The alien replicon: Artificial genetic constructs to direct the synthesis of transmissible self-replicating RNAs: In vivo synthesised heterologous (alien) RNA constructs are capable of initiating self-replication following transmission to the host organism.
Artificial genetic constructs that direct the synthesis of self-replicating RNA molecules are used widely to induce gene silencing, for bioproduction, and for vaccination. Interestingly, one variant of the self-replicon has not been discussed in the literature: namely, transgenic organisms that synthesise alien replicons. For example, plant cells may be easily genetically modified to produce bacteriophages or insect viruses. Alien replicon-producing organisms (ARPOs) may serve as a unique tool for biocontrol or to selectively influence the characteristics of a target organism. The ARPO approach would have to meet strict biosafety criteria, and its practical applications are problematic. However, a discussion on ARPO applicability would be valuable to outline the full set of options available in the bioengineering toolbox. In this paper, RNA replicons for bioengineering are reviewed briefly, and the ARPO approach is discussed.
Institute of Cytology & Genetics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia; Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia.
Alex V
AV
Kochetov
D000818:Animals; D001435:Bacteriophages / Q000235:genetics*; D061046:Biological Control Agents; D015870:Gene Expression; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D007304:Insect Viruses / Q000235:genetics*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000235:genetics / Q000821:virology; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012328:RNA Viruses / Q000235:genetics*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D014779:Virus Replication
D061046:Biological Control Agents; D012367:RNA, Viral; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic
RNA-viruses; biocontrol; heterologous; replicon