1
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Motorina DM, Galimova YA, Battulina NV, Omelina ES. Systems for Targeted Silencing of Gene Expression and Their Application in Plants and Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5231. [PMID: 38791270 PMCID: PMC11121118 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105231] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, there are a variety of different approaches to the targeted regulation of gene expression. However, most approaches are devoted to the activation of gene transcription, and the methods for gene silencing are much fewer in number. In this review, we describe the main systems used for the targeted suppression of gene expression (including RNA interference (RNAi), chimeric transcription factors, chimeric zinc finger proteins, transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs)-based repressors, optogenetic tools, and CRISPR/Cas-based repressors) and their application in eukaryotes-plants and animals. We consider the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, compare their effectiveness, and discuss the peculiarities of their usage in plant and animal organisms. This review will be useful for researchers in the field of gene transcription suppression and will allow them to choose the optimal method for suppressing the expression of the gene of interest depending on the research object.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Evgeniya S. Omelina
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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2
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Zhao X, Liu Z, Liu Y, Lu M, Xu J, Wu F, Jin W. Development and application of an RNA nanostructure to induce transient RNAi in difficult transgenic plants. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2400024. [PMID: 38797726 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202400024] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The development of RNA interference (RNAi) is crucial for studying plant gene function. Its use, is limited to a few plants with well-established transgenic techniques. Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) introduces exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into plants by spraying, injection, or irrigation, triggering the RNAi pathway to instantly silence target genes. As is a transient RNAi technology that does not rely on transgenic methods, SIGS has significant potential for studying gene function in plants lacking advanced transgenic technology. In this study, to enhance their stability and delivery efficiency, siRNAs were used as structural motifs to construct RNA nanoparticles (NPs) of four shapes: triangle, square, pentagon, and hexagon. These NPs, when synthesized by Escherichia coli, showed that triangular and square shapes accumulated more efficiently than pentagon and hexagon shapes. Bioassays revealed that RNA squares had the highest RNAi efficiency, followed by RNA triangles, with GFP-dsRNA showing the lowest efficiency at 4 and 7 days post-spray. We further explored the use of RNA squares in inducing transient RNAi in plants that are difficult to transform genetically. The results indicated that Panax notoginseng-derived MYB2 (PnMYB2) and Camellia oleifera-derived GUT (CoGUT) were significantly suppressed in P. notoginseng and C. oleifera, respectively, following the application of PnMYB2- and CoGUT-specific RNA squares. These findings suggest that RNA squares are highly effective in SIGS and can be utilized for gene function research in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiayang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhekai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Shaoxing Academy of Biomedicine Co. Ltd., Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Shaoxing Academy of Biomedicine Co. Ltd., Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingdong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Shaoxing Academy of Biomedicine Co. Ltd., Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinfeng Xu
- Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Shaoxing Academy of Biomedicine Co. Ltd., Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fangli Wu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weibo Jin
- Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Shaoxing Academy of Biomedicine Co. Ltd., Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
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3
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Kiselev KV, Suprun AR, Aleynova OA, Ogneva ZV, Dubrovina AS. Simultaneous Application of Several Exogenous dsRNAs for the Regulation of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:541. [PMID: 38498529 PMCID: PMC10893326 DOI: 10.3390/plants13040541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Plant surface treatment with double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) has gained recognition as a promising method for inducing gene silencing and combating plant pathogens. However, the regulation of endogenous plant genes by external dsRNAs has not been sufficiently investigated. Also, the effect of the simultaneous application of multiple gene-specific dsRNAs has not been analyzed. The aim of this study was to exogenously target five genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, namely, three transcription factor genes (AtCPC, AtMybL2, AtANAC032), a calmodulin-binding protein gene (AtCBP60g), and an anthocyanidin reductase gene (AtBAN), which are known as negative regulators of anthocyanin accumulation. Exogenous dsRNAs encoding these genes were applied to the leaf surface of A. thaliana either individually or in mixtures. The mRNA levels of the five targets were analyzed using qRT-PCR, and anthocyanin content was evaluated through HPLC-MS. The results demonstrated significant downregulation of all five target genes by the exogenous dsRNAs, resulting in enhanced expression of chalcone synthase (AtCHS) gene and increased anthocyanin content. The simultaneous foliar application of the five dsRNAs proved to be more efficient in activating anthocyanin accumulation compared to the application of individual dsRNAs. These findings hold considerable importance in plant biotechnology and gene function studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin V Kiselev
