Abstract: The invention relates to a method to inhibit gene expression in bacteria, which is referred to here as Antibacterial Gene Silencing (AGS). In particular embodiments, the method is used to protect plants and animals against pathogenic bacteria by targeting pathogenicity factors and/or essential genes in a sequence-specific manner via small non-coding RNAs. The method can also be used to enhance beneficial effects and/or growth of symbiotic or commensal bacteria. The invention involves the exogenous delivery of small RNA entities onto bacteria, either in the form of RNA extracts or embedded into plant extracellular vesicles (EVs), so as to reduce bacterial growth, survival and/or pathogenicity. The invention also describes a method to identify in a rapid, reliable and cost-effective manner, small RNAs that possess antibacterial activity and that have the potential to be further developed as anti-infective agents.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of agriculture. The invention relates to a method to inhibit gene expression in bacteria, which is referred to here as Antibacterial Gene Silencing (AGS). In particular embodiments, the method is used to protect plants against pathogenic bacteria by targeting pathogenicity factors and/or essential genes in a sequence-specific manner via small non-coding RNAs. The method can also be used to enhance beneficial effects and/or growth of plant-associated symbiotic or commensal bacteria. The invention involves either the generation of stable transgenic plants that constitutively express antibacterial small RNAs or, alternatively, the exogenous delivery of these small RNA entities onto plants, either in the form of RNA extracts or embedded into plant extracellular vesicles (EVs), which were found to be effective in reducing bacterial pathogenicity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to inhibit gene expression in bacteria, which is referred to here as Antibacterial Gene Silencing (AGS). In particular embodiments, the method is used to protect plants and animals against pathogenic bacteria by targeting pathogenicity factors and/or essential genes in a sequence-specific manner via small non-coding RNAs. The method can also be used to enhance beneficial effects and/or growth of symbiotic or commensal bacteria. The invention involves the exogenous delivery of small RNA entities onto bacteria, either in the form of RNA extracts or embedded into plant extracellular vesicles (EVs), so as to reduce bacterial growth, survival and/or pathogenicity. The invention also describes a method to identify in a rapid, reliable and cost-effective manner, small RNAs that possess antibacterial activity and that have the potential to be further developed as anti-infective agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to transgenic plants comprising an inverted-repeat construct which triggers post-transcriptional gene silencing of an endogenous visual reporter gene driven by a tissue-specific promoter wherein said tissue is relevant for pathogen entry, propagation or replication and their uses for screening natural or synthetic molecules, microorganisms or extracts from micro- or macro-organisms for their potential ability to inhibit pathogen entry, propagation or replication in plants by enhancing PTGS or for characterizing the mode of action of natural or synthetic molecules that are known to enhance plant disease resistance through an ill-defined mode of action.

Abstract: The invention relates to transgenic plants comprising an inverted-repeat construct which triggers post-transcriptional gene silencing of an endogenous visual reporter gene driven by a tissue-specific promoter wherein said tissue is relevant for pathogen entry, propagation or replication and their uses for screening natural or synthetic molecules, microorganisms or extracts from micro- or macro-organisms for their potential ability to inhibit pathogen entry, propagation or replication in plants by enhancing PTGS or for characterizing the mode of action of natural or synthetic molecules that are known to enhance plant disease resistance through an ill-defined mode of action.

Abstract: Methods to identify nucleotide sequences whose expression will enhance resistance to pathogen infection are described, as is use of such nucleotide sequences to enhance resistance with minimal side effects on development.

Abstract: A specific spectrum of plant and animal miRNAs confer enhanced resistance to virulent pathogens. Plants deficient in miRNA accumulation are hyper-susceptible to non-virulent bacterial pathogens, and virulent bacteria suppress miRNA pathways by means of injected type-III secreted (TTS) proteins. Methods and compositions for modulating the miRNA pathway in plants and animals are disclosed whereby adverse effects on plant and animal development are avoided or minimized.