Trans-kingdom RNA interactions drive the evolutionary arms race between hosts and pathogens. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Jian-Hua; Guo, Hui-Shan
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in genetics & development. Volume 58/59(2019)
• Page Start: 62
• Page End: 69
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Genetics -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; Developmental genetics -- Periodicals; 576.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2019.07.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-437X

Abstract

Abstract : Trans -kingdom RNA plays a key role in host-parasite interactions. Hosts export specific endogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) into pathogens to target pathogen virulence genes and inhibit their invasion. In addition, trans -kingdom sRNAs produced by parasites may function as RNA effectors to suppress host immunity. Here, we summarize recent, important findings regarding trans -kingdom RNA and focus on the roles of trans -kingdom RNA in driving an evolutionary arms race between host and pathogen. We suggest that trans -kingdom RNA is a new platform for such arms races. Furthermore, we conjecture that trans -kingdom RNA contributes to horizontal gene transfer (HGT) involved in host-pathogen interactions. In addition, we propose that trans -kingdom RNA exchange and RNA driven HGT can have a great impact on the evolutionary ecology of interacting species.