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Updated: May 22, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Gene Silencing Research in Silkworms with dsRNA Delivery Through Feeding Chitosan Nanoparticles
Published on: October 4, 2024
A model that integrates the different piRNA biogenesis pathways based on studies in silkworm BmN4 cells
Thomas-Wolf Verdonckt1, Luc Swevers2, Dulce Santos1
1Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
PIWI-interacting (pi) RNAs play an essential role in protecting the genomic integrity of germ cells from the disruptive transpositions of selfish genetic elements. One of the most important model systems for studying piRNA biogenesis is the ovary derived BmN4 cell line of the silkworm Bombyx mori. In recent years, many steps and components of the pathways involved in this process have been unraveled. However, a holistic description of piRNA biogenesis in BmN4 cells is still unavailable. In this paper, we review the state of the art and propose a novel model for piRNA biogenesis in BmN4 cells. This model was built considering the latest published data and will empower researchers to plan future experiments and interpret experimental results.
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