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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