A novel DCL2-dependent miRNA pathway in tomato affects susceptibility to RNA viruses [Research Communications]

Tomato Dicer-like2 (slDCL2) is a key component of resistance pathways against potato virus X (PVX) and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). It is also required for production of endogenous small RNAs, including miR6026 and other noncanonical microRNAs (miRNAs). The slDCL2 mRNAs are targets of these slDCL2-dependent RNAs in a feedback loop that was disrupted by target mimic RNAs of miR6026. In lines expressing these RNAs, there was correspondingly enhanced resistance against PVX and TMV. These findings illustrate a novel miRNA pathway in plants and a crop protection strategy in which miRNA target mimicry elevates expression of defense-related mRNAs.

Source: Genes and Development - September 4, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Wang, Z., Hardcastle, T. J., Pastor, A. C., Yip, W. H., Tang, S., Baulcombe, D. C. Tags: Research Communications Source Type: research