Identification of a novel RNA silencing suppressor, NSs protein of Tomato spotted wilt virus

FEBS Lett. 2002 Dec 4;532(1-2):75-9. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(02)03632-3.

Abstract

RNA silencing or post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) in plants is known as a defense system against virus infection. Several plant viruses have been shown to encode an RNA silencing suppressor. Using a green fluorescent protein-based transient suppression assay, we show that NSs protein of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) has RNA silencing suppressor activity. TSWV NSs protein suppressed sense transgene-induced PTGS but did not suppress inverted repeat transgene-induced PTGS. TSWV NSs protein is the first RNA silencing suppressor identified in negative-strand RNA viruses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant*
  • Models, Genetic
  • Nicotiana / anatomy & histology
  • Nicotiana / genetics
  • Nicotiana / virology
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • RNA, Plant / metabolism*
  • Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid
  • Tospovirus / pathogenicity*
  • Viral Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Plant
  • Viral Proteins