Suppressors of RNA silencing encoded by plant viruses and their role in viral infections.
RNA silencing as a robust host defense mechanism against plant viruses is generally countered by virus-encoded silencing suppressors. This strategy is now increasingly recognized to be used by animal viruses as well. We present here an overview of the common features shared by some of the better studied plant viral silencing suppressors. We then briefly describe the characteristics of the few reported animal viral suppressors, notably their extraordinary ability of cross-kingdom suppression. We next discuss the basis for biased protection of viral RNA and subviral parasites by silencing suppressors, the link between movement and silencing suppression, the influence of temperature on the outcome of viral infection and the effect of viral silencing suppressors on the microRNA pathway.
Qu
Feng
F
School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, E229 Beadle Center, Lincoln, NE 68588-0666, USA.
Morris
T Jack
TJ
D020868:Gene Silencing; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000737:chemistry; D010942:Plant Viruses / Q000235:genetics*; D010944:Plants / Q000235:genetics / Q000821:virology*; D017800:Potyvirus / Q000502:physiology; D034622:RNA Interference; D012328:RNA Viruses / Q000378:metabolism; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000378:metabolism; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D013696:Temperature
D035683:MicroRNAs; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D012367:RNA, Viral