Using RNAi to improve plant nutritional value: from mechanism to application.
RNA interference (RNAi) is an ancient mechanism of gene suppression, whose machinery and biological functions are only partially understood. Intensive studies have focused on developing RNAi technologies for treating human diseases and for improving plant traits. Yet application of RNAi to improving the nutritional value of plants for human and animal nutrition, and development of the related RNAi technologies are still in their infancy. Here we discuss current knowledge of plant RNAi function, as well as concepts and strategies for the improvement of plant nutritional value through the development of plant RNAi technologies.
Tang
Guiliang
G
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA. guiliang.tang@umassmed.edu
Galili
Gad
G
D000818:Animals; D018556:Crops, Agricultural / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D009753:Nutritive Value; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D034622:RNA Interference; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D034743:RNA-Induced Silencing Complex / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D035683:MicroRNAs; C493885:P19 protein, tomato bushy stunt virus; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; D034743:RNA-Induced Silencing Complex; D014764:Viral Proteins