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Andrey R Suprun
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Olga A Aleynova
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Zlata V Ogneva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Alexandra S Dubrovina
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
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4
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Scarpin D, Nerva L, Chitarra W, Moffa L, D'Este F, Vuerich M, Filippi A, Braidot E, Petrussa E. Characterisation and functionalisation of chitosan nanoparticles as carriers for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules towards sustainable crop protection. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20230817. [PMID: 37881894 PMCID: PMC10643051 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20230817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The need to minimise the impact of phytosanitary treatments for disease control boosted researchers to implement techniques with less environmental impact. The development of technologies using molecular mechanisms based on the modulation of metabolism by short dsRNA sequences appears promising. The intrinsic fragility of polynucleotides and the high cost of these techniques can be circumvented by nanocarriers that protect the bioactive molecule enabling high efficiency delivery to the leaf surface and extending its half-life. In this work, a specific protocol was developed aiming to assess the best methodological conditions for the synthesis of low-size chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) to be loaded with nucleotides. In particular, NPs have been functionalised with partially purified Green Fluorescent Protein dsRNAs (GFP dsRNA) and their size, surface charge and nucleotide retention capacity were analysed. Final NPs were also stained with FITC and sprayed on Nicotiana benthamiana leaves to assess, by confocal microscopy, both a distribution protocol and the fate of NPs up to 6 days after application. Finally, to confirm the ability of NPs to increase the efficacy of dsRNA interference, specific tests were performed: by means of GFP dsRNA-functionalised NPs, the nucleotide permanence during time was assessed both in vitro on detached wild-type N. benthamiana leaves and in planta; lastly, the inhibition of Botrytis cinerea on single leaves was also evaluated, using a specific fungal sequence (Bc dsRNA) as the NPs' functionalising agent. The encouraging results obtained are promising in the perspective of long-lasting application of innovative treatments based on gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Scarpin
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Animal Sciences (DI4A), University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Luca Nerva
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano (TV), Italy
| | - Walter Chitarra
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano (TV), Italy
| | - Loredana Moffa
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano (TV), Italy
| | - Francesca D'Este
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Marco Vuerich
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Animal Sciences (DI4A), University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Antonio Filippi
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Enrico Braidot
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Animal Sciences (DI4A), University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Elisa Petrussa
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Animal Sciences (DI4A), University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Taibi O, Salotti I, Rossi V. Plant Resistance Inducers Affect Multiple Epidemiological Components of Plasmopara viticola on Grapevine Leaves. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2938. [PMID: 37631150 PMCID: PMC10459891 DOI: 10.3390/plants12162938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Plant resistance inducers (PRIs) harbor promising potential for use in downy mildew (DM) control in viticulture. Here, the effects of six commercial PRIs on some epidemiological components of Plasmopara viticola (Pv) on grapevine leaves were studied over 3 years. Disease severity, mycelial colonization of leaf tissue, sporulation severity, production of sporangia on affected leaves, and per unit of DM lesion were evaluated by inoculating the leaves of PRI-treated plants at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 19 days after treatment (DAT). Laminarin, potassium phosphonate (PHO), and fosetyl-aluminium (FOS) were the most effective in reducing disease severity as well as the Pv DNA concentration of DM lesions on leaves treated and inoculated at 1 and 3 DAT; PHO and FOS also showed long-lasting effects on leaves established after treatment (inoculations at 6 to 19 DAT). PRIs also prevented the sporulation of Pv on lesions; all the PRI-treated leaves produced fewer sporangia than the nontreated control, especially in PHO-, FOS-, and cerevisane-treated leaves (>75% reduction). These results illustrate the broader and longer effect of PRIs on DM epidemics. The findings open up new perspectives for using PRIs in a defense program based on single, timely, and preventative field interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vittorio Rossi
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense, 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; (O.T.); (I.S.)
