Virus-induced gene silencing using artificial miRNAs in Nicotiana benthamiana

Methods Mol Biol. 2013:975:99-107. doi: 10.1007/978-1-62703-278-0_8.

Abstract

Virus-induced gene silencing using artificial microRNAs (MIR VIGS) is a newly developed technique for plant reverse genetic studies. Traditional virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) assays introduce a large gene fragment, which is expressed and then converted into small RNAs by the endogenous siRNA-based gene silencing machinery of the plant host. By contrast, MIR VIGS uses well-designed miRNAs to induce RNA-mediated silencing of the target gene. Using a single artificial miRNA can provide greater specificity by reducing off-target effects. Here, we describe a detailed protocol for MIR VIGS in Nicotiana benthamiana using a modified Cabbage leaf curl virus (CaLCuV)-based vector.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agrobacterium tumefaciens / virology
  • Base Sequence
  • Begomovirus / genetics
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques / methods*
  • Genes, Plant
  • Genetic Vectors
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Nicotiana / genetics*
  • Nicotiana / virology
  • RNA Interference*
  • Transformation, Bacterial

Substances

  • MicroRNAs