Looking through the lens of ‘omics technologies: Insights into the transmission of insect vector-borne plant viruses

Authors: WILSON, JENNIFER - Cornell University; Deblasio, Stacy; ALEXANDR, MARIKO - Cornell University; Heck, Michelle

Submitted to: Current Issues in Molecular Biology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/7/2018
Publication Date: 6/1/2019
Citation: Wilson, J.R., Deblasio, S.L., Alexandr, M.M., Heck, M.L. 2019. Looking through the lens of ‘omics technologies: Insights into the transmission of insect vector-borne plant viruses. Current Issues in Molecular Biology. 34:113-144. https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.034.113.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.034.113

Interpretive Summary: Many serious diseases of plants are caused by viruses that are spread from plant-to-plant by tiny sap-sucking insects. Different groups of viruses which are transmittedby insects are discussed, drawing on at least one virus-vector pair for every important group of viruses. Studies on particular proteins in the virus and insect that must interact for transmission to occur are critically reviewed, with a special emphasis on how new molecular technologies, such as genomics and proteomics, can advance understanding of virus transmission by insects. Finally, new ways to control these viral diseases in agricultural production systems are proposed.

Technical Abstract: Insects in the orders Hemiptera and Thysanoptera transmit plant viruses and other plant pathogens associated with the most serious diseases of plants. Plant viruses transmitted by these insects target similar tissues, genes, and proteins within the insect to facilitate plant-to-plant transmission with some degree of specificity at the molecular level. ‘Omics experiments are becoming increasingly important and practical for vector biologists to use toward better understanding the molecular mechanisms and biochemistry underlying transmission of these insect-borne diseases. These discoveries are being used to develop novel means to obstruct virus transmission into and between plants. We summarize ‘omics technologies commonly applied in vector biology and important discoveries that have been made using these methods, including virus and insect proteins involved in transmission, as well as the tri-trophic interactions involved in host and vector manipulation. Finally, we critically examine the limitations and new horizons in this area of research, including the role of endosymbionts and insect viruses in virus-vector interactions, and the development of novel control strategies.