Biotech Updates

Researchers Pinpoint Gene for Tobacco Resistance Against Chilli Veinal Mottle Virus

May 8, 2024

A study published in The Plant Journal investigated the role of NtG3BPL1 in tobacco resistance against chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV) infection. This research opens opportunities to develop antiviral strategies against ChiVMV through gene editing.

ChiVMV is a plant virus that infects plants causing mottled leaves, leaf curling, chlorosis, and reduced overall quality of crops. These symptoms contribute to significant yield losses of tobacco plants. Thus, researchers explored methods to accelerate the resistance of tobacco against ChiVMV.

The results of the study show that overexpression of NtG3BPL1 inhibits and delays the progression of symptoms of ChiVMV. Meanwhile, the knockout of NtG3BPL1 promoted ChiVMV infection in tobacco plants. Additionally, the study found that NtG3BPL1 directly interacts with ChiVMV 6K2 protein affecting chloroplast localization of 6K2-GFP and promoting degradation of 6K2 through the autophagy pathway.

For more information, read the summary from The Plant Journal.


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