Interspecific hybridization in tomato influences endogenous viral sRNAs and alters gene expression

Background Hybridization is associated with the activation of transposable elements and changes in the patterns of gene expression leading to phenotypic changes. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Results Here, we describe the changes to the gene expression in interspecific Solanum hybrids that are associated with small RNAs derived from endogenous (para)retroviruses (EPRV). There were prominent changes to sRNA profiles in these hybrids involving 22-nt species produced in the DCL2 biogenesis pathway, and the hybridization-induced changes to the gene expression were similar to those in a dcl2 mutant. Conclusions These findings indicate that hybridization leads to activation of EPRV, perturbation of small RNA profiles, and, consequently, changes in the gene expression. Such hybridization-induced variation in the gene expression could increase the natural phenotypic variation in natural evolution or in breeding for agriculture.

Automated summary

Hybridization leads to the activation of endogenous retroviruses, disruption of small RNA profiles, and changes in gene expression. These gene expression variations may have implications for natural evolution or phenotypic variation in breeding for agriculture.