutant. In tom1 tom3 double-mutant lines overexpressing THH1, the tobamovirus CP accumulated to a level similar to that observed in wild-type plants. These results suggest that THH1 supports tobamovirus multiplication, but to a lesser extent than TOM1 and TOM3. The expression level of THH1 is lower than that of TOM1 and TOM3, which might explain the smaller contribution of THH1 to tobamovirus multiplication.

Interactions between virus proteins and host cell membranes during the viral life cycle

The structure and function of cells are critically dependent on membranes, which not only separate the interior of the cell from its environment but also define the internal compartments. It is therefore not surprising that the major steps of the life cycle of viruses of animals and plants also depend on cellular membranes. Indeed, interactions of viral proteins with host cell membranes are important for viruses to enter into host cells, replicate their genome, and produce progeny particles. To replicate its genome, a virus first needs to cross the plasma membrane. Some viruses can also modify intracellular membranes of host cells to create a compartment in which genome replication will take place. Finally, some viruses acquire an envelope, which is derived either from the plasma membrane or an internal membrane of the host cell. This paper reviews recent findings on the interactions of viral proteins with host cell membranes during the viral life cycle.

Replication of positive-strand RNA viruses in plants: contact points between plant and virus components

Positive-strand RNA viruses constitute the largest group of plant viruses and have an important impact on world agriculture. These viruses have small genomes that encode a limited number of proteins and depend on their hosts to complete the various steps of their replication cycle. In this review, the contact points between positive-strand RNA plant viruses and their hosts, which are necessary for the translation and replication of the viral genomes, are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the description of viral replication complexes that are associated with specific membranous compartments derived from plant intracellular membranes and contain viral RNAs and proteins as well as a variety of host proteins. These complexes are assembled via an intricate network of protein–protein, protein–membrane, and protein–RNA interactions. The role of host factors in regulating the assembly, stability, and activity of viral replication complexes are also discussed.

Tobamovirus-resistant tobacco generated by RNA interference directed against host genes

Two homologous Nicotiana tabacum genes NtTOM1 and NtTOM3 have been identified. These genes encode polypeptides with amino acid sequence similarity to Arabidopsis thaliana TOM1 and TOM3, which function in parallel to support tobamovirus multiplication. Simultaneous RNA interference against NtTOM1 and NtTOM3 in N. tabacum resulted in nearly complete inhibition of the multiplication of Tomato mosaic virus and other tobamoviruses, but did not affect plant growth or the ability of Cucumber mosaic virus to multiply. As TOM1 and TOM3 homologues are present in a variety of plant species, their inhibition via RNA interference should constitute a useful method for generating tobamovirus-resistant plants.

Genetics of plant virus resistance

Genetic resistance to plant viruses has been used for at least 80 years to control agricultural losses to viral diseases. To date, hundreds of naturally occurring genes for resistance to plant viruses have been reported from studies of both monocot and dicot crops, their wild relatives, and the plant model, Arabidopsis. The isolation and characterization of a few of these genes in the past decade have resulted in detailed knowledge of some of the molecules that are critical in determining the outcome of plant viral infection. In this chapter, we have catalogued genes for resistance to plant viruses and have summarized current knowledge regarding their identity and inheritance. Insofar as information is available, the genetic context, genomic organization, mechanisms of resistance and agricultural deployment of plant virus resistance genes are also discussed.

Advances in understanding recessive resistance to plant viruses

SUMMARY Recent work carried out to characterize recessive mutations which render experimental hosts non-permissive to viral infection (loss-of-susceptibility mutants) seems to be converging with new data on natural recessive resistance in crop species, and also with functional analyses of virus avirulence determinants. Perhaps the most well known examples are the studies that identified the eukaryotic translation initiation factors 4E(iso) (eIF(iso)4E) and 4E(eIF4E) as the host factors required for potyvirus multiplication within experimental and natural hosts, respectively, and the potyviral genome-linked protein (VPg) as the viral factor that directly interacts with eIF4E to promote potyvirus multiplication. The purpose of this paper is to review the available information on the characterization of loss-of-susceptibility mutants in experimental hosts, natural recessive resistances and virus avirulence factors, and also to comment on possible implications for the design of new sources of sustainable virus resistance.

