Viral Suppressors of Gene Silencing

Abstract Gene silencing (also known as RNA interference) is a sequence-specific gene inactivation system that downregulates RNA accumulation at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional levels. In eukaryotes, a wide range of biological processes are regulated through gene silencing, including development, organ formation, and stress responses. Additionally, in plants, nematodes, and insects, gene silencing is an essential for antiviral immunity. Viruses are targeted by gene silencing. To promote infection, viruses of plants, nematodes, and insects encode suppressors of gene silencing. Suppression of gene silencing protects viruses and caused developmental defects perceived as symptoms in infected organisms.