Roles of Small RNAs in Virus–Plant Interactions

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) have gained unprecedented attention as new and crucial players in the regulation of numerous cellular processes and disease responses. According to their different origins and biogenesis pathways, sncRNAs can be grouped into two major categories: microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These two types of sncRNAs share some similarities in size, structure, and functions. Both are key components of the RNA interference, a biological process in which RNA molecules are involved in the sequence-specific suppression of gene expression through translational or transcriptional repression. RNAi is a vital part of the immune response to viruses, especially in plants. The small RNAs produced from double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) or hairpin RNAs (hpRNAs), either in transgenic plants or delivered exogenously to non-transgenic plants, may constitute powerful RNAi-based technology that can be exploited to control plant viruses. We welcome papers that present molecular, genetic and biochemical studies elucidating the mechanisms by which small RNAs regulate viral defence in different crops, as well as the distinct pathways of sncRNA biogenesis and the coping strategies used by viruses to override RNAi-based immune response. We also welcome researchers developing new applications in virus defence based on the use of external sncRNAs or their triggers such as dsRNAs or hpRNAs to submit papers to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Michael Taliansky
Prof. Dr. Natalia O. Kalinina
Prof. Dr. Andrew J. Love
Guest Editors

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