Effective Gene Silencing in Plants by Synthetic Trans-Acting siRNAs Derived From Minimal Precursors

Synthetic trans-acting small interfering RNAs (syn-tasiRNAs) are 21-nucleotide small RNAs designed to induce highly specific and efficient gene silencing in plants. Traditional approaches rely on the transgenic expression of ~1 kb TAS precursors, which limits their use in non-model species, under st...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Cisneros, Adriana E., Alarcia, Ana, Juárez-Molina, María, Carbonell, Alberto
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/417160
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/417160
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/105019332783
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Artificial small RNAs | Plant gene silencing | syn-tasiRNAs | Transgene-free | Virus-based expression
Descripción
Sumario:Synthetic trans-acting small interfering RNAs (syn-tasiRNAs) are 21-nucleotide small RNAs designed to induce highly specific and efficient gene silencing in plants. Traditional approaches rely on the transgenic expression of ~1 kb TAS precursors, which limits their use in non-model species, under strict GMO regulations, and in size-constrained expression or delivery systems. This protocol describes a rapid workflow for the design, assembly, and delivery of syn-tasiRNAs derived from much shorter precursors, referred to as minimal precursors. The pipeline includes in silico design of highly specific syn-tasiRNA sequences, cloning of minimal precursors into plant expression or potato virus X (PVX)-based viral vectors through Golden Gate or Gibson assembly, and delivery to plants through Agrobacterium-mediated expression or by spraying crude extracts containing recombinant PVX expressing the minimal precursors. These methodologies make syn-tasiRNA-based tools more accessible and broadly applicable for plant research and biotechnology across diverse species and experimental contexts.