No abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs of approximately 20–24 nucleotides in length that serve as central regulators of eukaryotic gene expression by targeting mRNAs for cleavage or translational repression. In plants, miRNAs are associated with numerous regulatory pathways in growth and development processes, and defensive responses in plant–pathogen interactions. Recently, significant progress has been made in understanding miRNA-mediated gene silencing and how viruses counter this defense mechanism. Here, we summarize the current knowledge and recent advances in understanding the roles of miRNAs involved in the plant defense against viruses and viral counter-defense. We also document the application of miRNAs in plant antiviral defense. This review discusses the current understanding of the mechanisms of miRNA-mediated gene silencing and provides insights on the never-ending arms race between plants and viruses.

No abstract

Protocols for regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of the apomictic species Eulaliopsis binata were developed. Initially, seeds of four genotypes of E. binata were incubated on a callus induction Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with three concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). It was found that 36.2 % of explants developed highly friable callus on medium containing 3.0 mg l(-1) 2,4-D. Based on frequency of callus induction, the genotype Neixiang was selected for regeneration and transformation. Callus incubated on MS basal medium supplemented with 0.2 mg l(-1) α-naphthalene acetic acid and 6.0 mg l(-1) 6-furfuryl-aminopurine developed shoots. Subsequently, Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105-harboring a plasmid pCAMBIA1381 carrying a hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt) resistance gene and a synthetic green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, both driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter-was used for transformation system. Putative transgenic callus was obtained following two cycles of hygromycin selection. Expression of the transgene(s) in putative transgenic callus was analyzed using the GFP detection. Molecular identification of putative transformed shoots was performed by polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis to confirm presence and integration of the hpt gene.