In planta vs viral expression of HCPro affects its binding of nonplant 21–22 nucleotide small RNAs, but not its preference for 5′‐terminal adenines, or its effects on small RNA methylation

What is it about?

The molecular means by which Potyvirus HCPro suppresses the silencing defenses of the plant during infections is yet not well understood. We provide evidence of its selective preference for binding specific small RNAs of viral sequence that are required by the antiviral silencing machinery. At the same time, we show that HCPro reduces the methylation of viral sRNAs, preventing also their participation in antiviral responses. Both targeted mechanisms could help explain how the supprssor counteracts silencing efficiently .

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