In Vivo Translation Studies of Plant Viral RNAs Using Reporter Genes

AbstractThis unit describes the analysis of the translation‐regulating properties of viral RNAs in cell‐based assays using a luciferase reporter system. Electroporation and polyethylene glycol–mediated introduction of luciferase reporter RNA into cowpea protoplasts are also presented. The Commentary section discusses employing the luciferase reporter system to study translational control by the 5′‐ and 3′‐untranslated regions of a viral mRNA. Inoculum RNA quality and half‐life after delivery to the protoplasts should be monitored closely for careful investigation of translational regulation elements.