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Updated: Sep 20, 2025
10:19
Screening and Identification of RNA Silencing Suppressors from Secreted Effectors of Plant Pathogens
Published on: February 3, 2020
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Molecular mechanisms underlying host-induced gene silencing
Hana Zand Karimi1, Roger W Innes1
1Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA.
The Plant Cell
|June 6, 2022
Summary
Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) uses plant-expressed RNAs to control pests. Understanding RNA translocation and silencing mechanisms is key to improving HIGS efficacy for crop protection.
Area of Science:
- Plant pathology
- Molecular biology
- Agricultural science
Background:
- Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) leverages trans-kingdom RNA silencing for crop protection.
- It involves expressing double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) or artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) in host plants to silence pathogen/pest genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms of HIGS.
- To identify knowledge gaps and propose strategies for enhancing HIGS efficacy and reproducibility.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on HIGS mechanisms.
- Analysis of factors influencing RNA translocation and gene silencing in pathogens/pests.
Main Results:
- Mechanisms of RNA translocation and gene silencing in HIGS are not fully understood.
- Variability in HIGS efficacy is linked to pathogen RNA uptake, target sequence selection, and dsRNA/amiRNA production/translocation.
Conclusions:
- Further research into HIGS molecular mechanisms is crucial.
- Addressing knowledge gaps is essential for developing reliable HIGS strategies against crop diseases.
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