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Post-transcriptional gene silencing: Basic concepts and applications
Mohd Ashraf Ashfaq1, V Dinesh Kumar, P Soma Sekhar Reddy
1ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500 030, India.
Journal of Biosciences
|November 13, 2020
Summary
Post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) uses small interfering RNA (siRNA) to degrade specific RNA transcripts. This technology enables genetic engineering in plants for desirable traits and crop improvement.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Functional genomics
- Genetic engineering
Background:
- Post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) is a natural RNA-mediated process.
- PTGS involves small interfering RNA (siRNA) guiding transcript degradation.
- This mechanism is crucial for plant defense against viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene silencing basics.
- To summarize institute research on PTGS applications in crops.
- To highlight PTGS as a functional genomics tool.
Main Methods:
- Exploiting cellular machinery for targeted RNA degradation.
- Introducing DNA constructs for dsRNA or antisense RNA production.
- Utilizing PTGS to induce specific genetic modifications in plants.
Main Results:
- PTGS effectively targets and silences specific gene transcripts.
- Applications include restoring fertility in male sterile lines.
- PTGS suppresses toxic protein production and confers virus resistance.
Conclusions:
- PTGS is a powerful tool for plant genetic manipulation.
- It offers significant potential for developing value-added crop products.
- PTGS advances both basic research and applied studies in plant science.
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