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piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs

piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs

PIWI-interacting RNAs, or piRNAs, are the most abundant short non-coding RNAs. More than 20,000 genes have been found in humans that code for piRNAs while only 2000 genes have been found for miRNAs. piRNAs can act at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and have a vital role in silencing transposable elements present in germ cells. They are also involved in epigenetic silencing and activation. Previously, they were thought to function only in germ cells but new evidence suggests...

RNA Interference

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RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which a small non-coding RNA molecule blocks the post-transcriptional expression of a gene by binding to its messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing the protein from being translated.
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RNA Interference

RNA Interference

RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which a small non-coding RNA molecule blocks the post-transcriptional expression of a gene by binding to its messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing the protein from being translated.
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...

Experimental RNAi

Experimental RNAi

RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism that inhibits gene expression by suppressing its transcription or activating the RNA degradation process. The mechanism was discovered by Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 1998 in plants. Today, it is observed in almost all eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. This precise cellular mechanism of gene silencing has been developed into a technique that provides an efficient way to identify and determine the...

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Analysis of Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance in C. elegans Using a Fluorescent Reporter and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)

Analysis of Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance in C. elegans Using a Fluorescent Reporter and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)

Published on: May 5, 2023

PIWI-interacting RNAs: from generation to transgenerational epigenetics.

Maartje J Luteijn¹, René F Ketting

¹Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Centre Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Nature Reviews. Genetics

|June 26, 2013

Summary

Small RNAs regulate genes in animal germ cells via the PIWI pathway. New research reveals PIWI

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Epigenetics

Background:

Small-RNA-guided gene regulation is crucial in biology.
The PIWI pathway in animal germ cells mediates gene silencing.
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) biogenesis and silencing mechanisms were previously unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the biogenesis and gene silencing mechanisms of PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs).
To explore the role of PIWI in establishing transgenerational epigenetic states.
To investigate the interplay between small RNA biogenesis and small-RNA-mediated epigenetics.

Main Methods:

Investigated PIWI pathway in animal germ cells.
Analyzed piRNA biogenesis and gene silencing.
Studied epigenetic modifications and their impact on piRNA production.

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Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Analysis of Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance in C. elegans Using a Fluorescent Reporter and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)

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Published on: May 29, 2020

Main Results:

PIWI pathway implicates in establishing transgenerational epigenetic states.
Epigenetic states imposed by PIWI may drive piRNA production.
Coupling of small RNA biogenesis with small-RNA-mediated epigenetics demonstrated.

Conclusions:

PIWI pathway plays a key role in germline gene regulation and epigenetics.
Findings link piRNA biogenesis with epigenetic regulation across generations.
Further research into PIWI-mediated epigenetic inheritance is warranted.