Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) as a virus-induced gene silencing vector in maize seedlings

Virus Genes. 2018 Aug;54(4):616-620. doi: 10.1007/s11262-018-1569-9. Epub 2018 May 11.

Abstract

Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) was the first reported and still widely used virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) vector for monocotyledons including wheat and barley. Despite BSMV's reported infectivity on maize (Zea mays), the use of the virus as a vector in maize has not been optimized. Here, we assayed infectivity of BSMV in different maize cultivars by vascular puncture inoculation. Through knockdown of the endogenous host phytoene desaturase gene, we demonstrate for the first time that BSMV can be used as a VIGS vector in maize. This adds BSMV to the repertoire of tools available for functional studies in maize.

Keywords: Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV); Maize; Phytoene desaturase (PDS); Vascular puncture inoculation (VPI); Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS).

MeSH terms

  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant*
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Gene Silencing*
  • Genetic Vectors*
  • Oxidoreductases / biosynthesis
  • Oxidoreductases / genetics
  • Plant Viruses / genetics*
  • Seedlings / virology*
  • Zea mays / virology*

Substances

  • Oxidoreductases
  • phytoene dehydrogenase

Supplementary concepts

  • Barley stripe mosaic virus