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Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Virus-induced Gene Silencing VIGS in Nicotiana benthamiana and Tomato
Published on: June 10, 2009
A novel DCL2-dependent miRNA pathway in tomato affects susceptibility to RNA viruses
Zhengming Wang1, Thomas J Hardcastle1, Alex Canto Pastor1
1Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
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.
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