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Application of RNAi and Heat-shock-induced Transcription Factor Expression to Reprogram Germ Cells to Neurons in C. elegans
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Meiotic Cells Counteract Programmed Retrotransposon Activation via RNA-Binding Translational Repressor Assemblies
Raphaelle Laureau1, Annie Dyatel1, Gizem Dursuk1
1Department of Genetics and Development, Hammer Health Sciences Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Developmental Cell
|December 5, 2020
Summary
Master meiotic regulators control Ty3/Gypsy retrotransposon activation and host defense in developing germ cells. Yeast and mammals use similar mechanisms to manage retrotransposon activity and gene evolution.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Retrotransposon proliferation threatens germline integrity.
- Selective activation of retrotransposons during meiosis is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulation of Ty3/Gypsy retrotransposon activation during meiosis.
- To understand how host cells control retrotransposon proliferation and gene domestication.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Ty3/Gypsy retrotransposon binding sites and transcriptional regulation by meiotic factors.
- Investigation of translational control mechanisms involving RNA-binding proteins.
- Comparative analysis of retrotransposon regulation in yeast and mammals.
Main Results:
- Budding yeast Ty3/Gypsy retrotransposons co-opt binding sites of the meiotic transcription factor Ndt80.
- Yeast cells use Rim4 protein assemblies to block Ty3/Gypsy mRNA translation.
- Mammals employ meiotic regulators (Stra8, Mybl1, Dazl) to control Ty3/Gypsy-derived genes.
Conclusions:
- Master meiotic regulators orchestrate retrotransposon activity and host defense.
- Retrotransposon-derived genes can be domesticated by leveraging existing regulatory networks.
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