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Gene Silencing in Plants: Transgenes as Targets and Effectors

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Genetic Modification of Plants

Part of the book series: Biotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry ((AGRICULTURE,volume 64))

Abstract

Plant transformation is a versatile method to introduce or alter a trait-of-interest through expression of a transgene or through transgene-induced mutation and/or expression changes of endogenes. Transgenes in plants, however, are subject to gene-silencing effects that are an obstacle to stable and heritable expression of transgene-encoded traits. In an exciting twist, natural gene-silencing processes have been harnessed by researchers to achieve highly specific and targeted down-regulation of endogenous or pathogen-derived genes for functional studies, crop protection and crop improvement. Part 1 of this chapter attempts to give an overview of the mechanistic pillars of gene silencing in plants. Part 2 summarizes the factors that may cause unintended silencing of transgene expression, with practical advice on how to minimize the risk of transgene silencing. Part 3 addresses the intentional use of gene silencing for biotechnological applications in transgenic plants, with particular emphasis on RNA interference approaches.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Plant Breeding Institute, Olshausenstrasse 40, 24098, Kiel, Germany

    Andreas E. Müller

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  1. Andreas E. Müller
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Correspondence to Andreas E. Müller .

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  1. Botanisches Institut, Universität Kiel, Olshausenstr. 40, Kiel, 24118, Germany

    Frank Kempken

  2. Inst. Pflanzenbau und Pflanzenzüchtung, Universität Kiel, Olshausenstr. 40, Kiel, 24098, Germany

    Christian Jung

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Müller, A.E. (2010). Gene Silencing in Plants: Transgenes as Targets and Effectors. In: Kempken, F., Jung, C. (eds) Genetic Modification of Plants. Biotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry, vol 64. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02391-0_5

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