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6
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Suprun AR, Kiselev KV, Dubrovina AS. Exogenously Induced Silencing of Four MYB Transcription Repressor Genes and Activation of Anthocyanin Accumulation in Solanum lycopersicum. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119344. [PMID: 37298295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism that can be artificially induced by exogenous application of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) to the plant surfaces. Recent studies show that it is possible to silence plant genes and change plant properties using plant RNA spraying and other approaches for dsRNA delivery. In this study, we investigated the effect of exogenous gene-specific dsRNAs on the silencing of four tomato genes encoding MYB-family transcription repressors of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the leaves of tomato Solanum lycopersicum L. We found that the exogenous application of dsRNAs encoding for the SlMYBATV1, SlMYB32, SlMYB76, and SlTRY genes downregulated mRNA levels of these endogenous repressors of anthocyanin production, upregulated the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes, and enhanced anthocyanin content in the leaves of S. lycopersicum. The data demonstrated that exogenous gene-specific dsRNAs can induce post-transcriptional gene silencing in tomato leaves by direct foliar application of dsRNAs. This approach may be used for plant secondary metabolism induction and as a silencing tool for gene function studies without the need to produce genetically modified plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey R Suprun
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Konstantin V Kiselev
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Alexandra S Dubrovina
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
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7
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Padilla-Roji I, Ruiz-Jiménez L, Bakhat N, Vielba-Fernández A, Pérez-García A, Fernández-Ortuño D. RNAi Technology: A New Path for the Research and Management of Obligate Biotrophic Phytopathogenic Fungi. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109082. [PMID: 37240427 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Powdery mildew and rust fungi are major agricultural problems affecting many economically important crops and causing significant yield losses. These fungi are obligate biotrophic parasites that are completely dependent on their hosts for growth and reproduction. Biotrophy in these fungi is determined by the presence of haustoria, specialized fungal cells that are responsible for nutrient uptake and molecular dialogue with the host, a fact that undoubtedly complicates their study under laboratory conditions, especially in terms of genetic manipulation. RNA interference (RNAi) is the biological process of suppressing the expression of a target gene through double-stranded RNA that induces mRNA degradation. RNAi technology has revolutionized the study of these obligate biotrophic fungi by enabling the analysis of gene function in these fungal. More importantly, RNAi technology has opened new perspectives for the management of powdery mildew and rust diseases, first through the stable expression of RNAi constructs in transgenic plants and, more recently, through the non-transgenic approach called spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS). In this review, the impact of RNAi technology on the research and management of powdery mildew and rust fungi will be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Padilla-Roji
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Laura Ruiz-Jiménez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Nisrine Bakhat
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Alejandra Vielba-Fernández
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Alejandro Pérez-García
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Dolores Fernández-Ortuño
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), 29071 Málaga, Spain
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8
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Tarquini G, Dall'Ara M, Ermacora P, Ratti C. Traditional Approaches and Emerging Biotechnologies in Grapevine Virology. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040826. [PMID: 37112807 PMCID: PMC10142720 DOI: 10.3390/v15040826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental changes and global warming may promote the emergence of unknown viruses, whose spread is favored by the trade in plant products. Viruses represent a major threat to viticulture and the wine industry. Their management is challenging and mostly relies on prophylactic measures that are intended to prevent the introduction of viruses into vineyards. Besides the use of virus-free planting material, the employment of agrochemicals is a major strategy to prevent the spread of insect vectors in vineyards. According to the goal of the European Green Deal, a 50% decrease in the use of agrochemicals is expected before 2030. Thus, the development of alternative strategies that allow the sustainable control of viral diseases in vineyards is strongly needed. Here, we present a set of innovative biotechnological tools that have been developed to induce virus resistance in plants. From transgenesis to the still-debated genome editing technologies and RNAi-based strategies, this review discusses numerous illustrative studies that highlight the effectiveness of these promising tools for the management of viral infections in grapevine. Finally, the development of viral vectors from grapevine viruses is described, revealing their positive and unconventional roles, from targets to tools, in emerging biotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Tarquini
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental, Food and Animal Sciences (Di4A), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Mattia Dall'Ara
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Ermacora
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental, Food and Animal Sciences (Di4A), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Claudio Ratti
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
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9
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Marcianò D, Toffolatti SL. Methods for Fungicide Efficacy Screenings: Multiwell Testing Procedures for the Oomycetes Phytophthora infestans and Pythium ultimum. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020350. [PMID: 36838315 PMCID: PMC9959339 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020350] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oomycetes-borne diseases represent a serious problem for agriculture sustainability due to the high use of chemical products employed for their control. In recent years, increasing concerns on side effects associated with fungicide utilization have led to the reduction of the permissible modes of action, with the remaining ones continuously threatened by the increase of resistant strains in the pathogen populations. In this context, it is mandatory to develop new generation fungicides characterized by high specificity towards the target species and low environmental impact to guarantee the sustainability, productivity, and quality of food production. Fungicide discovery is a lengthy and costly process, and despite these urgent needs, poor description and formalization of high-throughput methodologies for screening the efficacy of active compounds are commonly reported for these kinds of organisms. In this study, a comprehensive picture of two high-throughput practices for efficient fungicide screening against plant-pathogenic oomycetes has been provided. Different protocols using multiwell plates were validated on approved crop protection products using Phytophthora infestans and Pythium ultimum as the model species. In addition, detailed statistical inputs useful for the analysis of data related to the efficacy of screenings are included.
