Satellite RNAs and Satellite Viruses of Plants 英文参考文献.docVIP

Viruses 2009, 1, 1325-1350; doi:10.3390/v1031325 OPEN ACCESS viruses ISSN 1999-4915 /journal/viruses Review Satellite RNAs and Satellite Viruses of Plants Chung-Chi Hu 1, Yau-Heiu Hsu 1 and Na-Sheng Lin 1,2,* 1 Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan; E-Mails: cchu@.tw (C.-C.H.); yhhsu@.tw (Y.-H.H.) Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan 2 * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: nslin@.tw; Tel.: +886-2-2787-1106; Fax: +886-2-2788-0991. Received: 28 October 2009; in revised form: 7 December 2009 / Accepted: 7 December 2009 / Published: 18 December 2009 Abstract: The view that satellite RNAs (satRNAs) and satellite viruses are purely molecular parasites of their cognate helper viruses has changed. The molecular mechanisms underlying the synergistic and/or antagonistic interactions among satRNAs/satellite viruses, helper viruses, and host plants are beginning to be comprehended. This review aims to summarize the recent achievements in basic and practical research, with special emphasis on the involvement of RNA silencing mechanisms in the pathogenicity, population dynamics, and, possibly, the origin(s) of these subviral agents. With further research following current trends, the comprehensive understanding of satRNAs and satellite viruses could lead to new insights into the trilateral interactions among host plants, viruses, and satellites. Keywords: satellite RNA; satellite virus; replication; RNA silencing; pathogenicity 1. Introduction Several viruses, as obligate parasites to the host plants, are associated with even smaller molecular parasites, sometimes being commensal or even beneficial, and are among the simplest life forms, namely, satellite RNAs (satRNAs) and satellite viruses. These satRNAs are short RNA molecules, usually 1,500 nt, that depend on cognate helper viruses for replication, encapsi