RNA mobility in parasitic plant – host interactions. Issue 4 (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Westwood, James H.; Kim, Gunjune
• Is Part Of: RNA biology. Volume 14:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 450
• Page End: 455
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: Cuscuta -- dodder -- grafting -- mobile RNA -- parasitic plants; RNA -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Molecular biology; RNA; Periodicals; 572.8805
• DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2017.1291482
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1547-6286

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The parasitic plant Cuscuta exchanges mRNAs with its hosts. Systemic mobility of mRNAs within plants is well documented, and has gained increasing attention as studies using grafted plant systems have revealed new aspects of mobile mRNA regulation and function. But parasitic plants take this phenomenon to a new level by forming seamless connections to a wide range of host species, and raising questions about how mRNAs might function after transfer to a different species. Cuscuta and other parasitic plant species also take siRNAs from their hosts, indicating that multiple types of RNA are capable of trans-specific movement. Parasitic plants are intriguing systems for studying RNA mobility, in part because such exchange opens new possibilities for control of parasitic weeds, but also because they provide a fresh perspective into understanding roles of RNAs in inter-organismal communication.