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Related Concept Videos

RNA Interference01:23

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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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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...
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Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
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Small RNA Pathways That Protect the Somatic Genome.

Seogang Hyun1

  • 1Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea. sghyun@cau.ac.kr.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 27, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Small RNA pathways, including PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and endogenous small interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs), are crucial for controlling transposable elements (TEs) in somatic cells, not just germlines.

Keywords:
DrosophilaPIWIendo-siRNAgenome stabilitypiRNAretrotransposontransposable element

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Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Transposable elements (TEs) can cause mutations and genome instability.
  • Animals possess molecular systems to control TE activity and protect the genome.
  • PIWI proteins and piRNAs are known to silence germline TEs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the role of small RNA pathways in controlling somatic TEs.
  • To explore the involvement of PIWI-piRNA and endo-siRNA pathways in somatic TE silencing.
  • To highlight the implications of somatic TE silencing for physiological traits, using Drosophila as a model.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on TE silencing.
  • Focus on PIWI-piRNA and endo-siRNA pathways.
  • Emphasis on the Drosophila model organism.

Main Results:

  • Small RNA pathways are implicated in silencing somatic TEs.
  • This silencing is crucial for various physiological traits.
  • Evidence suggests a broader role for these pathways beyond the germline.

Conclusions:

  • PIWI-piRNA and endo-siRNA pathways play a critical role in suppressing somatic TE activity.
  • Somatic TE silencing by small RNAs influences organismal physiology.
  • The study of these pathways in Drosophila provides insights into genome stability and trait regulation.