Decay Kinetics of Autogenously Regulated CGS1 mRNA That Codes for Cystathionine γ-Synthase in Arabidopsis thaliana

Cystathionine gamma-synthase (CGS) catalyses the first committed step in methionine (Met) biosynthesis in higher plants. Stability of CGS1 mRNA encoding CGS in Arabidopsis thaliana is regulated by negative feedback in response to Met application and the amino acid sequence of CGS itself acts in cis in this regulation. It is proposed that the regulation occurs during translation when the nascent polypeptide of CGS and its mRNA are in close proximity. This model predicts that inhibition of translation abolishes the regulation. To test this, we analysed the effect of translation inhibitor cycloheximide on the CGS1 mRNA decay. The half-life of CGS1 mRNA after the addition of transcription inhibitor actinomycin D in the absence and presence of 1 mM Met was 154+/-11 min and 81+/-5 min, respectively. Simultaneous addition of actinomycin D and cycloheximide stabilized CGS1 mRNA both in the presence and absence of Met, as essentially no decrease of CGS1 mRNA was observed. Moreover, cycloheximide treatment inhibited production of the truncated CGS1 RNA species, a possible degradation intermediate. These results indicated that inhibition of translation abolishes the CGS1 mRNA-specific decay process. Kinetic analyses indicated that about half the CGS1 mRNA is destined to CGS1 mRNA-specific decay when 1 mM Met was applied.

Cross-protection in Arabidopsis against crucifer tobamovirus Cg by an attenuated strain of the virus

SUMMARY Cross-protection is a procedure that has been utilized to protect crops against virulent strains of viruses by pre-treatment with closely related attenuated strains of the virus. We constructed a mutant of crucifer tobamovirus Cg, which is analogous to L(11)A, an attenuated strain of Tomato mosaic virus-L (ToMV-L). This mutant, named CgYD, caused few disease symptoms and could spread throughout Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 plants. Initial infection with CgYD was shown to efficiently cross-protect against a challenge with wild-type Cg. Thus, we have established in Arabidopsis a powerful system for investigating mechanisms of cross-protection. Using this system, we showed that cross-protection was not overcome, even if a higher concentration of the virion, or purified virion RNA, were used in the challenge. We also demonstrated that cross-protection requires that the second virus be very similar in sequence to Cg, which is a characteristic of RNA silencing. However the RNA dependent RNA polymerase SDE1/SGS2 associated with post-transcriptional gene silencing was not required for cross-protection.

Turnip vein-clearing virus, from pathogen to host expression profile

SUMMARY Taxonomy: Turnip vein-clearing virus (TVCV) is a member of subgroup 3 of the Tobamovirus genus and is thus a member of the alphavirus-like supergroup of positive sense RNA-containing viruses. Physical properties: Virions, typical of tobamoviruses, are rod-shaped and consist of a single species of four-helix bundle capsid proteins of 17 kDa helically arranged around a 6.3 knt RNA which accounts for 5% of the virion mass. Virions are stable for years. Hosts: Members of the crucifer family are excellent hosts. Particularly noteworthy is that hosts include the model plant for molecular genetics, Arabidopsis thaliana. No non-mechanical vectors of transmission are known.

Arabidopsis TOBAMOVIRUS MULTIPLICATION (TOM) 2 locus encodes a transmembrane protein that interacts with TOM1

The tom2-1 mutation of Arabidopsis thaliana reduces the efficiency of intracellular multiplication of tobamoviruses. The tom2-1 mutant was derived from fast-neutron-irradiated seeds, and the original mutant line also carries ttm1, a dominant modifier that increases tobamovirus multiplication efficiency in a tobamovirus-strain-specific manner in the tom2-1 genetic background. Here, we show that the tom2-1 mutation involved a deletion of approximately 20 kb in the nuclear genome. The deleted region included two genes named TOM2A and TOM2B that were both associated with the tom2-1 phenotype, whereas ttm1 corresponded to the translocation of part of the deleted region that included intact TOM2B but not TOM2A. TOM2A encodes a 280 amino acid putative four-pass transmembrane protein with a C-terminal farnesylation signal, while TOM2B encodes a 122 amino acid basic protein. The split-ubiquitin assay demonstrated an interaction of TOM2A both with itself and with TOM1, an integral membrane protein of A.thaliana presumed to be an essential constituent of tobamovirus replication complex. The data presented here suggest that TOM2A is also an integral part of the tobamovirus replication complex.

