Graft-transmitted siRNA signal from the root induces visual manifestation of endogenous post-transcriptional gene silencing in the scion

PLoS One. 2011 Feb 9;6(2):e16895. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016895.

Abstract

In plants, post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) spreads systemically, being transmitted from the silenced stock to the scion expressing the corresponding transgene. It has been reported that a graft-transmitted siRNA signal can also induce PTGS of an endogenous gene, but this was done by top-grafting using silenced stock. In the present study involving grafting of Nicotiana benthamiana, we found that PTGS of an endogenous gene, glutamate-1-semialdehyde aminotransferase (GSA), which acts as a visible marker of RNAi via inhibition of chlorophyll synthesis, was manifested along the veins of newly developed leaves in the wild-type scion by the siRNA signal synthesized only in companion cells of the rootstock.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breeding*
  • Genes, Plant / genetics*
  • Genetic Markers / genetics
  • Intramolecular Transferases / genetics
  • Nicotiana / enzymology
  • Nicotiana / genetics*
  • Plant Roots / genetics*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*

Substances

  • Genetic Markers
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Intramolecular Transferases
  • glutamate-1-semialdehyde 2,1-aminomutase