Optimized cDNA libraries for virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) using tobacco rattle virus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) has emerged as a method for performing rapid loss-of-function experiments in plants. Despite its expanding use, the effect of host gene insert length and other properties on silencing efficiency have not been systematically tested. In this study, we probed the optimal properties of cDNA fragments of the phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene for efficient VIGS in Nicotiana benthamiana using tobacco rattle virus (TRV).

Results

NbPDS inserts of between 192 bp and 1304 bp led to efficient silencing as determined by analysis of leaf chlorophyll a levels. The region of the NbPDS cDNA used for silencing had a small effect on silencing efficiency with 5' and 3' located inserts performing more poorly than those from the middle. Silencing effici

SUBMITTER: Liu E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2254408 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature