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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Virus-induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) in Nicotiana benthamiana and Tomato
Published on: June 10, 2009
Analysis of gene function in rice through virus-induced gene silencing
Xin Shun Ding1, C Srinivasa Rao, Richard S Nelson
1Division of Plant Biology, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, OK, USA.
Abstract:
Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a powerful RNA-silencing based technology adapted for the study of host-gene function. VIGS functions through the expression of a host gene from a virus vector. Both the virus-encoded host sequence and the homologous host target messenger RNA are destroyed or made inactive through a host surveillance system. Here, we describe procedures for the use of a new virus vector for VIGS in monocotyledonous hosts and, in particular, in rice (Oryza sativa), a species for which no VIGS vector was previously available.
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