In recent years several different gene silencing phenomena have been discovered in plants. The book summarizes the most recent data on gene silencing phenomena such as trans-, inactivation, paramutation and co-suppression. Plant researchers will find this edition a valuable help in differentiating between a number of puzzling and partly contradictory gene silencing events. Those not familiar with plant molecular biology are introduced into the relevant methods and scientific models. In addition examples and models of gene silencing in flamentous fungi, Drosophila and mammalian systems are presented. By providing a comparative update on gene silencing effects in different eukaryotes, this book should stimulate communication among scientists working in diverse areas of eukaryotic gene regulation.

List of Contents

trans-Inactivation of Homologous Sequences in Nicotiana tabacum
DNA Methylation and Transgene Silencing in Petunia hybrida
Transgene Inactivation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Developmental Regulation of Co-suppression in Petunia hybrida
Suppression of Flavonoid Flower Pigmentation Genes in Petunia hybrida by the Introduction of Antisense and Sense Genes
Sense and Antisense Inactivation of Fruit Ripening Genes in Tomato
Co-suppression of ?-1 ,3-Glucanase Genes in Nicotiana tabacum
Gene Silencing in Transgenic Plants: A Heuristic Autoregulation Model
Paramutation in Maize and Related Allelic Interaction
DNA Methylation and Activity of the Maize Spm Transposable Element
Genetic and Epigenetic Inactivation of Repetitive Sequences in Neurospora crassa: RIP, DNA Methylation, and Quelling
MIP: An Epigenetic Gene Silencing Process in Ascobolus immersus
Gene Silencing in Drosophila
Uptake of Foreign DNA by Mammalian Cells Via the Gastrointestinal Tract in Mice: Methylation of Foreign DNA-A Cellular Defense Mechanism.