Pearls RNA Biology in Fungal Phytopathogens

RNA-dependent processes are essential to determine when, where, and how much of a protein is synthesized. In eukaryotes, these processes start with transcription in the nucleus and end with mRNA translation at distinct cytoplasmic sites followed by mRNA degradation [1]. In between, a number of defined steps occur such as 59 capping, splicing, polyadenylation, nuclear export, and cytoplasmic transport. Most of the steps are tightly regulated to achieve highly precise spatiotemporal expression. RNA-binding proteins serve as key factors that are essential at each level of posttranscriptional control [1]. Small RNAs are additional factors that can inhibit translation or are able to promote degradation of mRNAs. Due to the central importance of RNA biology in regulating protein synthesis, it is not surprising that fungal pathogens intensely rely on RNA-dependent processes to control infection