Distinct RNA motifs mediate systemic RNA trafficking
1Department of Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology and Plant Biotechnology Center; Ohio State University; Columbus, Ohio USA.
Plant Signaling & Behavior
|August 26, 2009
Summary
Systemic RNA trafficking in plants relies on specific RNA structural motifs. A newly identified motif in Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) facilitates its movement to initiate long-distance transport.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Gene regulation
- RNA biology
Background:
- Systemic RNA trafficking is crucial for whole-plant gene regulation.
- Mechanisms for RNA delivery to cellular destinations are not fully understood.
- RNA sequence/structural motifs are hypothesized to direct RNA trafficking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify RNA structural motifs involved in systemic RNA trafficking.
- To investigate the role of a specific PSTVd motif in inter-cellular transport.
- To understand how RNA motifs facilitate movement across cellular boundaries.
Main Methods:
- Identification of tertiary structural motifs in Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd).
- Analysis of RNA structural motifs required for trafficking between plant cell types.
- Comparison of plant RNA motifs with conserved motifs in ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs).
Main Results:
- A novel tertiary structural motif in PSTVd was identified.
- This motif is essential for PSTVd trafficking from bundle sheath to phloem cells in Nicotiana benthamiana.
- The motif features a U/C cis Watson-Crick/Watson-Crick base pair with water insertion.
- Structurally similar motifs in rRNAs act as protein-binding sites.
Conclusions:
- Specific RNA structural motifs are key mediators of systemic RNA trafficking in plants.
- The identified PSTVd motif facilitates entry into the phloem for long-distance transport.
- RNA motifs likely interact with cellular factors to enable trafficking across cellular barriers.
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