Lara Palatinus
ViroiDoc MSCA fellow in Germany (DC10) at the University of Regensburg (UREG).
Individual Research Projects (IRP)
RNA sprays - precision tools for the modulation of host genes to develop viroid resistance
Viroid infections, caused by the smallest known plant pathogens, pose a persistent threat to global agriculture and are becoming more frequent due to climate change and increased international trade. These non-coding circular RNAs exploit the plant host machinery, leading to severe crop yield and quality losses, with no effective chemical or biological control strategies available. The current management strategy relies on labour-intensive, unsustainable, and economically inefficient exclusion and eradication measures. To address this challenge, our research aims to explore RNA spray-induced gene modulation as a novel, non-transgenic strategy to enhance plant defense/resilience against viroid infections.
Our approach utilizes RNA interference (RNAi) and epigenetic regulation to modulate host gene expression, counteracting viroid-induced reprogramming. Our research focuses on investigating conserved host pathways that are targeted by viroids, analysing viroid-derived small RNAs (vdsRNAs) and their impact on gene regulation. We also use RNA molecules, including double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), circular antisense RNA (caRNA), circular RNA (circRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA), to induce targeted gene silencing or activation.
Functional validation under controlled and field conditions will assess the efficacy of these formulations in suppressing viroid replication and mitigating symptoms. Through the integration of molecular, bioinformatics, and applied agricultural approaches, this research aims to establish RNA spray technology as a sustainable, precise, and field-deployable solution for viroid management. Beyond viroids, this strategy has broader implications for plant protection, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional pesticides and aligning with global efforts toward sustainable agriculture.
Lara Palatinus, Aline Koch
Universität Regensburg, Plant RNA Biology, Regensburg, Germany
The text above was submitted as poster abstract for the Viroids2025 conference in Bari, Italy.
Project presentation