Structural insights into piRNA biogenesis
Jin Zhang1, Sizhuo Chen1, Ke Liu1
1Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China.
Abstract:
Discovered two decades ago, Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) play critical roles in gene regulation, transposon element repression, and antiviral defense. Dysregulation of piRNAs has been noted in diverse human diseases including cancers. Recently, extensive studies have revealed that many more proteins are involved in piRNA biogenesis. This review will summarize the recent progress in piRNA biogenesis and functions, especially the molecular mechanisms by which piRNA biogenesis-related proteins contribute to piRNA processing.
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