Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology

  • Year: 2010
  • Volume: 19
  • Issue: 2

Modulation of Plant Development and MYB Down Regulation: Both during In Planta Expression of miR159a and in Natural ToLCV Infection

  • Author:
  • Vikas Koundal1,2, Vinutha T3, Qazi Mohd Rizwanul Haq2, Shelly Praveen1,
  • Total Page Count: 5
  • DOI:
  • Page Number: 171 to 175

1Advanced Center for Plant Virology, Division of Plant Pathology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110 012, India.

2Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, 110 025, India.

3Division of Biochemistry, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110 012, India.

*Corresponding author: E-mail: shellypraveen@iari.res.in, shellypraveen@hotmail.com

Online published 23 July, 2010

Abstract

Viral infections result in developmental abnormalities. Symptomatic expression of Tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) in tomato, results in curling of leaves and withering of flowers. These modulations are due to altered host gene expression. Transcription factors (TF) are key elements, which control gene expression. In this study, we observed accumulation of miRNA159a levels, responsible for regulating MYB-TF during ToLCV infection. The MYB transcription factor control gene expression of various components involved in floral, anther and leaf development. During ToLCV infection two-fold accumulation of miR159a was observed leading to lower levels of MYB. Transgenic Nicotiana tabacum expressing pre-miR159a mimics ToLCV infection. This suggests probable role of miR159a driven gene regulatory pathway responsible for appearance of viral symptoms.

Keywords

ToLCV, miR159a, constitutive-expression, MYB