Small RNAs regulate plant responses to filamentous pathogens

Tung Kuan; Yi Zhai; Wenbo Ma

doi:10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.05.013

Small RNAs regulate plant responses to filamentous pathogens

Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2016 Aug:56:190-200. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.05.013. Epub 2016 May 18.

Authors

Tung Kuan¹, Yi Zhai¹, Wenbo Ma²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Center for Plant Cell Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
² Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Center for Plant Cell Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA. Electronic address: wenbo.ma@ucr.edu.

PMID: 27208726
DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.05.013

Abstract

Small RNAs are central players of RNA silencing in eukaryotes. These short RNA molecules (20-25 nucleotides in length) repress target gene expression based on sequence complementarity. While small RNAs are well-known for their essential function in regulating growth and development, recent research has revealed that they also influence plant immunity. Extensive changes in small RNA accumulation have been observed during infection. This review focuses on specific small RNA changes that are involved in plant responses to filamentous eukaryotic pathogens including fungi and oomycetes. We describe how changes in small RNA accumulation influence plant immunity and summarize the cellular processes affected by these small RNAs. In particular, we discuss secondary small interfering RNAs that directly modulate the expression of defense-related genes.

Keywords: Plant filamentous pathogens; RNA silencing; RNA silencing suppressors; Small non-coding RNA.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Models, Biological
Plant Immunity
Plants / genetics*
Plants / microbiology*
RNA Interference
RNA, Plant / metabolism*

Substances

RNA, Plant