Antiviral RNA interference in plants: Increasing complexity and integration with other biological processes

Area of Science:

• Plant pathology
• Molecular biology
• Genetics

Background:

• RNA interference (RNAi) is a critical plant defense mechanism against viral infections.
• While core RNAi pathways are understood, broader roles in virus infection and seed transmission require further review.
• Increasingly complex RNAi mechanisms integrate with other biological processes, necessitating comprehensive summarization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in RNA interference (RNAi) in plant-virus interactions.
• To emphasize novel RNAi regulators, signaling pathways, and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) applications.
• To discuss how new findings impact plant-virus co-evolution and disease management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of recent research findings.
• Analysis of non-canonical RNAi pathways and novel host factors.
• Examination of cross-kingdom small RNA interactions and tritrophic dynamics.

Main Results:

• Identification of novel positive and negative RNAi regulators.
• Elucidation of potential upstream and downstream signaling pathways of antiviral RNAi.
• Evaluation of prospects and challenges for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) applications in plant virus control.

Conclusions:

• Novel findings are reshaping the understanding of antiviral RNAi.
• Knowledge gaps remain regarding RNAi complexity and integration with other plant processes.
• Advances inform strategies for managing plant virus diseases and understanding plant-virus co-evolution.