Antiviral RNA silencing suppression activity of Tomato spotted wilt virus NSs protein

Authors

Tania Ocampo Ocampo, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Sergio M. Gabriel Peralta, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Nicole Bacheller, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Stella Uiterwaal, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Aaron Knapp, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Alanna Hennen, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Daniel Leobardo Ochoa-Martínez, Colegio de Postgraduados, Montecillo, TexcocoFollow
Hernan Garcia-Ruiz, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

6-17-2016

Citation

Genetics and Molecular Research 15 (2): gmr.15028625.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4238/gmr.15028625.

Comments

Copyright 2016, ©FUNPEC-RP www.funpecrp.com.br. Used by permission.

Abstract

In addition to regulating gene expression, RNA silencing is an essential antiviral defense system in plants. Triggered by double-stranded RNA, silencing results in degradation or translational repression of target transcripts. Viruses are inducers and targets of RNA silencing. To condition susceptibility, most plant viruses encode silencing suppressors that interfere with this process, such as the Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) NSs protein. The mechanism by which NSs suppresses RNA silencing and its role in viral infection and movement remain to be determined. We cloned NSs from the Hawaii isolate of TSWV and using two independent assays show for the first time that this protein restored pathogenicity and supported the formation of local infection foci by suppressor-deficient Turnip mosaic virus and Turnip crinkle virus. Demonstrating the suppression of RNA silencing directed against heterologous viruses establishes the foundation to determine the means used by NSs to block this antiviral process.