Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2025
Virus-induced Gene Silencing VIGS in Nicotiana benthamiana and Tomato
Published on: June 10, 2009
Tobacco rattle virus-based virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) as an aid for functional genomics in Saffron (Crocus
Diksha Kalia1,2, Joel Jose-Santhi1,2, Firdous Rasool Sheikh1,2
1Plant Adaptation and Developmental Biology Lab, Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, H.P. 176061 India.
Abstract:
Several limitations in genetic engineering interventions in saffron exist, hindering the development of genetically modified varieties and the widespread application of genetic engineering in this crop. Lack of genome sequence information, the complexity of genetic makeup, and lack of well-established genetic transformation protocols limit its in planta functional validation of genes that would eventually lead toward crop optimization. In this study, we demonstrate agro infiltration in leaves of adult plants and whole corm before sprouting are suitable for transient gene silencing in saffron using Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) based virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) targeting phytoene desaturase (PDS). Silencing of PDS resulted in bleached phenotype in leaves in both methods. TRV-mediated VIGS could be attained in saffron leaves and corms, providing an opportunity for functional genomics studies in this expensive spice crop.
Supplementary Information:
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01459-0.
Related Concept Videos
02:15Experimental RNAi
02:30siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...