In planta transient expression systems for monocots

Abstract

The analysis of gene function in many monocotyledonous species has been held back to a certain extent by the difficulties of stable gene transformation. This chapter discusses the increasing use of transient in planta expression systems available for both RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated downregulation and overexpression of target genes of interest in monocots, as well as the advantages and disadvantages or limitations associated with each approach. In particular, existing virus-induced gene-silencing (VIGS) systems, virus-mediated overexpression (VOX) systems and other common transient expression systems based on microprojectile particle bombardment or Agrobacterium-mediated delivery are reviewed, as well as some of the more specialized expression systems that have been developed recently for functional gene analyses in monocots.