Subcellular localization of host and viral proteins associated with tobamovirus RNA replication

Arabidopsis TOM1 (AtTOM1) and TOM2A (AtTOM2A) are integral membrane proteins genetically identified to be necessary for efficient intracellular multiplication of tobamoviruses. AtTOM1 interacts with the helicase domain polypeptide of tobamovirus-encoded replication proteins and with AtTOM2A, suggesting that both AtTOM1 and AtTOM2A are integral components of the tobamovirus replication complex. We show here that AtTOM1 and AtTOM2A proteins tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) are targeted to the vacuolar membrane (tonoplast)-like structures in plant cells. In subcellular fractionation analyses, GFP-AtTOM2A, AtTOM2A and its tobacco homolog NtTOM2A were predominantly fractionated to low-density tonoplast-rich fractions, whereas AtTOM1-GFP, AtTOM1 and its tobacco homolog NtTOM1 were distributed mainly into the tonoplast-rich fractions and partially into higher-buoyant-density fractions containing membranes from several other organelles. The tobamovirus-encoded replication proteins were co-fractionated with both NtTOM1 and viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity. The replication proteins were also found in the fractions containing non-membrane-bound proteins, but neither NtTOM1 nor the polymerase activity was detected there. These observations suggest that the formation of tobamoviral RNA replication complex occurs on TOM1-containing membranes and is facilitated by TOM2A.

Identification of a short highly conserved amino acid sequence as the functional region required for posttranscriptional autoregulation of the cystathionine gamma-synthase gene in Arabidopsis

Cystathionine gamma-synthase (CGS) catalyzes the first committed step of Met biosynthesis in plants. We have previously shown that expression of the gene for CGS is feedback-regulated at the level of mRNA stability, and that the amino acid sequence encoded by the first exon of the CGS gene itself is responsible for the regulation (Chiba, Y., Ishikawa, M., Kijima, F., Tyson, R. H., Kim, J., Yamamoto, A., Nambara, E., Leustek, T., Wallsgrove, R. M., and Naito, S. (1999) Science 286, 1371-1374). To identify the functional region within CGS exon 1, deletion analysis was performed. The results showed that the 41-amino acid region of exon 1 highly conserved among plants is necessary and sufficient for the regulation. Analyses of in vivo and in vitro generated mutations that abolish the regulation identified the functionally important amino acids as 11-13 residues within this conserved region. The importance of these residues was confirmed by deletion analysis within the conserved region. These studies identified the functional region of CGS exon 1 required for the posttranscriptional autoregulation of the CGS gene as (A)RRNCSNIGVAQ(I), with uncertainty of the first and last residues. This sequence is almost perfectly conserved among CGS sequences of higher plants but cannot be found elsewhere in the public databases.

A nuclear localization signal and a membrane association domain contribute to the cellular localization of the Tobacco mosaic virus 126-kDa replicase protein

A transient expression system using onion epidermal cells was used to investigate domains of the Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) 126-kDa replicase protein involved in cellular localization. Initially, a nuclear localization signal (NLS), identified within the amino-terminus of the 126-kDa protein, was investigated for its functionality using fusion constructs containing the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Fusion of the amino-terminal 70 amino acids of the 126-kDa protein, containing the NLS, to a beta-glucuronidase-GFP open reading frame (ORF), directed the accumulation of fluorescence to the nucleus. In contrast, similar constructs lacking the NLS or containing a mutated NLS sequence failed to accumulate within the nucleus. Additional investigations using GFP fusion constructs containing the first 178 or 388 amino acids of the 126-kDa protein also displayed nuclear localization. However, fusion constructs encoding the first 781 amino acids or the entire 126-kDa ORF did not accumulate within the nucleus but instead associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), forming spot-like inclusions. Thus, a dominant ER association domain exists between amino acids 388 and 781 of the 126-kDa protein. Interestingly, a full-length 126-kDa GFP fusion construct encoding a nonfunctional NLS mutation also localized to the ER but did not form inclusions. Furthermore, a TMV mutant containing the same nonfunctional NLS mutation failed to replicate in protoplasts. Together these findings suggest that both the NLS and the ER retention domain contribute to the functional localization of the 126-kDa protein.

