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Letter

Nature Genetics 38, 258–263 (1 February 2006) | doi:10.1038/ng1722

Induction, suppression and requirement of RNA silencing pathways in virulent Agrobacterium tumefaciens infections

Patrice Dunoyer , Christophe Himber & Olivier Voinnet

Regulation of gene expression through microRNAs (miRNAs) and antiviral defense through small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are aspects of RNA silencing, a process originally discovered as an unintended consequence of plant transformation by disarmed Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains. Although RNA silencing protects cells against foreign genetic elements, its defensive role against virulent, tumor-inducing bacteria has remained unexplored.