Recent advances in viroid research

作者：Yuhong Zhang, David M. Bisaro, Jian Wu · 发表于：Virology · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.virol.2025.110424 · 被引用次数：9 · 研究领域：Plant Virus Research Studies、Animal Virus Infections Studies、CRISPR and Genetic Engineering

Viroids are circular, single-stranded non-coding RNAs that rely entirely on their sequences and structures for activity. Decades of research have uncovered molecular mechanisms of viroid infection, replication, and their interactions with host factors. Notably, viroid-derived small RNAs (vd-RNAs) activate host defenses, while essential host factors and RNA motifs linked to trafficking and quasispecies evolution have been well studied. In this review, we examine key aspects of viroid biology, including the structural motifs and host factors that influence the replication cycle, as well as the mechanisms behind intra- and intercellular movement. We explore the role of vd-RNAs in activating host defense responses. Additionally, we present current perspectives on viroid quasispecies evolution and address the emergence of viroid-like RNAs across various kingdoms. These insights are crucial for deepening our understanding of the viroid replication cycle and their complex interactions with host plants. • Structural RNA motifs and host factors regulate viroid replication and trafficking. • Viroid-derived small RNAs play key roles in plant-pathogen interactions. • A new model of viroid quasispecies evolution is proposed. • Viroid-like RNAs have emerged across multiple kingdoms.