Complete inhibition of tobamovirus multiplication by simultaneous mutations in two homologous host genes

The TOM1 gene of Arabidopsis thaliana encodes a putative multipass transmembrane protein which is necessary for the efficient multiplication of tobamoviruses. We have previously shown that mutations severely destructive to the TOM1 gene reduce tobamovirus multiplication to low levels but do not impair it completely. In this report, we subjected one of the tom1 mutants (tom1-1) to another round of mutagenesis and isolated a new mutant which did not permit a detectable level of tobamovirus multiplication. In addition to tom1-1, this mutant carried a mutation referred to as tom3-1. Positional cloning showed that TOM3 was one of two TOM1-like genes in Arabidopsis. Based on the similarity between the amino acid sequences of TOM1 and TOM3, together with the results of a Sos recruitment assay suggesting that both TOM1 and TOM3 bind tobamovirus-encoded replication proteins, we propose that TOM1 and TOM3 play parallel and essential roles in the replication of tobamoviruses.

Tobacco mosaic virus, not just a single component virus anymore

Summary Taxonomy: Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is the type species of the Tobamovirus genus and a member of the alphavirus-like supergroup. Historically, many tobamoviruses are incorrectly called strains of TMV, although they can differ considerably in sequence similarities and host range from each other and from TMV. Physical properties: TMV virions are 300 x 18 nm rods with a central hollow cavity (Fig. 1) and are composed of 95% capsid protein (CP), and 5% RNA. Each CP subunit interacts with 3-nts in a helical arrangement around the RNA. Virions are stable for decades; infectivity in sap survives heating to 90 degrees C. Hosts: The natural host range of TMV is limited; however, a broad range of weed and crop species, mostly Solanaceae that includes tobacco, pepper and tomato can be infected experimentally [Holmes, F.O. (1946) A comparison of the experimental host ranges of tobacco etch and tobacco mosaic viruses. Phytopathology, 36, 643-657]. TMV distribution is worldwide. No biological vectors are known. Useful website: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ICTVdb/ICTVdB/71010001.htm.

Susceptibility and symptom development in Arabidopsis thaliana to Tobacco mosaic virus is influenced by virus cell-to-cell movement

To identify host factors that regulate susceptibility to Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), 14 Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes were screened for their ability to support TMV systemic movement. The susceptibility phenotypes observed included one ecotype that permitted rapid TMV movement accompanied by symptoms, nine ecotypes that allowed a slower intermediate rate of systemic movement without symptoms, and four ecotypes that allowed little or no systemic TMV movement. Molecular comparisons between ecotypes representing the rapid (Shahdara), intermediate (Col-1), and slow (Tsu-1) movement phenotypes revealed a positive correlation between the ability of TMV to move cell to cell and its speed of systemic movement. Additionally, protoplasts prepared from all three ecotypes supported similar levels of TMV replication, indicating that viral replication did not account for differences in systemic movement. Furthermore, induction of the pathogenesis-related genes PR-1 and PR-5 occurred only in the highly susceptible ecotype Shahdara, demonstrating that reduced local and systemic movement in Col-1 and Tsu-1 was not due to the activation of known host defense responses. Genetic analysis of F2 progeny derived from crosses made between Shahdara and Tsu-1 or Col-1 and Tsu-1 showed the faster cell-to-cell movement phenotypes of Shahdara and Col-1 segregated as single dominant genes. In addition, the Shahdara symptom phenotype segregated independently as a single recessive gene. Taken together, these findings suggest that, within Arabidopsis ecotypes, at least two genes modulate susceptibility to TMV.

TOM1, an Arabidopsis gene required for efficient multiplication of a tobamovirus, encodes a putative transmembrane protein

Host-encoded factors play an important role in virus multiplication, acting in concert with virus-encoded factors. However, information regarding the host factors involved in this process is limited. Here we report the map-based cloning of an Arabidopsis thaliana gene, TOM1, which is necessary for the efficient multiplication of tobamoviruses, positive-strand RNA viruses infecting a wide variety of plants. The TOM1 mRNA is suggested to encode a 291-aa polypeptide that is predicted to be a multipass transmembrane protein. The Sos recruitment assay supported the hypothesis that TOM1 is associated with membranes, and in addition, that TOM1 interacts with the helicase domain of tobamovirus-encoded replication proteins. Taken into account that the tobamovirus replication complex is associated with membranes, we propose that TOM1 participates in the in vivo formation of the replication complex by serving as a membrane anchor.

