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SLCMV-Encoded BC1 Protein Suppresses Photosynthesis by Disrupting Chloroplast Structure and Gene Expression
Yu-Jiao Ma1, Chao Zheng1, Jian-Ping Chen1
1State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Green Plant Protection, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
Molecular Plant Pathology
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV) severely impacts cassava by reprogramming gene expression. The virus suppresses photosynthesis-related genes and disrupts chloroplasts, reducing plant growth.
Area of Science:
- Plant virology
- Molecular biology
- Plant physiology
Background:
- Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV) causes significant crop losses in cassava.
- SLCMV infection leads to severe mosaic symptoms and stunted growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying SLCMV-induced growth inhibition.
- To determine the impact of SLCMV infection on plant gene expression and photosynthesis.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes.
- Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to validate gene expression changes.
- Analysis of chloroplast structure and chlorophyll content.
Main Results:
- SLCMV infection caused widespread transcriptional reprogramming, with 10,164 differentially expressed genes.
- Down-regulated genes were enriched in chloroplast components and photosynthesis pathways.
- SLCMV suppressed key photosystem I and II genes, disrupted chloroplasts, reduced chlorophyll, and inhibited photosynthesis.
Conclusions:
- The SLCMV-encoded BC1 protein plays a crucial role in repressing photosynthesis-related genes.
- SLCMV infection significantly impairs photosynthetic activity by targeting chloroplasts and related gene expression.
- Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing strategies against SLCMV.
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