Plants, their organelles, viruses and transgenes reveal the mechanisms and relevance of post-transcriptional processes

Plants have evolved a plethora of mechanisms to respond to the environment and modulate growth and reproduction. Abiotic signals provided by light, temperature and the availability of water, oxygen and nutrients are controlling factors. Many species possess strategies to endure abiotic assaults, and to respond to challenges from bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens. Although these responses are frequently regulated at the transcriptional level, there is extraordinary diversity in the post-transcriptional mechanisms that promote developmental plasticity and adaptation. The phenomenon of silencing of heterologous genes also involves transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Current research links gene silencing to ordinary post-transcriptional mechanisms as well as defense of viral RNAs. An EMBO Workshop in Leysin, Switzerland, explored the mechanisms, implications and connections of post-transcriptional processes in plants. Several non-plant scientists also participated and presented an overview of post-transcriptional processes in mammals and yeast.