Post-transcriptional gene silencing mutants

It has been known for more than a decade that increasing the gene copy number does not necessarily lead to increased gene activity. Plants have developed efficient mechanisms such as post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) to regulate abnormal gene expression in a sequence-specific fashion. PTGS of (trans)genes can be inhibited by non-homologous viruses, and PTGS-impaired mutants can be hypersensitive to such viruses, indicating that in plants this mechanism is triggered to protect against viral invasion. Genetic analysis of a related phenomenon, quelling, in Neurospora has led to the identification of two genes encoding proteins that share homologies with RNA-dependent RNA polymerases and with DNA helicases. This finding reinforces previous models in which PTGS involves RNA molecules complementary to the RNA species targeted for degradation. Insight into the mechanisms of PTGS may also be obtained in other distant organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans in which a related phenomenon, RNA interference, has been genetically studied, leading to the identification of two genes encoding proteins sharing homologies with a translation factor and an RNase D.

An improved protocol for the preparation of protoplasts from an established Arabidopsis thaliana cell suspension culture and infection with RNA of turnip yellow mosaic tymovirus: a simple and reliable method

An improved method for preparation of protoplasts of Arabidopsis thaliana cells grown in suspension culture is presented. This method is fast, reliable and can be used for the production of virtually an unlimited number of protoplasts at any time. These protoplasts can be transformed efficiently with RNA from turnip yellow mosaic tymovirus (TYMV) by polyethyleneglycol-mediated transfection. The simple transfection procedure has been optimized at various steps. Replication of TYMV can be monitored routinely by detection of the coat protein in as few as 2 x 10(4) infected protoplasts.

Evidence for autoregulation of cystathionine gamma-synthase mRNA stability in Arabidopsis

Control of messenger RNA (mRNA) stability serves as an important mechanism for regulating gene expression. Analysis of Arabidopsis mutants that overaccumulate soluble methionine (Met) revealed that the gene for cystathionine gamma-synthase (CGS), the key enzyme in Met biosynthesis, is regulated at the level of mRNA stability. Transfection experiments with wild-type and mutant forms of the CGS gene suggest that an amino acid sequence encoded by the first exon of CGS acts in cis to destabilize its own mRNA in a process that is activated by Met or one of its metabolites.

Isolation from tobacco mosaic virus-infected tobacco of a solubilized template-specific RNA-dependent RNA polymerase containing a 126K/183K protein heterodimer

The complete nucleotide sequence was determined for the putative RNA polymerase (183K protein) gene of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) OM strain, which differed from the related strain, vulgare, by 51 positions in its nucleotide sequence and 6 residues in its amino acid sequence. Three segments of this 183K protein, each containing the sequence motif of methyltransferase (M), helicase (H), or RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (P), were expressed in Escherichia coli as fusion proteins with hexahistidine tags, and domain-specific antibodies were raised against purified His-tagged M and P polypeptides. By immunoaffinity purification, a template-specific RNA-dependent RNA polymerase containing a heterodimer of the full-length 183K and 126K (an amino-terminal-proximal portion of the 183K protein) viral proteins was isolated. We propose that the TMV RNA polymerase for minus-strand RNA synthesis is composed of one molecule each of the 183- and 126-kDa proteins, possibly together with two or more host proteins.

Replication of tobacco mosaic virus RNA

The replication of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) RNA involves synthesis of a negative-strand RNA using the genomic positive-strand RNA as a template, followed by the synthesis of positive-strand RNA on the negative-strand RNA templates. Intermediates of replication isolated from infected cells include completely double-stranded RNA (replicative form) and partly double-stranded and partly single-stranded RNA (replicative intermediate), but it is not known whether these structures are double-stranded or largely single-stranded in vivo. The synthesis of negative strands ceases before that of positive strands, and positive and negative strands may be synthesized by two different polymerases. The genomic-length negative strand also serves as a template for the synthesis of subgenomic mRNAs for the virus movement and coat proteins. Both the virus-encoded 126-kDa protein, which has amino-acid sequence motifs typical of methyltransferases and helicases, and the 183-kDa protein, which has additional motifs characteristic of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, are required for efficient TMV RNA replication. Purified TMV RNA polymerase also contains a host protein serologically related to the RNA-binding subunit of the yeast translational initiation factor, eIF3. Study of Arabidopsis mutants defective in RNA replication indicates that at least two host proteins are needed for TMV RNA replication. The tomato resistance gene Tm-1 may also encode a mutant form of a host protein component of the TMV replicase. TMV replicase complexes are located on the endoplasmic reticulum in close association with the cytoskeleton in cytoplasmic bodies called viroplasms, which mature to produce 'X bodies'. Viroplasms are sites of both RNA replication and protein synthesis, and may provide compartments in which the various stages of the virus mutiplication cycle (protein synthesis, RNA replication, virus movement, encapsidation) are localized and coordinated. Membranes may also be important for the configuration of the replicase with respect to initiation of RNA synthesis, and synthesis and release of progeny single-stranded RNA.

