Laxmi Kharel

Laxmi Kharel


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 October 2021 in Viruses
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SKSung Hwan Kang
Sung Hwan Kang
VAVicken Aknadibossian
Vicken Aknadibossian
LKLaxmi Kharel
Laxmi Kharel
SMShachinthaka Dissanayaka Dissanayaka Mudiyanselage
Shachinthaka Dissanayaka Dissanayaka Mudiyanselage
Ying WangYing Wang
Ying Wang
Svetlana FolimonovaSvetlana Folimonova
Svetlana Folimonova
Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), the largest non-segmented plant RNA virus, has several peculiar features, among which is the production of a 5′-terminal long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) termed low-molecular-weight tristeza 1 (LMT1). In this study, we found that p33, a unique viral protein that performs multiple functions in the virus infection cycle, specifically binds LMT1, both in vivo and in vitro. These results were obtained through the expression of p33 under the context of the wild type virus infection or along with a mutant CTV variant that does not produce LMT1 as well as via ectopic co-expression of p33 with LMT1 in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves followed by RNA immunoprecipitation and rapid amplification of cDNA ends assays. Further experiments in which a recombinant p33 protein and an in vitro transcribed full-length LMT1 RNA or its truncated fragments were subjected to an electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated that p33 binds to at least two distinct regions within LMT1. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a plant virus protein binding to a lncRNA produced by the same virus. The biological significance of the interaction between these two viral factors is discussed.