Plants can fight viruses by synthesizing small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that target and destroy viral RNAs. Yet, plants’ own messenger RNAs (mRNAs) must evade this defense mechanism. In a study published in Nature Communications, the team led by Dominique Gagliardi has shown that uridylation prevents mRNAs from becoming a source of illegitimate siRNAs, that are deleterious for plant development and survival.
Actualités Scientifiques de l’INSB
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