Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
10:19
Screening and Identification of RNA Silencing Suppressors from Secreted Effectors of Plant Pathogens
Published on: February 3, 2020
Trans-specific gene silencing between host and parasitic plants
Alexey A Tomilov1, Natalia B Tomilova, Tadeusz Wroblewski
1Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
The Plant Journal : for Cell and Molecular Biology
|July 23, 2008
Summary
Host plants engineered with hairpin RNA can silence parasitic weed genes. This novel RNA interference (RNAi) strategy, demonstrated in Triphysaria versicolor, offers a new approach for controlling parasitic weeds.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Genetics
- Agricultural science
Background:
- Orobanchaceae family plants are root parasites, causing significant agricultural damage.
- Parasitism debilitates host plants, with some species being major agricultural pests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if engineered host plants can silence parasite genes using RNA interference (RNAi).
- To demonstrate the potential of host-induced gene silencing for controlling parasitic weeds.
Main Methods:
- Transgenic lettuce expressing hairpin RNA (hpGUS) were parasitized by transgenic Triphysaria versicolor expressing the GUS reporter gene.
- GUS gene expression and mRNA levels were quantified in Triphysaria roots before and after parasitizing hpGUS lettuce.
- Bi-directional movement of silencing signals across the haustorium was tested using double-junction experiments.
Main Results:
- Triphysaria parasitizing hpGUS lettuce showed reduced GUS activity and mRNA levels compared to controls.
- The silencing signal moved from host to parasite across the haustorium.
- Silencing signals were translocated bi-directionally, with the parasite acting as a bridge to transfer the signal between hosts.
Conclusions:
- Host-induced gene silencing is effective in reducing parasite gene expression.
- RNA interference (RNAi) signals can move across the plant-parasite interface.
- This study presents a novel strategy for controlling parasitic weeds via host-mediated RNAi.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Microbial Interactions: Parasitism
Parasitism is a form of microbial interaction in which parasitic microbes exploit a host organism for nutrients and shelter, often at the host's expense. Unlike mutualistic relationships, where both organisms benefit, parasitism benefits only the parasite and harms the host.Classification of ParasitesMicrobial parasites are broadly classified based on their location relative to the host.Ectoparasites remain on the host’s surface, such as the skin or outer tissues, drawing nutrients...
01:09Microbe-Plant Interactions
Microbe-plant interactions represent a dynamic spectrum of associations shaped by intricate chemical signaling. These interactions can be neutral, beneficial, or detrimental, and profoundly influence plant physiology, growth, and ecosystem function. The plant microbiome, comprising bacteria, fungi, archaea, protists, and viruses, plays a pivotal role in mediating these effects through surface colonization, internal colonization, or systemic symbiosis.Mutualistic associations, particularly with...
02:50Transgenic Plants
Recombinant DNA technology called transgenesis is often used to add a foreign gene or remove a detrimental gene from an organism. Such genetically modified organisms are called transgenic organisms.
The first-ever transgenic plant was a tobacco plant developed in 1983 that showed resistance against the tobacco mosaic virus. Since then, many transgenic plants have been developed and commercialized for improving the agricultural, ornamental, and horticultural value of a crop plant. Transgenic...
The first-ever transgenic plant was a tobacco plant developed in 1983 that showed resistance against the tobacco mosaic virus. Since then, many transgenic plants have been developed and commercialized for improving the agricultural, ornamental, and horticultural value of a crop plant. Transgenic...
02:15Experimental RNAi
RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism that inhibits gene expression by suppressing its transcription or activating the RNA degradation process. The mechanism was discovered by Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 1998 in plants. Today, it is observed in almost all eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. This precise cellular mechanism of gene silencing has been developed into a technique that provides an efficient way to identify and determine the...
01:27Diversity of Protists II
Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
02:40Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
Plants often form mutualistic relationships with soil-dwelling fungi or bacteria to enhance their roots’ nutrient uptake ability. Root-colonizing fungi (e.g., mycorrhizae) increase a plant’s root surface area, which promotes nutrient absorption. While root-colonizing, nitrogen-fixing bacteria (e.g., rhizobia) convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3), making nitrogen available to plants for various biological functions. For example, nitrogen is essential for the biosynthesis of the...