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10
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Tör M, Wood T, Webb A, Göl D, McDowell JM. Recent developments in plant-downy mildew interactions. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 148-149:42-50. [PMID: 36670035 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Downy mildews are obligate oomycete pathogens that attack a wide range of plants and can cause significant economic impacts on commercial crops and ornamental plants. Traditionally, downy mildew disease control relied on an integrated strategies, that incorporate cultural practices, deployment of resistant cultivars, crop rotation, application of contact and systemic pesticides, and biopesticides. Recent advances in genomics provided data that significantly advanced understanding of downy mildew evolution, taxonomy and classification. In addition, downy mildew genomics also revealed that these obligate oomycetes have reduced numbers of virulence factor genes in comparison to hemibiotrophic and necrotrophic oomycetes. However, downy mildews do deploy significant arrays of virulence proteins, including so-called RXLR proteins that promote virulence or are recognized as avirulence factors. Pathogenomics are being applied to downy mildew population studies to determine the genetic diversity within the downy mildew populations and manage disease by selection of appropriate varieties and management strategies. Genome editing technologies have been used to manipulate host disease susceptibility genes in different plants including grapevine and sweet basil and thereby provide new soucres of resistance genes against downy mildews. Previously, it has proved difficult to transform and manipulate downy mildews because of their obligate lifestyle. However, recent exploitation of RNA interference machinery through Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS) and Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS) indicate that functional genomics in downy mildews is now possible. Altogether, these breakthrough technologies and attendant fundamental understanding will advance our ability to mitigate downy mildew diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmut Tör
- Department of Biology, School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK.
| | | | | | - Deniz Göl
- Department of Biology, School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK
| | - John M McDowell
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0329, USA
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11
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Marcianò D, Ricciardi V, Maddalena G, Massafra A, Marone Fassolo E, Masiero S, Bianco PA, Failla O, De Lorenzis G, Toffolatti SL. Influence of Nitrogen on Grapevine Susceptibility to Downy Mildew. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:263. [PMID: 36678977 PMCID: PMC9867458 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Downy mildew, caused by the obligate parasite Plasmopara viticola, is one of the most important threats to viticulture. The exploitation of resistant and susceptibility traits of grapevine is one of the most promising ways to increase the sustainability of disease management. Nitrogen (N) fertilization is known for influencing disease severity in the open field, but no information is available on its effect on plant-pathogen interaction. A previous RNAseq study showed that several genes of N metabolism are differentially regulated in grapevine upon P. viticola inoculation, and could be involved in susceptibility or resistance to the pathogen. The aim of this study was to evaluate if N fertilization influences: (i) the foliar leaf content and photosynthetic activity of the plant, (ii) P. viticola infectivity, and (iii) the expression of the candidate susceptibility/resistance genes. Results showed that N level positively correlated with P. viticola infectivity, confirming that particular attention should be taken in vineyard to the fertilization, but did not influence the expression of the candidate genes. Therefore, these genes are manipulated by the pathogen and can be exploited for developing new, environmentally friendly disease management tools, such as dsRNAs, to silence the susceptibility genes or breeding for resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetrio Marcianò
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Ricciardi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giuliana Maddalena
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Simona Masiero
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Piero Attilio Bianco
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Osvaldo Failla
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Gabriella De Lorenzis
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Laura Toffolatti
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
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12
