Gene Silencing in Higher Plants and Related Phenomena in Other Eukaryotes

In recent years, several gene silencing phenomena have been discovered in plants. This study summarizes the most recent data on gene silencing phenomena, such as trans-inactivation, paramutation and co-suppression. Plant researchers should find the text useful when differentiating between a number of puzzling and partly contradictory gene silencing events. Those not familiar with plant molecular biology are introduced to the relevant methods and scientific models. In addition, examples and models of gene silencing in flamentous fungi, Drosophila and mammalian systems are presented. By providing a comparative update on gene silencing effects in different eukaryotes, this book should stimulate communication among scientists working in diverse areas of eukaryotic gene regulation.