Scientists Unveil Mechanism Preventing Virus Transmission in Plants

Discovery of RNA interference pathway could lead to healthier crops and reduce disease transmission from mothers to offspring.

Researchers at UC Riverside identified key genes in plants that prevent viruses from being passed to their seeds.
The study focused on Arabidopsis plants infected with cucumber mosaic virus, which can affect over 1,000 plant species.
Two crucial genes active during early seed development play a vital role in the RNA interference pathway, blocking virus proteins.
Mutant plants lacking these genes showed a tenfold increase in virus transmission to seeds, with up to 40% of seedlings infected.
The findings have potential applications for preventing diseases in animals and humans, including reducing vertical transmission of the Zika virus.