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Molesini B, Pennisi F, Cressoni C, Vitulo N, Dusi V, Speghini A, Pandolfini T. Nanovector-mediated exogenous delivery of dsRNA induces silencing of target genes in very young tomato flower buds. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2022; 4:4542-4553. [PMID: 36341284 PMCID: PMC9595187 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00478j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a post-translational regulatory mechanism that controls gene expression in plants. This process can be artificially induced by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules with sequence homology to target mRNAs. Exogenously applied dsRNA on leaves has been shown to silence virulence genes of fungi and viruses, conferring protection to plants. Coupling dsRNA to nanoparticles has been demonstrated to prolong the silencing effect. The ability of exogenous dsRNA to silence endogenous genes in plants is currently under debate, mainly due to the difficulty in delivering dsRNA into plant tissues and organs. Our study aims to develop a method based on the exogenous application of dsRNA on tomato flowers for silencing endogenous genes controlling ovary growth. Two methods of dsRNA delivery into tomato flower buds (i.e., pedicel soaking and injection) were compared to test their efficacy in silencing the tomato Aux/IAA9 (SlIAA9) gene, which encodes for a known repressor of ovary growth. We examined the silencing effect of dsRNA alone and coupled to layered double hydroxide (LDHs) nanoparticles. We found that injection into the pedicel led to the silencing of SlIAA9 and the efficacy of the method was confirmed by choosing a different ovary growth repressor gene (SlAGAMOUS-like 6; SlAGL6). The coupling of dsRNA to LDHs increased the silencing effect in the case of SlIAA9. Silencing of the two repressors caused an increase in ovary size only when flower buds were treated with dsRNA coupled to LDHs. RNA-Seq of small RNAs showed that induction of RNAi was caused by the processing of injected dsRNA. In this work, we demonstrate for the first time that exogenous dsRNA coupled to LDHs can induce post-transcriptional gene silencing in the young tomato ovary by injection into the flower pedicel. This method represents a silencing tool for the study of the molecular changes occurring during the early stages of ovary/fruit growth as a consequence of downregulation of target genes, without the need to produce transgenic plants stably expressing RNAi constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Molesini
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona Strada Le Grazie, 15 37134 Verona Italy
| | - F Pennisi
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona Strada Le Grazie, 15 37134 Verona Italy
| | - C Cressoni
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona Strada Le Grazie, 15 37134 Verona Italy
| | - N Vitulo
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona Strada Le Grazie, 15 37134 Verona Italy
| | - V Dusi
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona Strada Le Grazie, 15 37134 Verona Italy
| | - A Speghini
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona Strada Le Grazie, 15 37134 Verona Italy
| | - T Pandolfini
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona Strada Le Grazie, 15 37134 Verona Italy
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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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14
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The Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Gene Whirly ( Why1) with a Strong Pathogen-Induced Promoter from Vitis pseudoreticulata Enhances Resistance to Phytophthora capsici. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23148052. [PMID: 35887401 PMCID: PMC9315732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitis vinifera plants are disease-susceptible while Vitis pseudoreticulata plants are disease-resistant; however, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the single-stranded DNA- and RNA-binding protein gene Whirly (VvWhy1 and VpWhy1) were cloned from V. vinifera "Cabernet Sauvignon" and V. pseudoreticulata "HD1". VvWhy1 and VpWhy1 promoter sequences (pVv and pVp) were also isolated; however, the identity of the promoter sequences was far lower than that between the Why1 coding sequences (CDSs). Both Why1 gene sequences had seven exons and six introns, and they had a C-terminal Whirly conserved domain and N-terminal chloroplast transit peptide, which was then verified to be chloroplast localization. Transcriptional expression showed that VpWhy1 was strongly induced by Plasmopara viticola, while VvWhy1 showed a low expression level. Further, the GUS activity indicated pVp had high activity involved in response to Phytophthora capsici infection. In addition, Nicotiana benthamiana transiently expressing pVp::VvWhy1 and pVp::VpWhy1 enhanced the P. capsici resistance. Moreover, Why1, PR1 and PR10 were upregulated in pVp transgenic N. benthamiana leaves. This research presented a novel insight into disease resistance mechanism that pVp promoted the transcription of Why1, which subsequently regulated the expression of PR1 and PR10, further enhancing the resistance to P. capsici.
