[RNA interference is developmentally regulated: analysis of expression of suffix, a short Drosophila retroelement]

Sense and antisense transcripts of suffix and F element were detected at different stages of Drosophila development. A short RNA, similar in size to the full-length suffix transcript, was also found. It was suggested that it could originate from the master copy of the element. Though transcription pattern of these elements changed during the development, transcription remained symmetrical. These data indicate that formation of dsRNA in the cells and triggering of the RNA interference mechanisms are possible at all stages of Drosphila development. Analysis of total RNA samples from all stages of Drosophila development showed that 21- to 25-nt long suffix--specific small interfering RNAs (siRNA), the obligatory products of the RNA interference, were detected only in pupae. Thereafter, RNA interference mechanisms are developmentally regulated and the formation of dsRNA is necessary but not sufficient for launching this potent and specific machinery of post-transcription silencing.