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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » National Germplasm Resources Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #318528
Title: Molecular hybridization techniques for detecting and studying viroids

Author
item PALLAS, VICENTE - University Of Valencia
item SANCHEZ-NAVARRO, JESUS - University Of Valencia
item Kinard, Gary
item DI SERIO, FRANCESCO - Istituto Di Protezione Sostenibile Delle Piante

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/4/2016
Publication Date: 6/1/2017
Citation: Pallas, V., Sanchez-Navarro, J., Kinard, G.R., Di Serio, F. 2017. Molecular hybridization techniques for detecting and studying viroids. In: Hadidi, A., Flores, R., Randles, J., Palukaitas, P., editors. Viroids and Satellites. 1st edition. Cambridge, MA: Academic Press. p. 369-379.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Because viroids do not code for any proteins, the different forms of nucleic acid hybridization assays have been crucial for extraordinary progress reported over the past two decades in viroid detection, characterization, and molecular research. Gel hybridization has been essential to characterize viroid replicative intermediates, including the multimeric (-) and (+) RNAs, that led to the seminal discover of the rolling-circle mechanism of viroid replication. Dot-blot hybridization, tissue printing and the use of polyprobes have contributed not only to improved detection of these small pathogens but also to knowledge of their incidence and epidemiology. Finally, in situ hybridization approaches have helped elucidate viroid distribution at the subcellular, cellular and tissue levels. In this chapter we update the different applications of molecular hybridization that have contributed to better understanding the biology, and the interactions with their hosts, of these intriguing RNA pathogens.