Visually indistinguishable particles of Brome Mosaic Virus. (Ayala Rao/UCR)
UC Riverside scientists have solved a 20-year-old genetics puzzle that could result in ways to protect wheat, barley, and other crops from a devastating infection.
Ayala Rao, professor of plant pathology and microbiology, has been studying Brome Mosaic virus for decades. Unlike some viruses, the genetic material of this virus is divided into three particles that until now were impossible to tell apart.
“Without a more definitive picture of the differences between these particles, we couldn’t fully understand how they work together to initiate an infection that destroys food crops,” Rao said. “Our approach to this problem has brought an important part of this picture into very clear focus.”
A paper describing the work Rao’s team did to differentiate these particles was recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Inside each of the particles is a strand of RNA, the genetic material that controls the production of proteins. The proteins perform different tasks, some of which cause stunted growth, lesions, and ultimately death of infected host plants.
Two decades ago, scientists used the average of all three particles to create a basic description of their structure. In order to differentiate them, Rao first needed to separate them, and get them into their most pure form.
Using a genetic engineering technique, Rao’s team disabled the pathogenic aspects of the virus and infused the viral genes with a host plant.
“This bacterium inserts its genome into the plant’s cells, similar to the way HIV inserts itself into human cells,” Rao said. “We were then able to isolate the viral particles in the plants and determine their structure using electron microscopes and computer-based technology.”
Now that one of the particles is fully mapped, it’s clear the first two particles are more stable than the third.
“Once we alter the stability, we can manipulate how RNA gets released into the plants,” Rao said. “We can make the third particle more stable, so it doesn’t release RNA and the infection gets delayed.”
This work was made possible by a grant from the University of California Multicampus Research Program and Initiatives. Professors Wiliam Gelbart, Chuck Knobler, and Hong Zhou of UCLA, as well as graduate students Antara Chakravarthy of UCR and Christian Beren of UCLA, made significant contributions to this project.
Moving forward, Rao is hoping to bring the other two viral particles into sharper focus with the expertise of scientists at UCLA and UC San Diego.
Brome Mosaic virus primarily affects grasses such as wheat and barley, and occasionally affects soybeans as well. According to Rao, it is nearly identical to Cucumber Mosaic virus, which infects cucumbers as well as tomatoes and other crops that are important to California agriculture.
Not only could this research lead to the protection of multiple kinds of crops, it could advance the understanding of any virus.
“It is much easier to work with plant viruses because they’re easier and less expensive to grow and isolate,” Rao said. “But what we learn about the principles of replication are applicable to human and animal viruses too.”
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Brome Mosaic virus
- The Evolving History of Influenza Viruses and Influenza Vaccines
The isolation of influenza virus 80 years ago in 1933 very quickly led to the development of the first generation of live-attenuated vaccines. The first inactivated influenza vaccine was ...
- HIV and AIDS News
A new study describes how two nonhuman primates were ... May 2, 2023 — Gene-editing therapy aimed at two targets -- HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS, and CCR5, the co-receptor that helps the ...
- Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Virus
The authors are grateful to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CCMB), India, for encouragement and support for this work. NIH Awards (R37DA025576; R01MH085259) also support SK ...
- Computation and crochet
UD Professor Jodi Hadden-Perilla to use NSF Award for virus studies, assistive technology for the blind, crochet for all ...
- Mosaic Is Oversold
Mosaic presently has a stellar rank, in the top 10% of the coverage universe, which suggests it is among the top most "interesting" ideas that merit further research by investors. But making ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Brome Mosaic virus
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Brome Mosaic virus” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Plant viruses
- How Many Jalapenos Grow On One Plant?
Jalapenos, with their fiery flavor and versatile culinary uses, add a delightful kick to numerous dishes. One of the most common questions I hear about jalapenos is: how many jalapenos will I get from ...
- How Many Bell Peppers Will One Plant Grow?
Bell peppers, with their vibrant colors and crisp, sweet flavor, are a staple in many kitchens. One of the most common questions I get about this vegetable is: How many bell peppers will my plant grow ...
- Tomato growing mistakes to avoid or ‘risk’ plants ‘contracting diseases’ and ‘rotting’
Tomato season is just around the corner, which means gardeners will be eagerly awaiting the arrival of some fruit. However, if your plants are not looking the healthiest, it could be down to five ...
- How to avoid the No. 1 reason plants struggle through the summer
When summer arrives, the joy of spring planting is gone and sometimes gardening becomes challenging and frustrating. Here are some quick tips.
- Plant-Based Diet Tied to Healthier Blood Lipid Levels
If people start eating vegetarian or vegan diets from an early age, the potential for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease caused by blocked arteries is substantial,' says study author.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Plant viruses
[google_news title=”” keyword=”plant viruses” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]