Small RNAs and viral interference.
2007
Praveen, S. | Ramesh S. V.
Small RNAs (21-26 nucleotides (nt) in size) have been found to function as regulators between the genome and proteome. In the last two decades, several new classes of small non-coding RNAs have been uncovered and they play an integrative role in various mechanisms of eukaryotic gene expression. Here, we discuss the endogenous small RNAs, their biogenesis and regulatory role in transcriptional, post-transcriptional and systemic silencing. Many discoveries in the small RNA world are crucial in deciphering host-virus relationships. Viruses interfere with host cellular machinery for their survival and propagation and hence have an opportunity to fight and/or regulate the host gene expression. Emerging literature suggests cross-talk between viral and host-encoded small RNAs during viral establishment. The present understanding of viral interference on small RNA landscape offers an immense opportunity to understand host-virus interactions. These interactions can be further fine-tuned in order to develop transgenic resistance and therapeutics. Though evidence regarding small RNA dynamics is just emerging, it might offer possible explanations for host specificity, susceptible cultivars, and latency in viral infections.
显示更多 [+] 显示较少 [-]