Transient Gene Expression is an Effective Experimental Tool for the Research into the Fine Mechanisms of Plant Gene Function: Advantages, Limitations, and Solutions

A large data array on plant gene expression accumulated thanks to comparative omic studies directs the efforts of researchers to the specific or fine effects of the target gene functions and, as a consequence, elaboration of relatively simple and concurrently effective approaches allowing for the insight into the physiological role of gene products. Numerous studies have convincingly demonstrated the efficacy of transient expression strategy for characterization of the plant gene functions. The review goals are (i) to consider the advantages and limitations of different plant systems and methods of transient expression used to find out the role of gene products; (ii) to summarize the current data on the use of the transient expression approaches for the insight into fine mechanisms underlying the gene function; and (iii) to outline the accomplishments in efficient transient expression of plant genes. In general, the review discusses the main and critical steps in each of the methods of transient gene expression in plants; areas of their application; main results obtained using plant objects; their contribution to our knowledge about the fine mechanisms of the plant gene functions underlying plant growth and development; and clarification of the mechanisms regulating complex metabolic pathways.