Mini review: Revisiting mobile RNA silencing in plants. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Xian; Lai, Tongfei; Zhang, Pengcheng; Zhang, Xinlian; Yuan, Chen; Jin, Zhenhui; Li, Hongmei; Yu, Zhiming; Qin, Cheng; Tör, Mahmut; Ma, Ping; Cheng, Qi; Hong, Yiguo
• Is Part Of: Plant science. Volume 278(2019)
• Page Start: 113
• Page End: 117
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: DICER-LIKEs -- Intercellular RNA silencing -- Systemic RNA silencing -- Mobile silencing signal -- Small interfering RNA (siRNA); Botany -- Periodicals; Botanique -- Périodiques; 580
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2018.10.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0168-9452

Abstract

Highlights: RNA silencing can spread from cell to cell and systemically. It is genetically determined and requires mobile RNA signals. Genetics and mobile signals for non-cell-autonomous RNA silencing (Non-CARS) were intensively examined in past few decades. No consensus dogma for mobile silencing can be reached in plants, yet often contradictory and sometimes controversial. DCL2 or DCL2 -dependent network is critical for Non-CARS in both Arabidopsis and Nicotiana benthamiana . This sheds light on genetic components and small RNA signals for mobile silencing in (across) plants and other organisms. Abstract: Non-cell autonomous RNA silencing can spread from cell to cell and over long-distances in animals and plants. This process is genetically determined and requires mobile RNA signals. Genetic requirement and molecular nature of the mobile signals for non-cell-autonomous RNA silencing were intensively investigated in past few decades. No consensus dogma for mobile silencing can be reached in plants, yet published data are sometimes inconsistent and controversial. Thus, the genetic requirements and molecular signals involved in plant mobile silencing are still poorly understood. This article revisits our present understanding of intercellular and systemic non-cell autonomous RNA silencing, and summarises current debates on RNA signals for mobile silencing. In particular, we discuss new evidence on siRNA mobility, a DCL2 -dependent genetic network for mobile silencing and its potential biological relevance as well as 22 nt siRNA being a mobile signal for non-cell-autonomous silencing in both Arabidopsis and Nicotiana benthamiana . This sets up a new trend in unravelling genetic components and small RNA signal molecules for mobile silencing in (across) plants and other organisms of different kingdoms. Finally we raise several outstanding questions that need to be addressed in future plant silencing research.