Plant subviral RNAs as a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA): Analogy with animal lncRNAs in host-virus interactions

Area of Science:

• Plant pathology
• Molecular biology
• RNA biology

Background:

• Satellite RNAs (satRNAs) and viroids are subviral agents, the smallest plant pathogens.
• These molecules are 300-400 nucleotides in size and lack protein-coding potential, classifying them as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs).
• lncRNAs are increasingly recognized for their roles in gene regulation, including transcription and epigenetic control, and in host-virus interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the pathogenicity of plant subviral RNAs, particularly satRNAs, in plant cells.
• To explore their functions as lncRNAs in viral diseases, drawing parallels with animal lncRNAs.
• To investigate the potential role of plant RNA silencing in the replication of subviral RNAs and their origins.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of plant and animal lncRNAs.
• Discussion of RNA silencing mechanisms in plants.
• Hypothesizing origins of satRNAs based on plant-virus interactions.

Main Results:

• Plant subviral RNAs function as lncRNAs involved in gene regulation and host-virus interactions.
• Unlike animal lncRNAs, plant subviral RNAs replicate to high levels in infected cells.
• Plant RNA silencing machinery is a potential factor in the replication of these subviral molecules.

Conclusions:

• Plant subviral RNAs, like satRNAs, are unique lncRNAs with significant roles in plant viral diseases.
• The high replication levels suggest a co-evolution with plant defense mechanisms, specifically RNA silencing.
• Understanding their molecular functions is key to elucidating the origins of these subviral agents.