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15
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Mezzetti B, Arpaia S, Baraldi E, Dietz-Pfeilstetter A, Smagghe G, Ventura V, Sweet JB. Editorial: Advances and Challenges of RNAi Based Technologies for Plants-Volume 2. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:930851. [PMID: 35898218 PMCID: PMC9309804 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.930851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Salvatore Arpaia
- Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA) Research Centre Trisaia - Division Bioenergy, Biorefinery and Green Chemistry, Rotondella, Italy
| | - Elena Baraldi
- DISTAL-Department of Agricultural and Food Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antje Dietz-Pfeilstetter
- Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vera Ventura
- Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, Land, Environment and of Mathematics, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jeremy B. Sweet
- Sweet Environmental Consultant (SEC), Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Nityagovsky NN, Kiselev KV, Suprun AR, Dubrovina AS. Exogenous dsRNA Induces RNA Interference of a Chalcone Synthase Gene in Arabidopsis thaliana. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105325. [PMID: 35628133 PMCID: PMC9142100 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent investigations have shown the possibility of artificial induction of RNA interference (RNAi) via plant foliar treatments with naked double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to silence essential genes in plant fungal pathogens or to target viral RNAs. Furthermore, several studies have documented the downregulation of plant endogenous genes via external application of naked gene-specific dsRNAs and siRNAs to the plant surfaces. However, there are limited studies on the dsRNA processing and gene silencing mechanisms after external dsRNA application. Such studies would assist in the development of innovative tools for crop improvement and plant functional studies. In this study, we used exogenous gene-specific dsRNA to downregulate the gene of chalcone synthase (CHS), the key enzyme in the flavonoid/anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway, in Arabidopsis. The nonspecific NPTII-dsRNA encoding the nonrelated neomycin phosphotransferase II bacterial gene was used to treat plants in order to verify that any observed effects and processing of AtCHS mRNA were sequence specific. Using high-throughput small RNA (sRNA) sequencing, we obtained six sRNA-seq libraries for plants treated with water, AtCHS-dsRNA, or NPTII-dsRNA. After plant foliar treatments, we detected the emergence of a large number of AtCHS- and NPTII-encoding sRNAs, while there were no such sRNAs after control water treatment. Thus, the exogenous AtCHS-dsRNAs were processed into siRNAs and induced RNAi-mediated AtCHS gene silencing. The analysis showed that gene-specific sRNAs mapped to the AtCHS and NPTII genes unevenly with peak read counts at particular positions, involving primarily the sense strand, and documented a gradual decrease in read counts from 17-nt to 30-nt sRNAs. Results of the present study highlight a significant potential of exogenous dsRNAs as a promising strategy to induce RNAi-based downregulation of plant gene targets for plant management and gene functional studies.
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Innovative Approaches for Crop Improvement and Sustainable Management of Plant Disease in the Post-Genomic Era. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063273. [PMID: 35328694 PMCID: PMC8949510 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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18
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Kiselev KV, Suprun AR, Aleynova OA, Ogneva ZV, Kostetsky EY, Dubrovina AS. The Specificity of Transgene Suppression in Plants by Exogenous dsRNA. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11060715. [PMID: 35336598 PMCID: PMC8954795 DOI: 10.3390/plants11060715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The phenomenon of RNA interference (RNAi) is widely used to develop new approaches for crop improvement and plant protection. Recent investigations show that it is possible to downregulate plant transgenes, as more prone sequences to silencing than endogenous genes, by exogenous application of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). However, there are scarce data on the specificity of exogenous RNAs. In this study, we explored whether plant transgene suppression is sequence-specific to exogenous dsRNAs and whether similar effects can be caused by exogenous DNAs that are known to be perceived by plants and induce certain epigenetic and biochemical changes. We treated transgenic plants of Arabidopsis thaliana bearing the neomycin phosphotransferase II (NPTII) transgene with specific synthetic NPTII-dsRNAs and non-specific dsRNAs, encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), as well as with DNA molecules mimicking the applied RNAs. None of the EGFP-dsRNA doses resulted in a significant decrease in NPTII transgene expression in the NPTII-transgenic plants, while the specific NPTII-dsRNA significantly reduced NPTII expression in a dose-dependent manner. Long DNAs mimicking dsRNAs and short DNA oligonucleotides mimicking siRNAs did not exhibit a significant effect on NPTII transgene expression. Thus, exogenous NPTII-dsRNAs induced a sequence-specific and RNA-specific transgene-suppressing effect, supporting external application of dsRNAs as a promising strategy for plant gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin V. Kiselev
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (K.V.K.); (A.R.S.); (O.A.A.); (Z.V.O.)
| | - Andrey R. Suprun
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (K.V.K.); (A.R.S.); (O.A.A.); (Z.V.O.)
| | - Olga A. Aleynova
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (K.V.K.); (A.R.S.); (O.A.A.); (Z.V.O.)
| | - Zlata V. Ogneva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (K.V.K.); (A.R.S.); (O.A.A.); (Z.V.O.)
| | - Eduard Y. Kostetsky
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Far Eastern Federal University, 690090 Vladivostok, Russia;
| | - Alexandra S. Dubrovina
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (K.V.K.); (A.R.S.); (O.A.A.); (Z.V.O.)