Selectable viruses and altered susceptibility mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana

The genetic basis for susceptibility or nonsusceptibility of plants to viruses is understood poorly. Two selectable tobacco etch virus (TEV) strains were developed for identification of Arabidopsis thaliana mutants with either gain-of-susceptibility or loss-of-susceptibility phenotypes. These strains conferred a conditional-survival phenotype to Arabidopsis based on systemic expression of herbicide resistance or proherbicide sensitivity genes, thereby facilitating mass selections and screens for Arabidopsis mutants that enhance or suppress TEV replication, cell-to-cell movement, or long-distance movement. A multicomponent mechanism that restricts systemic invasion of TEV was identified through isolation of gain-of-susceptibility mutants with alterations at two loci.

Isolation of an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant in which the multiplication of both cucumber mosaic virus and turnip crinkle virus is affected

During the systemic infection of plants by viruses, host factors play an important role in supporting virus multiplication. To identify and characterize the host factors involved in this process, we isolated an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant named RB663, in which accumulation of the coat protein (CP) of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in upper uninoculated leaves was delayed. Genetic analyses suggested that the phenotype of delayed accumulation of CMV CP in RB663 plants was controlled by a monogenic, recessive mutation designated cum2-1, which is located on chromosome III and is distinct from the previously characterized cum1 mutation. Multiplication of CMV was delayed in inoculated leaves of RB663 plants, whereas the multiplication in RB663 protoplasts was similar to that in wild-type protoplasts. This suggests that the cum2-1 mutation affects the cell-to-cell movement of CMV rather than CMV replication within a single cell. In RB663 plants, the multiplication of turnip crinkle virus (TCV) was also delayed but that of tobacco mosaic virus was not affected. As observed with CMV, the multiplication of TCV was normal in protoplasts and delayed in inoculated leaves of RB663 plants compared to that in wild-type plants. Furthermore, the phenotype of delayed TCV multiplication cosegregated with the cum2-1 mutation as far as we examined. Therefore, the cum2-1 mutation is likely to affect the cell-to-cell movement of both CMV and TCV, implying a common aspect to the mechanisms of cell-to-cell movement in these two distinct viruses.

An Arabidopsis thaliana mutant with virus-inducible phenotype

The role of host factors in plant viral diseases is not well understood. To study this important aspect of plant-pathogen interaction, we identified an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant, designated vid1 (virus-inducible dwarf), with altered responses to viral infection. Specifically, vid1 resembled the wild-type plants when healthy but developed a severely dwarfed phenotype with a loss of apical dominance following infection by a tobamovirus. Genetic segregation showed that the vid1 phenotype is caused by a recessive mutation in a single gene. Since systemic viral infection is thought to interfere with the host plant intercellular transport, we propose that the vid1 mutation affects this transport process. Combination of the mutation and viral infection may disrupt transport of developmental regulators, such as hormones, causing formation of the vid1 phenotype. Indeed, the effect of vid1 mutation was repressed by exogenous application of a plant hormone auxin. Potentially, the vid1 mutant will help characterize the mechanism of virus-plant interaction and formation of plant viral disease symptoms.

Viral invasion and host defense: strategies and counter-strategies

The outcome of infection of plants by viruses is determined by the net effects of compatibility functions and defense responses. Recent advances reveal that viruses have the capacity to modulate host compatibility and defense functions by a variety of mechanisms.

Identification of an Arabidopsis thaliana mutation (vsm1) that restricts systemic movement of tobamoviruses

Following inoculation, many plant viruses spread locally from cell to cell until they reach the vascular system, through which they then move to other parts of the plant, resulting in systemic infection. To isolate host genes involved in systemic transport of plant viruses, ethyl methanesulfonate-mutagenized Arabidopsis thaliana plants were screened for significant delays in the systemic movement of turnip vein clearing virus (TCVC). One such mutant, designated vsm1 (virus systemic movement), was identified. Unlike the wild-type plants, vsm1 did not develop viral disease and did not allow the systemic spread of the virus. The local viral movement within the inoculated vsm1 leaves, however, was not affected. TVCV systemic movement within the vsm1 plants was likely blocked at the step of viral entry into the host plant vasculature from the infected leaf tissue. vsm1 plants also restricted the systemic movement of another tobamovirus but not of an unrelated carmovirus.