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Pathogen-induced systemic DNA rearrangement in plants.
1DCMB Group, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA. xdong@duke.edu
Trends in Plant Science
|April 27, 2004
Summary
Plant virus infections significantly boost DNA recombination in healthy tissues via a systemic signal. This pathogen-induced DNA recombination can be inherited, potentially aiding adaptation to environmental stress.
Area of Science:
- Plant pathology
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Plant viruses like tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and oilseed rape mosaic virus (ORSV) are known pathogens.
- DNA recombination is a fundamental process in genetics, crucial for genetic diversity and adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of TMV and ORSV infections on DNA recombination rates in tobacco plants.
- To determine if the observed changes in recombination are systemic and heritable.
Main Methods:
- Infection of tobacco plants with TMV and ORSV.
- Grafting experiments to assess systemic signaling.
- Analysis of DNA recombination in infected and non-infected tissues.
- Examination of DNA recombination in the progeny of infected plants.
Main Results:
- A threefold increase in homologous DNA recombination was observed in non-infected tissues of infected plants.
- Grafting experiments confirmed a systemic signal transmitted ahead of the virus mediates this increase.
- Increased DNA recombination was also detected in the progeny of infected plants.
Conclusions:
- Viral infections can systemically induce DNA recombination in plants.
- Pathogen-induced recombination can be heritable, suggesting a mechanism for rapid adaptation to environmental challenges.