External RNA Application for Gene Regulation and Plant Resistance

Dear Colleagues,

Recent research has shown that small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and long double-stranded RNA (dsRNAs) externally applied onto the plant or plant pathogen/pest surfaces can be taken up and induce gene silencing. The external RNAs were capable of local and systemic movements inducing RNA interference-mediated plant resistance against invading fungi, viruses, and insects. Recent findings also provided examples of post-transcriptional down-regulation of plant transgenes and endogenes by application of complementary dsRNAs or siRNAs onto the plant surfaces. The exogenously applied RNA molecules were capable of affecting mRNA levels of target genes in the plant genome and in the plant pathogens/pests and, therefore, are promising agents for regulating plant properties.

Further active studies are needed to shed light on the exogenous RNA perception and gene silencing induction in plants, plant pathogens, and pests to promote the development of new innovative approaches in plant biotechnology. This Special Issue will include papers reporting on the effects of externally applied RNAs or providing new knowledge about external RNA perception by plants, plant pathogens, and pests. In addition, this Special Issue welcomes original research papers, reviews, brief reports, communications, and opinion papers focusing on gene silencing induction by external RNAs, RNA stability in the plant environment, and the mechanisms governing RNA trafficking between plants and invading pathogens.

Dr. Alexandra S. Dubrovina
Dr. Konstantin V. Kiselev
Guest Editors

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