Abstract
Nicotiana benthamiana was transformed with the nucleocapsid protein (N) gene of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Out of 17 transgenic lines regenerated, 6 showed virus resistance against TSWV and recombinant Potato virus X containing the N gene (PVX.N) and accumulated relatively low steady-state levels of mRNA of the N transgene, suggesting that the resistance was manifested by a posttranscriptional gene silencing. The targets for RNA degradation in the resistant lines were mainly concentrated in the 3′ portion. Non-transgenic N. benthamiana infected with PVX.N showed resistance to TSWV. On the other hand, no resistance to TSWV was observed in plants infected with PVX containing a sequence non-homologous to TSWV. These results suggest that the protection was RNA-mediated. Both 5′ and 3′ portions of the N gene were shown to be efficient inducers for the RNA-mediated cross-protection. When a non-silenced line was inoculated with recombinant PVX containing various regions of the N gene, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of the N transgene mRNA was observed. Furthermore, it was shown that the 5′ portion of the N gene induced VIGS more efficiently than the 3′ portion.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 717-725 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Plant Science |
Volume | 164 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 1 2003 |
Keywords
- Cross-protection
- Gene silencing
- Nicotiana benthamiana
- Tomato spotted wilt virus
- Virus resistance
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Genetics
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Plant Science