- Correspondence:
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19
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Nerva L, Guaschino M, Pagliarani C, De Rosso M, Lovisolo C, Chitarra W. Spray-induced gene silencing targeting a glutathione S-transferase gene improves resilience to drought in grapevine. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2022; 45:347-361. [PMID: 34799858 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Along with the ongoing climate change, drought events are predicted to become more severe. In this context, the spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) technique could represent a useful strategy to improve crop stress resilience. A previous study demonstrated that the Arabidopsis mutants for a glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene had increased abscisic acid (ABA) levels and a more activated antioxidant system, both features that improved drought resilience. Here, we used SIGS to target a putative grape GST gene (VvGST40). Then, ecophysiological, biochemical and molecular responses of 'Chardonnay' cuttings were analysed during a drought and recovery time-course. Gas exchange, ABA and t-resveratrol concentration as well as expression of stress-related genes were monitored in not treated controls, dsRNA-VvGST40- and dsRNA-GFP- (negative control of the technique) treated plants, either submitted or not to drought. VvGST40-treated plants revealed increased resilience to severe drought as attested by the ecophysiological data. Analysis of target metabolites and antioxidant- and ABA-related transcripts confirmed that VvGST40-treated plants were in a priming status compared with controls. SIGS targeting an endogenous gene was successfully applied in grapevine, confirming the ability of this technique to be exploited not only for plant protection issues but also for functional genomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Nerva
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics-Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology (CREA-VE), Conegliano, TV, Italy
- National Research Council of Italy-Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP-CNR), Torino, TO, Italy
| | - Micol Guaschino
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics-Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology (CREA-VE), Conegliano, TV, Italy
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (DISAFA), University of Torino, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Chiara Pagliarani
- National Research Council of Italy-Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP-CNR), Torino, TO, Italy
| | - Mirko De Rosso
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics-Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology (CREA-VE), Conegliano, TV, Italy
| | - Claudio Lovisolo
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (DISAFA), University of Torino, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Walter Chitarra
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics-Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology (CREA-VE), Conegliano, TV, Italy
- National Research Council of Italy-Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP-CNR), Torino, TO, Italy
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20
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Marone Fassolo E, Maddalena G, Toffolatti S. Screening for adaptation to resistant grapevine accessions in Plasmopara viticola population of north-eastern Italy. BIO WEB OF CONFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/20225002007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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21
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External dsRNA Downregulates Anthocyanin Biosynthesis-Related Genes and Affects Anthocyanin Accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136749. [PMID: 34201713 PMCID: PMC8269191 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Exogenous application of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) and small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to plant surfaces has emerged as a promising method for regulation of essential genes in plant pathogens and for plant disease protection. Yet, regulation of plant endogenous genes via external RNA treatments has not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, we targeted the genes of chalcone synthase (CHS), the key enzyme in the flavonoid/anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway, and two transcriptional factors, MYBL2 and ANAC032, negatively regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis. Direct foliar application of AtCHS-specific dsRNAs and siRNAs resulted in an efficient downregulation of the AtCHS gene and suppressed anthocyanin accumulation in A. thaliana under anthocyanin biosynthesis-modulating conditions. Targeting the AtMYBL2 and AtANAC032 genes by foliar dsRNA treatments markedly reduced their mRNA levels and led to a pronounced upregulation of the AtCHS gene. The content of anthocyanins was increased after treatment with AtMYBL2-dsRNA. Laser scanning microscopy showed a passage of Cy3-labeled AtCHS-dsRNA into the A. thaliana leaf vessels, leaf parenchyma cells, and stomata, indicating the dsRNA uptake and spreading into leaf tissues and plant individual cells. Together, these data show that exogenous dsRNAs were capable of downregulating Arabidopsis genes and induced relevant biochemical changes, which may have applications in plant biotechnology and gene functional studies.
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